Homemade Bike Rack

First of all, having lost my $800 Calnago due to a tailgater, I no longer use bumper-mount racks.

I was none too happy with the roof and trunk bike mounts available. I checked the pro-model racks available from Europe and while they were superior to the U.S. items, they were expensive and the bike was very solidly mounted to them so that when you hit a bump, the jar was transmitted to the bike.

My brother and I ended up designing our own bike rack. We made a few of them and sold some to our friends.

We used Load brackets available from L. L. Bean, (Freeport, Maine 04033).

Part number 6494D is what you want, $18.50 for a set of four.

You will also need a couple of 2×4s, some carpeting, and 1/2″ by 8″ aluminum dowel rods.

The Load brackets attach to the roof drain gutter and have soft plastic at the mounting points to prevent marring and scratching.

Measure the length of 2×4 you need, then drill the holes and tap in the dowels — epoxying them in place.

Bolt the 2×4s to the Load brackets, affix the carpet, and attach the bike.

If two or more bikes are carried, you will need to make “C” brackets,

Author: K. T. Wilhite, Jr.

Today’s Bike Rack Deals:

Softride Access Dura Hitch Bike Rack - 1 1/4" US $252.00

Softride Access Dura Hitch Bike Rack - 2" US $252.00

BIKE RACK SWAGMAN XTC 64665 2" F/D 4 BIKE *NEW* SALE !! US $189.50

NEW 60x20 CARGO CARRIER BASKET+3 BIKE RACK COMBO HAULER US $139.99

Softride Access Dura Bike Rack US $251.00

Saris Thelma 3 Bike Hitch Rack 1.25 inch - NEW! US $219.99

Saris Thelma 3 Bike Hitch Rack - 2 inch - NEW IN BOX! US $219.99

Saris Bones RS 3 Bike Auto Rack NEW IN BOX! US $189.99

Saris Thelma 2 Bike Hitch Rack 1.25 inch - NEW! US $184.99

SWAGMAN XC 64650 LOW MOUNT 2 BIKE RACK BRAND NEW US $104.99

Softride Access Versa Bike Rack - 1.25" US $269.95

Draw Tite Hitch-mounted 4 Bike Rack Used VGCon US $0.99

Softride Access Versa Bike Rack - 2" US $269.95

VELOGLIDE BICYCLE 4 BIKE STORAGE SYSTEM CEILING RACK !! US $139.89

6 BIKE RACK COMMERCIAL HOME BICYCLE STORAGE STAND NEW US $149.00

SWAGMAN XC 64650 LOW MOUNT 2 BIKE RACK BRAND NEW US $104.99

Yakima Full Swing Bike Rack US $100.00

SWAGMAN XC 64650/64651 LOW MOUNT 4 BIKE RACK BRAND NEW US $199.99

NEW 08 SARIS BONES RS - 3 BIKE TRUNK MOUNT RACK US $243.00

BIKE RACK SWAGMAN XTC 64665 2" F/D 4 BIKE *NEW* SALE !! US $189.50

27 May 2006 | Random Tips