Axiom Journey Tubular Alloy Rack
Jan
Are you looking for a good, quality bike rack at an affordable price? If so, the Journey bike rack from Axiom might just be the perfect rack for you!
When I spoke to the Axiom representative at last year’s Interbike trade show in Las Vegas, Nevada he informed me that many people have a negative image of the company because the prices of their products are so incredibly affordable. He speculated that because the prices were so low, consumers viewed the products as less reliable than other, higher-priced products produced by other companies. And I have to admit, I too had this opinion of the company. I’ve been familiar with Axiom for many years now and had always assumed that because their prices were so low, their products must not be up to the standards of other bicycle companies.
So, it was my great surprise when Axiom sent me a box full of products – each of which has made me reconsider my opinion of the company and the products they produce.
The Journey bike rack was one of the products sent to me in the Axiom review package and it is probably my favorite of all the products they sent.
The rack, which is made out of aluminum (and not steel, like more expensive Tubus bike racks) weighs about 700 grams, fits on bicycles with 26″, 27″ and 700c wheels, and features a triple chainstay design with sweepback support made to keep your panniers from bouncing into your wheels while you ride. The Journey rack also has a small reflector/light mount on its tail end and a Versalock mounting system (that makes installing the rack super easy) on its front. Priced at just $35 Canadian Dollars ($34 USD, it’s a great rack that can be used for commuting, touring, or anything in-between.
But if the rack is so great, why is it so cheap?
Well, one of the main reasons the Journey is so affordable is because it is made out of aluminum rather than steel. Just like bicycles that are made out of aluminum rather than steel, aluminum products are cheaper to produce and therefore cost the consumer much less money.
The advantage of steel, however, is that it is a much more flexible material, which makes it better at absorbing the bumps and weight that touring demands. Aluminum, for the most part, is a much more rigid material and doesn’t handle the demands of heavy-duty riding nearly as well as steel.
So, what exactly does this mean for you? Well, I think it means that because the rack is made of aluminum and comes with a price tag that is dramatically less than its steel counterparts, this is the type of bike rack best used in paved road conditions. While the rack is designed to handle as much as 70kg/154lbs of weight, I probably wouldn’t take it on a tour that requires serious off-road riding. It’s a rack made for long-distance road riding. For off-road riding, a steel bike rack would be preferred.
In the end, the Axiom Journey bike rack is a quality rack with a stylish design at an affordable price. I like this rack so much that I’ve personally replaced the old steel rack on my touring bike with the Journey and I suspect it will remain there for a very long time to come.
My Overall Rating: 9 out of 10
This is the Journey rack mounted on the back on my Fuji Touring bicycle.
In this photo, the Journey rack is being used to carry a set of Axiom waterproof bicycle panniers.
The product featured in this review was sent to Bicycle Touring Pro for free for the purpose of this review.
Perfect timing! I am looking at buying a rear rack and needed a recommendation. I don’t know that I will get this one, but your review tells me some of the things I should look for in a rack during my shopping. I will probably buy one locally (Argentina), but need to know what a good rack features.
Thanks!
I’ve been using this model rack since 2006 and the only problem I had was an allen head getting stripped out. Which may have been due to a worn out tool. Used mainly for commuting I’ve carried loads in excess of 100 lbs. thinking I was pushing my luck. No extended tours as of yet but has done well on some day trips on the rail trails. I’ve recomended this rack to friends and will keep doing so. P.S. Gettin a second one for the girlfriends ride.
I had one of these and I gave it away.Bags were difficult to mount because the sides are not parallel . I could feel the rack swaying when i carried a load. If you hold with a very light grip on the front and back you can see it flexes very easy as you twist it back and forth.There are reasons for low prices.The rack however was very easy to mount.
I’m looking for a good rear rack. I have noticed a lot of good and a lot of bad reviews on the axiom journey. Any suggestions for rating it compared to the Jandd expedition rack and the tubus cargo?
I’ve been using this rack for about five years now and I use it on a daily basis either commuting or touring, and I don’t tour light! I agree that some panniers may be hard to mount on this rack because the tube diameter is greater than some mounting systems are designed for. That said, I use ortliebs, and they drop on and come off like a dream (better than any pannier I’ve ever used). I have broken the rack twice, and on both occasions I replaced the rack no questions asked at bike shops that carry axiom products. I see that the last rack I received that axiom now uses an additional weld (two sides rather than one) wherever tubes butt up against one another. In short it’s a great rack for its money and axiom stands behind it. LDC
I have used axiom products for years their racks and panniers. I have a pair of Axiom panniers that are about ten years old now and are still in very good condition. I have also worked in shops that sold axiom racks that met the needs of some very satisfied customers. Affordable quality products.
How can this fit 26-29 inch wheels? How much clearance for the 29er?