I've been holding off on writing a review for this rack because I knew to make it worthwhile to a potential buyer it would take me some time to write it. But seeing as how no one else has provided a review yet - same as when I bought this rack - here goes.
*Here's the short version of my review:*
I love this bike rack. The design and aesthetic of the rack are literally head-turning. The quality of the steel and the construction of the rack (e.g. welded areas) are top-notch. I'm pretty sure this rack will outlive the eventual collapse of the galaxy (just a lone rack floating in space). This rack requires time and possibly some extra spending (on tools and parts) to install it properly.
*Here's the long version:*
Comments on the rack itself:
The rack is designed to fit a wide range of bicycles; the manufacturer's website (velo-orange.com) states the rack is designed to fit "...most bikes with 26" 650b 700c and 27" wheels." It comes with a plethora of hardware parts (e.g. nuts bolts other mounting pieces) that you can choose from depending on what best suits the design of your bicycle. I purchased it along with Velo Orange 700c 45mm Stainless Steel Fender (separate purchase) -- the rear fender mounts to the underside of the rack.
The aesthetic appearance and design of the rack are gorgeous. I immediately received compliments from complete strangers after installing this rack on my bike. It's sturdy can hold my two Thule panniers with lots of weight in them and is completely silent when I ride (the rack stays firmly in place). I wouldn't say it's a lightweight rack but nor should it be given it's made out of stainless steel.
I installed this rack on a late-1970s fixed-gear Motobecane road bicycle.
Comments on installation:
Know that depending on the specific bicycle you're installing this rack on as well as your level of know-how and tools already at your disposal the ease of installing this rack will vary. It may not be a simple process and you may need to invest additional money (for tools and hardware) into installing it. This is not a flaw of the rack itself or negligence on the part of the manufacturer -- the rack is designed to be modified/customized by the user. For instance notice the dropdown tangs at the bottom of the rack in the product image. You'll need to choose the eyelet that best suits your bike and use a hacksaw to cut off the excess.
The end effect of your time and effort is a beautiful rack that looks like it came packaged with the bicycle rather than installed after market.
I should note that I've never worked in a bicycle shop and have no experience in bicycle customization or repair. But with a little time thought and research I successfully and professionally installed this rack. I do have lots of experience however with independently completing massive home improvement projects that require improvisation research planning and problem-solving. These skills helped a lot when installing this rack (granted my project was a little more complicated than installing just the rack because recall I also bought Velo Orange stainless steel fenders and mounted the rear fender both to the underside of the rack and to my somewhat antique bicycle).
Tools you'll need to install this rack:
Hacksaw (and fresh hacksaw blade)
Screwdriver
Wrenches (adjustable crescent or ideally a few combination wrenches)
Level
To help you determine whether this rack is a good fit for you to install yourself here's a link to a blog post from the manufacturer about installing this rack (the rack also comes packaged with directions but I couldn't find a link to them online): http://velo-orange.blogspot.com/2014/01/vo-rear-rack-installation-with-pictures.html
If you like the look of this rack but don't want to bother with installation you could opt instead to bring it to a local bicycle repair shop and ask them to install it for you.;
