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review
Racks
Blackburn EX1+ rear rackBlackburn EX1 rack

Blackburn EX1+ rear rack

7
by Iwein Dekoninck
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published May 11, 2009

1
£34.99

VERDICT:

7
10
No-nonsense rack that does the job
Weight: 
570g
Contact: 
www.madison.co.uk
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Blackburn's EX1 rear rack is a bit of a touring classic designed to be a one size fits all load-lugging solution. This has certainly been my experience, it's easy to fit too, have had no trouble installing on a number of 700c and 26in wheeled bikes.

My only one major gripe is that the 3mm hex bolts that come with it appear to be made of cheese. The heads round very easily which makes taking the rack off at home tricky and a roadside repair nigh on impossible. I own a couple of older Blackburn racks and they suffer from the same flaw – it would have been nice to see some improvement.

The rack is pretty stable under load, and you’d expect no less from a four point rack advertised as “made of aircraft quality aluminum for uncompromising strength during extended touring and off-road riding”. The weight, at 570g, is very reasonable too and compares favourably with some more expensive racks on the market.

Fitting my Ortlieb sport packer classics (front panniers) was a doddle and there was no sway, perfect. My old Karrimor rear panniers are a bit more flexible and for them I'd prefer Blackburn's EX-2 rack – basically the EX1 with extra pannier rails.

I did notice that after the usual commute from Bath to Bristol and back, the finish of the rack was showing visible wear. I personally wouldn't be fussed about this, but it's worth knowing.

If you’re looking for a rack for fast touring, Audaxing or commuting and you're not rolling in it, look no further. If you’re off on a tour where you’re carrying a tent and its associated paraphernalia, I’d go for the EX-2.

Verdict

No-nonsense rack that does the job

road.cc test report

Make and model: Blackburn EX1+ rear rack

Size tested: n/a

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
6/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
6/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
9/10
Rate the product for value:
 
9/10

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 32  Height: 1.78m  Weight: 76kg

I usually ride: All of them!  My best bike is: Cervelo Dual

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, touring, club rides, fixed/singlespeed, Audax

Rack
Blackburn EX1 Rack
Blackburn

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1 comments

Avatar
amazon22 | 15 years ago
0 likes

Blackburn avoid quoting any max load for their racks - perhaps its in the instructions, which may be too late if you've already bought it. I need to buy a rack but have so far been put off Blackburn by this. Are the rails 10mm?

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