Schwinn quick attach bicycle cargo rack

Schwinn quick attach bicycle cargo rack.

The Schwinn bicycle cargo rack is a compact flat storage shelf that attaches to the seat post of a standard push bike and supports up to 20lbs/9kgs of cargo. The flat area is probably a bit larger than one side of a 1-litre milk carton laid horizontally.
The shelf itself is made of plastic with two aluminium shafts running along it and is mounted on a square steel bar that runs about 3/4 of the length under the shelf.The steel bar attaches to the seat post via a screwed clamp with a plastic inner sleeve. The clamp uses a pair of allen key bolts with thumbscrew heads to secure it. The allen key is included.
An elastic drawstring/bungee cord wraps around shelf and allows items to be held down securely. The cord lashes around mouldings in the opposing sides of the shelf and can be quickly uncrossed to strap or release an item. There is a screw hole in the rear pointing side of the shelf to attach a reflector.

In use, the rack blends seamlessly into the outline of a standard mountain bike. On an older road racer or ladies single speed casual bike, it might stand out a little more due to the black plastic, but overall it's not too noticeable visually. It also doesn't affect ride comfort or functionality and only gets in the way when leaning the bike against a wall due to the width.
With a small carton of milk attached, it was barely noticeable when riding on bitumen, and up driveways and curb crossings.

The good:
- Unobtrusive. When not in use, the entire cargo rack barely registered in my mind. I couldn't notice any difference in ride experience on standard roads and bikepaths with and without the rack installed.

- Strong. Supports up to 20lbs/9kgs.

- Versatile. Can carry odd shapes due to the cord.

- Mud guard. Due to the design it acts as a rear mudguard when installed.

- Cheap. RRP for it is ~AU$25, but you can pick one up for around $15 at most places. CotD (see Catch of the Day post) price was <$10.

The Bad:
- Not hardcore. If you want to look cool on your bike, you don't attach a cargo device, a reflector, or a mudguard. The Schwinn cargo rack facilitates all three of these.

- Heavy. The first thing you notice about the rack when you first pick it up is the weight. The steel bar might be strong, but it's because it is thick-walled. Also, the aluminium runner shafts add weight. It's not noticeable while riding but that doesn't mean it isn't sapping precious energy with each pedal stroke.

- Wide. The shelf is wider than most, if not all, frames and wheels. When resting the bike against a wall, the shelf will be the first thing to touch the wall, meaning the resting weight is taken by the rack and hence turned into a twisting force on the seat post. This might require readjustment of the rack or seat post after time.

- Tight. While the cord on the shelf is adjustable, it is still elastic, and this tension can bite into soft items such as rubber, foam, cardboard, and to a lesser extent, twinkies. Even items such as a milk carton might not escape unscathed if the cord isn't loosened enough before strapping.

- Industrial. Personally, I think that all bike accessories should be made of carbon fiber. Since this is made of plastic, steel, and aluminium, it belongs in the last century and will make any bike it is attached to also look dated by association.

- Slow attach. The 'quick attach' in the name refers to attaching cargo items to it, not attaching it to the bike. It actually took quite a (relatively) long time to install and it isn't the most straightforward installation either. The seat post needs to be removed from the frame to fit the plastic inner sleave.

Conclusion:
I think the Schwinn cargo rack is neat. It is a good idea, with an...efficient execution, although it is definitely built to a price point. That being said, it does everything it claims to do and it does it well. If you need a cargo device that is unobtrusive and functional, I can definitely recommend the Schwinn cargo rack.

Score:
7/10

Stay tuned for the next review item: "STM netbook glove".