Specialized Sequoia Modification Part 2

After staring at the initial configuration of the Sequoia after it came back from some frameset modifications, I decided that the large-size Nitto front rack is a bit too large and mounts too much forward for my liking. This beautifully made and strong rack resembles the Highrider Rack that Rivendell sold for a while, but has additional accommodations for attaching detachable lowrider attachments. Rivendell describes this rack on its website as a rack that carries the load in the front a little higher than contemporary front pannier rack. For randonnering purposes and the low trail fork on the Sequoia, the rack isn't that high, but it certainly sit very much forward. Further, the light mounted on the front of rack looks almost ridiculous in how forward it sit. I thought about mounting the light lower and closer to the bike, but the front of the rack seems to be the only reasonable place to attach the front light, as light mounted anywhere on either side of the rack would likely obstruct panniers hanging either on the top rails, or on the lowrider attachments when they are installed.

At the end, I think the combination of a Mark's Rack and a Tubus Tara lowrider rack is better looking and ligher than the aesthetics that the Nitto big rack brings with it. And both configurations allow me to carry a front bag and two panniers. The only advantage the Nitto front rack has is that I can carry heavier and bulkier objects such as a tent, a sleeping bag, or a sleeping pad on the top while hanging the panniers on the side. But I will think of something to address that issue later.

I also took a couple of pictures of the fender bit that allows me to not use a L-bracket clamp on the rear fender. These pictures show the progression that the Sequoia went through since I bought the frameset last year:

Summer 2011; Stock fork; Blackburn rear rack; VO front rack; Rivendell Banana bag

Summer 2011; VO front bag; Shimano Dynamo Wheel and B&M IQ CYO light added

Early Spring 2012; Kogswell Konversion Fork

Late Spring 2012; on tour; Axiom pannier on rear rack; Rivendell Banana bag removed

Summer 2012; Cantilever posts added; Selle San Marco Ischia Saddle; Mudflap and rear light attached to fender; Nitto Highrider front rack; Avid Shorty 4 brakes

Summer 2012; Nitto Mark's Rack and Tubus Tara Rack