So I found a used CETMA 6 rail rack via the Kogswell list last week. Many moons ago, I thought about a CETMA, but I wasn’t thrilled about the mounting system (basically the same a Wald basket). I though the bar attachment point was just plain ugly. I really liked how the Mark’s Rack looked, but it wasn’t quite up for managing my laptop. It worked, just not very well. I spoke with a riding partner about putting together a custom rack, the realities of my spare time, or lack thereof, made that project unmanageable. I knew a porteur rack was the best method for carrying my stuff, and the CETMA, ugly as it is, was the best solution.

I sent off a “want to buy” message to the Kogswell list, knowing that the CETMA had been discussed quite a bit among the fans of porteur bikes. Within a few hours, a deal was done, and the 6 rail was on its way. A few days later, the box was on our porch, and that evening I mounted the rack. I strapped on the laptop case, and secured it with two bungee cords. The load was very solidly attached (unlike the Mark’s Rack, or even the old Wald basket), and no matter how I whipped the bars, it didn’t shift. Better yet, I didn’t mind the mounting system as much as I thought I might.

I’m looking forward to the shakedown ride on Tuesday.

Posted on 17 February 2008