Riding a a rear carrier on a fully. Many fierce debates have sparked off about this. Nevertheless, not only are classics like the Elburro carriers still on the market, but one or two new manufacturers are also making inroads into this segment. The latest example is SKS with its carrier called Infinity Universal.
The manufacturer approaches the subject rather lightly. Made of aluminium, the luggage carrier weighs 975 grams. It can carry a maximum load of twelve kilograms. By way of comparison, the ratio of tare weight to load capacity of the Ortlieb Quick Rack is much better at 580 grams to 15 kilograms. An Elburro rack weighs 1.3 kilograms more, but can carry 25 kilograms.
What is the carrier suitable for?
The reason for the relatively high weight of the Infinity Universal is the MIK adapter plate integrated at the top. Thanks to this, various bags, baskets and other accessories with the MIK standard can be attached there with a click. For all those who already use a few MIK products, this is probably an important benefit.
Considering the upper load limit mentioned above, it is also understandable that you cannot carry children in suitable child seats on this rear carrier. SKS simply didn’t design the Infinity Universal for this. Rather, it is a faithful companion on your bike tours. Two large side panniers on the left and right can be carried without any problems.
Mobility is key
The rear carrier is suitable for full-suspension bicycles because it is designed to be movable. Its adjustment mechanism includes a frame adapter with two joints. These are secured by two screws. After loosening the screws, the adapter can be adjusted in inclination and height. This way you can adapt the Infinity Universal to pretty much any frame geometry. Especially as SKS does not specify any restrictions in terms of tyre circumference. However, the tyre width is limited to 2.8 inches.
In order for the SKS Universal to fit on your bike, there must be a 140 millimetre gap on both seat stays free of cables, wires and other attachments. It is true that the luggage carrier does not take up this entire length at this point. But the manufacturer’s specification is intended to allow the enclosed protective foil to be attached on the one hand, and on the other hand the frame adapter runs close to the stay, so that there is hardly any space left for other things. The seat stays themselves should measure between 14 millimetres and 35 millimetres in diameter so that the quick-release system of the carrier grips reliably and stands up reliably even under full load.
A question of the material
It is also important to note that it is not approved for mounting on bicycles with carbon frames. If you try this on your own, you will be liable for any damage that may occur. An alternative is the Ortlieb Quick Rack. Under certain conditions you can use it on such a bike. A model from Elburro is completely safe, as it is attached to the thru axle or quick release and not to the frame. However, it costs about 2.5 times as much as the Infinity Universal.
In addition to its lower price, the SKS rear carrier scores points for the fact that the manufacturer has designed a small product line around it. This means that you can choose to expand it with the seven-litre Infinity Topbag, the battery-powered Infinity Universal Rearlight and the Infinity Universal Mudguard Front and Infinity Universal Mudguard Rear mudguards, which are available in different widths. Everything is available separately and is well matched to each other. By the way, SKS gives a five-year warranty for the carrier. Together with the price of around 110 euros, this seems to be a very fair offer.
SKS Infinity Universal rear carrier at a glance
- Material: aluminium
- Maximum permitted load: 12 kg
- Weight: 975 g
- Compatibility: MIK adapter plate
- Price: 109,99 Euro
Pictures: SKS metaplast Scheffer-Klute GmbH
