Input requested from folks who have my (Phil's) rack

[556ALPHA]

Holes wouldn't bother me a bit either, but can I make a suggestion for something else to make "standard"? 

I never run a top box, but instead use a Wolfman Expedition Dry-Duffel that attaches to the rack via 1" synch straps as I can use it on multiple bikes, canoe trips, etc.  When on the bike, the straps run through the D-rings on the bag and through the rack to prevent it from shifting about.  The problem is that neither the stock rack nor most of the aftermarket racks are designed to work with synch straps.  To accommodate such straps, the rack needs to have for slots similar to what the AeroForm racks from Project D offer (which is why I ended up going with their rack). 



Here's a couple shots showing the Wolfman bag on the bike.  This is a medium bag and has all my camping gear in it (Eureka Apex3 Tent, queen size air matress and two sleeping bags) and still has room for a weekends worth of clothing for one person.  I use a second small bag on longer trips mounted on the passenger seat for my clothes.  This keeps the side bags available for on-the-fly items like rain gear, maps, snacks, water bottles, tools, etc.





The downside to the Project D rack is that it's flat (no ribs milled into it) so it looks a little boring when empty.  Also, the slots for the straps are to narrow (1/4") to accept bungee-cord hooks with the rubber end protectors in place and should be widened to 3/8" to facilitate such use to add to the racks versatility.

Excellent idea!

[philipintexas]

That's odd, Duane of Premier Accessories, warned me he held a patent for the slotted mounting holes? This looks like a single use rack and again, I don't personally like the looks with slots. 

[ZedHed]

I have a Phil's rack (which is the finest piece of farkleware made) and I strap my river bag around it continuously.  You don't need slots to do this -- I just wrap the straps all the way around the underside of the rack and it never moves.  So, I get the awesome asthetics of the superior Phil's rack and all the functionality of the unsightly imitators (Project D)

Phil, the holes don't matter to us Phil's Rack aficionados, just keep the quality and price the same.

[Jaxter]

I would not want extra tapped holes...however if you filled them with black pan head screws I would find that acceptable

[JoeR]

Trunk? We don't need no steenking trunk.  I bought my Phil's rack to support my tail bag, or tent, or sleeping bag, etc.

[chi-gpz1100]

Phil, you better get a patent on your extra holes... Else someone might want to copy that design....

In regards to the holes themselves, they don't look intrusive at all.  In fact, the rack a local machinist made for me has 1/2" holes all around the perimeter of the rack.  Useful for attaching hooks and other things to.  IIRC, some of these were even accessible with the shad plate installed too.

[Big Iron]

I have your rack. Love it. Make more holes in it, doesn't bother me one bit. It's sort of hard to believe that some one would mind a few extra holes...I mean, there's slots all over the thing already.

[SVonhof]

That's odd, Duane of Premier Accessories, warned me he held a patent for the slotted mounting holes? This looks like a single use rack and again, I don't personally like the looks with slots. 

Phil, how you do patent slotted holes?  Seems strange that anyone would even think to do such a thing since it's such a basic machining technique. It allows flexibility and that is not all bad. I just don't see how anyone could actually get a patent for it....

[martin_14]

no problems at all with the extra holes, Phil. I'd buy the rack again. 

[tonedeaf]

I bought mine with the kit but wound up selling the Givi and  going with soft luggage.

I have been on the lookout for some small, sanitary-looking grommet/eye bolt sort of thing that would attach to the holes. If I can find the right thing, I think it will be a nice asset to the rack.

Say -- this sounds like it might be a great Phil's rack option from the manufacturer!!

[stlheadake]

I wouldn't care a bit.  I run with my case on top ALL the time now.  I took it off for a bit, and got pulled over two times in a week while commuting.  Both were 'safety checks' to make sure I was insured, and licensed.  I put the case back on, and I don't get hassled. 

I'm with the swiss cheese idea, I don't care either way as long as it's strong.  Mine is covered!