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title: Using Racks on Carbon Frames
description: Santa Cruz Bicycles Self-Service Support
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March 30, 2026
# Using Racks on Carbon Frames
## Planning an epic adventure? Awesome! But before you start strapping gear to that frame, let’s talk about how to keep your carbon beauty in tip-top shape. Carbon fiber is incredibly strong for riding, but it’s not a fan of being squeezed or rubbed by traditional racks.
The most important thing to remember is: **No rack or other items should be used which make direct contact with the carbon frame itself**. Traditional racks that "clamp" or "strap" directly to your seatstays or chainstays can cause:
- **Surface Damage**: Dirt and debris trapped under straps or pads can act like sandpaper, scratching or even removing your finish and frame material over time.
- **Structural Risks**: Carbon frames are engineered for specific riding stresses. Applying clamping forces or weight to areas not specifically designed for those loads can lead to cracks or structural failure.
- **Safety Hazards**: Improperly mounted accessories can interfere with moving parts like wheels or brakes, potentially causing a loss of control.
---
### **Safe Solutions for Carbon Bikes**
Don't worry—you can still carry your gear! You just need to use racks that mount to your **axles** or **seatpost** instead of the frame tubes. Here are two fantastic options:
- [**Old Man Mountain**](https://oldmanmountain.com/): These guys are experts at axle-mounted racks. By using a specialized Fit Kit that attaches to your thru-axle, the rack carries the weight through the strongest part of your bike—the axle—without ever touching your carbon stays.
- [**Tailfin**](https://www.tailfin.cc/): Tailfin offers sleek, lightweight systems designed for high-performance bikes. They use a unique axle-mounting system and a carbon-friendly seatpost connector designed to avoid damaging frame tubes.
### **Quick Safety Check 🛠️**
- **Axle Compatibility**: Always ensure your bike uses a compatible **thru-axle** mounting system before installing an axle-mounted rack.
- **Weight Limits**: Even with a safe rack, never exceed the **permissible total payload** for your specific bike model, which includes the weight of the rider and all luggage.
- **Consult Your Dealer**: If you're unsure if a specific rack is safe for your setup, always hit up your local authorized dealer for an expert opinion.
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