Rear Rack Solution for the Straight 8?

[rockethead26]

Just picked up my first cruiser, a Straight 8. I never thought about rear rack/panier compatibility before I bought. I didn't realize that the extended tube over the rear wheel mounting bracket would interfere with Electra's cruiser rack.

This isn't a big issue as I can live without it, but short of having someone custom make one, does anyone know of a rack solution for the Straight 8? It means my wife won't have to tote all our stuff all the time

Thanks

 

[Tater]

The Electra cruiser rack will work if you use a couple of standoff mounting spacers on the dropouts.

 

[rockethead26]

Tater,

Thanks for the reply.

That's nice to know. My local Electra dealer (who only stocks the Towne racks) suggested that possibility, but didn't know if the rack supports would spread wide enough without affecting the fit to the spacers.

I'm curious if you have tried this solution and know that it actually works. Just confirming.

 

[Tater]

I have not mounted one on a Straight Eight, but I do have an Electra Cruiser rack and I know that it is tough. It will not be affected by spreading the supports that little bit to fit your bike. I had to put some serious English on one to get it to fit a Felt cruiser the way I wanted it to. Good luck. 8)

 

[rockethead26]

Thanks for the follow-up, Tater. Looks like I may have to give it a whirl.