Meet Jack, a highly versatile handlebar-mounted front rack that’s equal parts sophisticated and minimalist. Learn everything you need to know about UK-based WholeGrain Cycles’ Jack the Rack here….

I’ve been eagerly following the development of the handlebar-mounted Jack rack for a few months now, so I’m happy to share the current status of this clever new cargo-hauling component.

Jack is WholeGrain Cycles’ first product, an elegant handlebar-mounted front rack with a universal fit system that works with nearly any bike. The rack is built to last, suitable for bikepacking, and requires no tools to fit or maintain it.

jack rack

Jack is made from high-quality 304 stainless steel with a 420-denier fabric platform. Two high-strength straps are used to attach it to the bike, cantilevering JACK over the front wheel. One threads under the stem, which holds the rack up and keeps it from rotating down toward the tire, and the other goes around the steerer tube, with keeps the rack from rotating upwards. The rack is officially rated for loads up to 5kg (11 pounds), but according to WholeGrain can carry significantly more that for those hauling massive loads.

Jack comes with a removable fabric base, shims for 31.8mm and 25.4mm bars, four different stem load straps, an adjustable steerer tube strap, and two 1.2m bungee straps with a snake head buckle and carabiner.

  • jack rack
  • jack rack
  • jack rack
jack rack

Compatibility is pretty much as universal as it gets, requiring no special mounting points or modern features. It’s compatible with both metal and carbon handlebars, requiring 6mm of free space on both sides of the stem. At least 220mm is requires from the centre of the handlebar to the top of the front tyre (measured perpendicular to the ground), and works well with rigid and suspension forks. The stem angle also plays a role in compatibility, and works well with 0° to +40° stems, or negative angle stems that are fixed to the steerer tube. Jack works with both threadless and threaded quill stems.

So, how can you get one? WholeGrain Cycles is on track to launch a Kickstarter campaign in August and expects to receive production by the end of 2021. They will be producing Jack whether or not they get Kickstarter funding. Although pricing isn’t finalized, Jack is priced competitively with an RRP of $80 USD (£60 / €70) with discounted pricing for Kickstarter.

  • jack rack
  • jack rack
  • jack rack
  • jack rack
  • jack rack
  • Capacity: 5kg
  • Dimensions: 280mm x 230mm x 230mm
  • Material: Stainless Steel, Nylon, Woven Polyester
  • Weight: 550 grams
  • Place of Manufacture: China
  • Manufacturer’s Details: JacktheBikeRack.com

Interested? Head over to JacktheBikeRack.com and put your email down to be notified when the Kickstarter campaign launches. We’ll be getting our hands on a pre-production model soon, so stay tuned for more.

FILED IN (CATEGORIES & TAGS)

Dispatch

New Components

Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed.