Which bicycle rack system is right for me?
If you are looking for rack systems for your bicycle, you will keep running into the three systems MIK, AVS and RACKTIME. We'll introduce you to all three systems!
All three system racks are often included on many modern bicycles and e-bikes straight from the factory.
Some MIK bicycle baskets are equipped with an integrated key. Thus, these bicycle baskets combine the advantages of removable and permanent bicycle baskets. If you want to leave your bike basket on your bike, lock it. AVS systems do not have this capability. RACKTIME systems offer lockable adapters.
In total, the three bicycle rack systems are similar. Before you buy, pay attention to the above differences and consider what suits your needs. Adapters from different vendors are not compatible!
Why a system rack for bicycles?
SSystem racks are racks with an integrated mounting system. This makes it easy to attach baskets and bags to your bike. Rack systems allow quick attachment and removal:
- Bicycle rack systems are practical, intuitive and easy to use.
- Bike baskets and bags can be clicked in and out quickly thanks to rack systems.
- You can transport your gear securely.
- You can use system racks flexibly with different bags, baskets and boxes
FAQ – Questions & answers about bicycle rack systems
Can I use adapters from different systems together?
No. You choose between bike baskets, bags and boxes within a system. The front and rear mounting is also an option. Multiple systems are usually not compatible. For example, if you purchase a rack with AVS system, you will need the appropriate pannier and basket counterparts. CONTEC offers bags for AVS, MIK and RACKTIME systems.
Can I upgrade a bicycle rack with an adapter?
Yes. If you want to attach panniers and baskets to your bike easily and conveniently, system racks are great. If you do not have these standard on your bike, you can either upgrade to a system rack or retrofit a normal rack with adapter plates. Standard racks are also compatible with system solutions such as MIK, AVS and RACKTIME.
Which bag fits on which rack?
When it comes to rack systems, there are different bags and baskets with a suitable adapter, depending on the bicycle rack. You can equip both rack, pannier and basket with these adapters and adapter plates. If you use a system rack, you can only use bags with compatible adapters.
Is there a stable click system that does not require a special rack?
With adapter plates from the AVS, MIK and RACKTIME systems, most bicycle racks can be upgraded. You screw the adapter plates or rack plates onto the already assembled bicycle rack. They are the counterparts to the adapters on the bike basket and bag.
Mounting an MIK adapter
Mounting an AVS adapter
Bicycle rack systems: What systems are there? How can I install them?
Bicycle rack systems are essential to comfortably and safely transport things on your bike. These days, there are many ways to attach bicycle bags/panniers and baskets to a bike. The most practical are rack systems: making bike baskets, panniers or boxes easily removable. We will show you different systems and how you can install them.
Heavy baggage: On the rack!
Most bicycle racks have a max. load of 25 kg. For rack adapters, the max. load varies. The "Snap IT" adapters from RACKTIME, for example, can carry up to 12 kg. The MIK and AVS adapters up to 15 kg.
Transporting on a bicycle rack becomes useful as soon as the weight exceeds 10 kg.
Click-in adapter system: With systems such as RACKTIME, AVS and MIK, bicycle baskets and panniers are securely held on the rack – with just one click.
In order for a rack system to work, it needs
- A suitable mount or adapter on the rack and
- an adapter on the pannier or basket.
Both are either already attached or can be attached after the fact.
System racks mostly come partially pre-assembled. RACKTIME, AVS and MIK are standard on some bikes. And most CONTEC rack bags and baskets already have a pre-assembled adapter for one of the three systems mentioned. That means, for example, if you have a bike with a RACKTIME rack and a bag with a "Snap-IT" adapter, you can just click in your bag or basket and go.
So first, check if your rack is labelled "MIK," "RACKTIME," or "AVS" and what the bottom of your bag or basket looks like. Perhaps an adapter is already installed.
If an adapter or both are missing, our how-to’s will help you further:
Attach the adapter to the basket / bag
If you don't have a bag or basket with the appropriate adapter, you don't have to buy a new bag. For many bags and baskets, you can upgrade with an adapter. At CONTEC, for example, we have baskets with multiple holes. Here you can attach any adapter and are completely flexible.
Mount a MIK adapter on a bicycle basket
Attach the adapter to the rack
If you do not have a system rack, you can upgrade a regular rack or replace the rack entirely. Special rack plates are available for the AVS and MIK systems. This rack plate is mounted on the rack. Accessories and adapters will then fit on the normal rack. For RACKTIME you have to replace the entire rack. There is no rack adapter.
How to install a rack system
Next, we’ll show you how you can upgrade to the AVS and MIK systems using adapters.
Before buying and installing an adapter, check if your basket or bag has holes at the appropriate distance.
An adapter for a RACKTIME system?
To attach baskets and bags with RACKTIME adapter plates to a rack, you need a RACKTIME rack. There is no adapter plate from RACKTIME to convert a normal rack, like AVS and MIK.