post-mount rack

[LightWeight]

Commuting question: Anyone use a seatpost-mount rack like this to carry their stuff?

http://www.nashbar.com/nashbar_photos/medium/YR-DHRQB.gif

My back is tired of carrying a backpack and my frame has no regular rack mounts. Or are messenger-type bags easier on the lower back?

[MisterClaw]

Check out this thread:

http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/showthread.php?t=14004&highlight=seatpost

I used one on my old rockhopper frame until I cracked the headtube on it and got a new frame with mounts. The problem with a higher center of gravity isn't a big issue as the weight limit (25lbs) is only about 1/8 my body weight.
The Trek in the pic is probably the best one out there, because the ones with QR's can't be torqued down like the bolts on the Trek one.

[Ogre]

I used the Delta rack with the pannier triangles for 2 years commuting to work. I bolted it to a Thompson Elite seatpost with no problems.

I cut a piece of inner tubing and slipped it over the seat post to reduce the scarring of the post. You may also want to file or sand the rack contact points.

I now live so close to work, I don't need to wear riding clothes.

I'd be willing sell it (along with Nashbar panniers).

Here's the rack I have.
http://www.nashbar.com/profile_moreimages.cfm?category=112&subcategory=1079&sku=1665&brand=

Here's the pannier's I have (yellow version)
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=&subcategory=&brand=&sku=6997&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=

[funky-funky-chicken]

My back is tired of carrying a backpack and my frame has no regular rack mounts. Or are messenger-type bags easier on the lower back?

I have two very good friends who have spent years commuting with messenger-style bags. One now regularly has chiropractic appointments, the other rides with his left shoulder lower than his right even without the bag. I'd say they both screwed up their backs!

You might be able to mount a rack on your frame with some nice rubber coated clamps. Your local bike shop might be able to fix you up!