Plausible alternatives to Old Man Mountain rear racks? SKS Infinity? Others?

threeinthemorning

New Member
Sep 14, 2024
7
6
SF
I'm trying to find a rear rack (i.e. to carry panniers) for my emtb (Yamaha Moro), ideally one that is QL3.1 compatible. Old Man Mountain is the obvious choice, but it's expensive since I need both the rack and a through axle. It's also not easy to add / remove.

I'm looking for positive experiences using other racks. A few folks have talked about trying Ortleib's offering, but nobody seems to actually like it.

Has anybody tried SKS's Infinity or Thule's offering?
 
Last edited:

threeinthemorning

New Member
Sep 14, 2024
7
6
SF
Using the forum 'Search' tool will help you.
I did - there arn't any reviews of the SKS Infinity or the Thule. I linked to the latest discussions on related topics.

Did you perhaps confuse my ask for help with rear rack reviews with rack style bicycle carriers? I'll try and clarify a little more.
 

Mia200

New Member
Sep 12, 2024
1
1
US
Hey! Yeah, I’ve been using the SKS Infinity for a while.It's pretty solid, easy to install, fits most thru-axle bikes. Seems a bit lighter than Thule but Thule's got better compatibility with different panniers. Both are decent, depends what you prefer more.
P.S.Some folks said Infinity struggles with heavier loads – maybe Thule handles it better.;)
 

Tim1023

Well-known member
Aug 25, 2020
659
579
Hamburg, Germany
Once I'd tightened up the bushing to the seat post connecting rod, the Ortlieb unit was actually OK. It just didn't fit my purpose as it sat too far forward, even with the QL2.1 fixture. It has QL3.1-specific mounting points, so you can be sure that they will be compatible and not twist around (a real pain on any other rack). If your heels don't hit your panniers, it may be the way to go. You in the EU? I'm planning on selling mine, but hadn't got around to it yet.

I also directly contacted other suppliers and manufacturers and received the following information:
  • SKS - less weight capacity than OMM. SKS themselves said that the Infinity Universal should be compatible with QL 3.1, if "a bit tight"
  • Topeak Tetrarack - less weight, questionably compatibility with QL3.1
  • From Thule: "... in our experience the QL3 or QL3.1 is not a good fit to the Thule Tour Rack"
If you have specific questions re any products, try also directly asking the manufacturer (and reporting back here!) I've generally found them to be pretty good. And honest about the capabilities and limitations of their products.

I've ended up with the OMM despite it being expensive and much more fiddly to remove the rear wheel or the rack itself due to solid build, weight capacity and an axle fitting which gives my feet more clearance.

What are your criteria? How much weight do you want to carry?
 

threeinthemorning

New Member
Sep 14, 2024
7
6
SF
Wow thank you for this!

I'm based in the US (west coast) so I'm guessing buying the Ortlieb from you doesn't quite make sense. I'd really like to use the Ortleib if I can, because I love the QL3.1 system (and have multiple 3.1 bags) and because I'd really like to be able to take the rack off easily (dual city and trail use).

If I understand correctly, your big problem with the Ortlieb was specific to the Levo's brake position? I've looked at my bike ... I think the Moro isn't so bad ... but i guess there is no real way to tell until I buy the Ortleib.

The SKS, Thule etc. don't have a lot of weight capacity (I'd love to be able to lug around groceries once in a while), so I guess that pushes me towards the Ortlieb even more.

Alright - I think I'm just going to have to take a chance with the Ortlieb. I've pinged them directly and they think it should work (but who knows). Thank you so much for jumping in to clarify.
 

Tim1023

Well-known member
Aug 25, 2020
659
579
Hamburg, Germany
Looks like it's still going to be pushed forward a bit:
1727773716369.png

Don't forget to also order the frame mounting lugs!
 

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