Rack Recommendations for Gravel Bikes

I built up a Norco Search XR steel frame with a full Shimano GRX 815 group set over the winter.  It is a really sweet bike.  I have come to realize that this 'gravel bike' could replace my road specific bike, touring bike and commuter for the riding that I do now. 

I am looking for recommendations on light weight rack options for gravel bikes to increase the bikes utility and versatility.  Maybe even a Wald 137 Rack out front (anyone using one of these?).... 

The Norco fork does not have the traditional center hole that many racks mount to but it does have several bosses on each side of the forks.

Any pics of what you are running?     

Thanks.

I don't have these but they are pretty slick
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ejt-ZY9MCkw

Treefort has them
https://www.treefortbikes.com/cat/1598/Bikepacking

I have gravitated over the last few years to not liking any pack on my body.  It is so much more comfortable and cooler in Arizona, where I ride mostly.  So, I now have a rear rack on both my gravel bikes and my touring bike.  I use seat post racks or a fixed rear rack and will never go back to carrying my stuff.  The seat post racks can make a little noise if not loaded but it can be mitigated easily. I usually use a small top tube bag, also, for immediate access items. BTW, the weight of seat post rack is 1-2 pounds range and can easily carry 10 # (tho listed for up to 20 #).  

I have a Norco Search XR steel (2018) and have used it a couple of times for very short bike packing trips. I used a Salsa Wanderlust rear rack once (not Wanderlust HD), and a Tubus Logo Evo since then. The Salsa is aluminum and the Tubus is chromoly. The Tubus is the better rack but there are pros and cons for each. I like the concave support bars on the Salsa, but the Tubus is lighter weight and stronger i think. I also had the paint wear down to the aluminum on the first 2-day trip from my Ortlieb Gravel panniers on the Salsa rack.

For an even more lightweight option, read this: https://bikepacking.com/gear/tumbleweed-t-rack-and-mini-pannier-rack-review/

For the Norco's carbon fork with its 2-hole mounts, i've used a Blackburn Outpost Cargo Cage with Voile straps on one fork leg where I carried my Thermarest XTherm sleeping pad, and on the other leg i used a standard water bottle cage and a large water bottle. I also used a Revelate Designs Harness on the bars (and Egress pocket on THAT). If you do something like this, do some test rides and be ready for some squirrelly action. It really caught me by surprise, but I got used to it quickly. As a tip, if you need more water, i think i've read the Blackburn cage's side slots allow you to mount another standard water bottle cage. So standard cage to Blackburn cage, Blackburn cage to the fork. Just be aware there's a weight limit to carbon forks. Don't push it and go overboard with heavy stuff. I also use an RD half frame bag.

I too love that bike, especially with 650b wheels and tubeless 2.1 Thunder Burts, and 812 GRX brakes with the 46/30 2x crank.

I have a Surly ECR i built from frame/fork now too, more for multiple day trips where I may find deep sand. I used the Surly 8-pack rack in front. It lacks the option to carry panniers in front for the "tripod" setup i've been thinking about trying (two small panniers in front, seat bag in back). And as all things Surly, not exactly lightweight. I noticed the Specialized "Pizza rack" can offer the option of small panniers as well as a larger platform, much bigger and useful than the 8-pack rack.

eric/fresno, ca.

Great info, Eric.  Just what I was looking for.

Something like the Tumbleweed Mini-Pannier (rear) and T-Rack (Front) is what I am looking at adding.  Small business and looks like much of their stock is on backorder until Oct 20.

I have a Surly Nice Rack and also an 8-pack.  Great products but they are really heavy.  I have had them mounted on a Trek 520 Touring for commuting duty.  They worked great for that but I think the Norco Search XR with Surly racks mounted would loose all of it's nimbleness.  With just the Revelate Designs seat pack the bike it is light and fast.

Mike in KY