Frame Mount Front Rack?

[David Cox]

Would a frame mounted front rack work on a Thorn Raven?
 
Here's an example:
http://www.workcycles.com/workbike/bicycles/accessories/pickup-frame-mounted-front-carrier.html
http://www.bakfiets-en-meer.nl/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/workcycles-kruisframe-transportfiets-detail.jpg

David

[freddered]

Not sure.  I prefer the Blackburn fromt rack so you can use normal panniers

[David Cox]

The Blackburn is a solid rack for sure.  My Thorn has become more workcycle than touring rig, so I'm in need a wide rack up front while panniers are still used in the back on occasion. 

These look like good rack candidates too:

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.hembrow.eu/frontrack1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.hembrow.eu/bicycle.html&h=427&w=640&sz=35&hl=en&start=230&um=1&tbnid=5A5eHUuzS-u7SM:&tbnh=91&tbnw=137&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dframe%2Bmounted%2Bbicycle%2Brack%26start%3D210%26ndsp%3D21%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26rls%3Den-us%26sa%3DN

Before I frame mount I want to be sure that the Raven downtube can handle the stress.  The Raven is a load hauling machine, so I don't see why it wouldn't be up to the task, but I thought I'd make certain before trying one out.

David