Bicycle Top Tube Adapter

Many hitch-mounted bike racks require a flat top tube. This is a top tube adapter to fit a mountain bike to a hitch-mounted bicycle rack. The cheapest one I've found is $20. I thought it would be simple to make with household junk and $7 worth of pins.

This is my first Instructable, feel free to comment.

Step 1 Parts and Tools

Most of this was found around the house...

PARTS:
Segment of chain-link fence tubing (PVC pipe would've been much easier if available)
2 Chainlink fence tensioning brackets
Electrical Tape
2 Locking wire pins (about $3.50 each at Lowe's, in the same cabinet as Clevis pins)

TOOLS:
Hammer
Punch
Hacksaw
Drill Press
Knife
Marker
Vice
Dog (gotta have a good distraction)

Comments

[Abber1]

Sweet ride! Is it a 29er? Good job on the top tube, you saved me $40 on the yakima version of it. Thanks!


PS:
I know this is a year old post, have you made any improvements?

[huot]

Thanks for the idea. I ended up using a car club that had both ends shaped in a 'U' configuration. One end was attached to the seat post and the other end on the handle bar post and part of the handlebar. When adjusted and locked, this also kept the bike straight. When taken off the bike once you reach your destination, you can use it on your steering wheel. These older model car clubs can be bought for around $3-5 at garage sales or thrift stores.

[ggw3829]

Thanks for this great idea. You saved me $20 as I had all the parts to build this already.

[hot.carl]

I'm not sure i would trust PVC pipe...it has a tendancy to get brittle with UV exposure, and the last think you want is your expensive bike all over the road behind your car. Most bikes with the curved or odd top tubes (aside from ladies bikes) are heavier full-sussers. Stick with metal to be safe!

[carlos3366]

great idea. you should market that sucker.

[Yerboogieman]

Sweet bike, even for a full suspension, maybe its the sweet paint job.

[lebowski]

Nice work.

[SKPhoto]

Glad you like it. Version 2 may be in the works.

[Jr Hacking kid]

what bike is that i love orange i want ur bike muwhaha

[SKPhoto]

2008 Santa Cruz Superlight. It's my first squishy bike.