I've been thinking of getting one of these, possibly to attach a smallish ridge case, sort of like those from Pelican. My concern is the added weight in front of the steering knuckle will degrade handling:

ManRack XT225 Front Rack

Wondering if anyone here has one and if so, what their impression(s) is/are regarding handling and usefulness.

I've seen a few DIY front racks for the XT225 and may just go that route first for testing.

Keep the weight light up there and it probably wont be an issue.

When delivering newspapers as a kid, papers loaded in bags hanging off the handle bars. 5 or 6 papers you don't notice a difference, 90 or 100 papers and handling is vastly different .
Don't even get me started on Sunday deliveries .

Yep. Don't think you'll want anything heavy on that rack.

I recall riding bicycles with friends sitting on the handlebars. Interesting for sure.

Manracks.com is now offering free shipping since switching to a USPS Money Orders ONLY payment scheme. Took them up on it and bought the XT225 front rack. Pretty fast turn-around, maybe a week total (shipped USPS Priority 2-Day).

Very easy install and seems reasonably well thought out. Lightweight bent/welded steel tube so I'm not expecting much impact on handling unloaded. Didn't see a weight rating; my gut feeling is stay below 10 lbs. The platform area is about 5.5" deep up to the cowl; width is 12". The small upturned bar across the front acts as a stop and gives bungies something to hook to. Seems enough for things like tents or sleeping pads, maybe a camp chair. I'll start with strapping my hiking poles to it.



(click any image for more/larger pics)

Very handy, keep yer butties safe where ya can keep an eye on um at all times.

OK Paul, What is a buttie?
Is it a brit thing?

Ha, yer kiddin me right? You folk over the pond must have butties, sarnies, jackbit, snappin, scran, or whatever you call a couple of slices of tasty bread filled with yer favourite gubbins, eg ham, cheese, toms, green stuff, anorl.

Do folk from the colonies have a different name for such delicacies?

It can be called a club sandwich if you live dahn sahf & eat it with yer little finger stuck out. Ha.

Good looking front rack, Beaker. Nice find..

Nah m8, not heard of Fry sauce or Finger steaks. We have brown sauce or tomato ketchup that go on a fried breakfast. S'pose you have that anorl.

In Wigan Lancashire, they call their packed lunch "Jackbit" a saying not heard outside the locality.

Butties in the bag mate!