Pink bike cargo rack?

May 6, 2018 2:38 PM

I’m trying to find a basic rear mounted cargo/utility rack for one of my bikes. This is strictly a 10-20 mile daily commuter bike and I’m unlikely to have more than 5 pounds across two panniers so it doesn’t need to be super tough. The challenge is that I can pretty much only find these in black. Where do I go shopping for colorful bike racks? I’m specifically looking for a pink one right now but am probably going to grab another color for a different bike, so same criteria apply.
posted by curious nu to Travel & Transportation (11 answers total)

I have definitely seen pink baskets but not a cargo rack. I'm sure it's out there though! It's not quite what you're looking for but might be of interest: Linus Wood Crate I have one on my bike and it's very sturdy and gets lots of compliments. You can't strap other stuff to it but it holds a fair amount.
posted by smorgasbord at 2:43 PM on May 6, 2018

Have you considered buying a black rack and a spray can of pink paint?
posted by monotreme at 2:45 PM on May 6, 2018 [12 favorites]

I've seen panniers in all kinds of colors, but I've never seen racks in anything besides black or silver. Portland Design Works has some with bamboo decks that are very pretty and I keep eyeing for myself. Depending on how much you want to invest in the project, you could consider inquiring with a local company about having a steel one powder coated.
posted by nothing as something as one at 3:03 PM on May 6, 2018 [1 favorite]

There are people in Minneapolis who powder coat bikes for not that much money. I wonder what a few racks would cost.
posted by advicepig at 3:06 PM on May 6, 2018 [2 favorites]

I had some great luck spray painting a brushed chrome bathroom fixture a custom color recently- the finished product looks much more professional than I would have expected. I sanded the surface a little, then used a matte rustoleum. I bet this would work on a cargo rack as well. Not sure how well it would stand up to scratching, though.
posted by Secretariat at 4:11 PM on May 6, 2018

I’d also think painting is a good viable option,figuring spray paint will last for a year or so, powder coat for at least a decade, maybe some enamel type paints in between.
If you’re fine with regular repainting or don’t mind chips, spray paint will be fastest, easiest, and least expensive.
posted by SaltySalticid at 5:38 PM on May 6, 2018

Gazelle makes at least a pink front rack anyway, which is in stock at the linked shop, and they make a blue rear rack which isn't, at the moment.
posted by jamjam at 5:49 PM on May 6, 2018

Spray paint is fine, but powder coating can be really cheap, especially with a small part like a rack, and far more durable. I would find function, then chase form on this one. I’ve had powder coating done extra-cheap by asking a shop what kind of jobs they have lined up, and asking if I could piggyback on the orders. They’ll usually just throw it in the queue and hook you up with a discount because they don’t need to set up anything extra. Pink might be hard to get a deal like this going, but you never know.

I like the soma porteur rack, and lots of PDWs stuff. The takeout basket might work well for you. They’re great.
posted by furnace.heart at 6:48 PM on May 6, 2018 [2 favorites]

Nthing painting your own. I've had good luck with the paint from spray.bike
posted by quietshout at 8:12 PM on May 6, 2018 [2 favorites]

Blackburn used to make racks in different colors. I found this pink one on eBay.
posted by zombiedance at 11:11 PM on May 6, 2018

If your local shop has access to JBI (a parts distributor, and most will), they can order a Sunlite Gold Tec rack in white (not pink....still looking).
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 2:28 PM on May 7, 2018