Vavert Metro Lightweight Rack

The Vavert Metro Lightweight Rack is aimed at commuters, club riders and weekend touring/audax rides, where you don't need to be hauling the kitchen sink or using expedition panniers. However, sleek profiles aside, I've used comparable models that are easier to fit and better finished for similar money.

Although 650g isn't particularly feathery, to Vavert's credit the main rack is reassuringly well made from hollow 10mm 6061 aluminium rod. TIG welding on our sample was neat and generally uniform, and the satin black powder coat finish looks classy – there's also a silver variant, should you prefer.

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Either way, binding electrical tape along the rails will prevent mounting systems from munching through paintwork and eventually into the rods themselves.

From afar, it looks like a two-tier model, but the lower strut is actually there to bolster lateral stiffness, not for convenient access when small 14 litre panniers are paired with a trunk type bag or loads lashed to the top plate.

Bolt-on adjustable legs are a little Meccano-esque but accommodate most frame sizes, and small compact geometry designs in particular. Not so the arms, which are compatible with mono-stays but require some jiggling, especially where P clips were employed.

Stainless steel fasteners come supplied and are sensible lengths, which is good news if the rack has to share the same eyelets as a full length mudguard. I recommend a lick of medium thread lock to keep them done up tight.

Their lack of uniformity means that unless you have a really comprehensive pocket tool – there are a few with ring spanners – then you'll need to carry some in case the fasteners turn sloppy mid-ride. To be fair, this has only proved an issue once and with a 20kg payload.

> Check out our beginner's guide to carrying luggage on your bike

The 10mm tubing is pretty standard and offers reliable tenure to most pannier brackets. Two 14 litre panniers and a smallish top bag are pretty much optimal, and arguably all you'd need for long club outings or weekend touring. A proper plate for dynamo/LED lighting is another welcome touch.

Depending on your trade and workplace culture, this sort of setup also favours well-organised commuters – a change of clothes one side; shoes, lock and sundries the other; tools, tubes and similar ride essentials occupying the trunk/rack bag.

However, at 26x10cm the top section is a poor proposition for a Carradice Super C Rackbag and similar day-ride staples – yes, they'll fit, but look slightly precarious hanging paunch-like over the sides.

Ultimately, there are some nice touches going on here, but the Metro faces some very stiff and often cheaper competition.

Verdict

Sturdy rack with some nice touches but there are better examples for your money