CETMA Style Bolt Together Front Bike Rack

This instructable will show you how to build a bolt together front mounted bicycle rack. By way of reference, actual CETMA racks can be found for sale at cetmaracks.com

Step 1: Materials Needed

First get your materials. I used four pieces of 12 inch long, 1 inch steel tubing, 2 pieces of 1 inch angle iron at 18 inches long, 2 3/4 inch electrical conduit hangers (available at any hardware store in the electrical section), several 2 inch long bolts with nylon locknuts, 2 pieces of 1/2 inch steel stock at 20 inches long, 2 pieces of 1 inch steel stock at 24 inches long and a can of rustoleum.

For tools you will need an angle grinder or a hacksaw to cut the metal, a drill with metal bits, a measuring tape, safety glasses and some wrenches or a socket set.

Special thanks to my brother in law for donating the metal stock and tubing. These could be purchased or scrounged.

Comments

[shooby]

Thank you!  This is great

I've been scouring the web for the past two weeks, sweating at the cost of Nitto front racks.  They are pretty damn sexy compared to this, sex sells after all.  But, I'm going to make my own.  For those who used aluminum, what dimensions did you use?

[rhkramer]

This bike rack turns with the front wheel--I also noticed the Two Dollar Bike Rack / Headlight (http://www.instructables.com/id/Two-Dollar-Bike-Rack-Headlight) which does not turn with the front wheel--does anybody have any experience with which is more stable for riding?

[scoatw]

I made one similar to yours using aluminum angle iron from the Hardware store connected with rivets instead of bolts. Lighter and just as strong.

[rigtenzin]

I'm thinking of building one of these using a combination of steel and aluminum. I think the struts that connect the rack to the dropouts would be one good place for steel.

[empellavega]

the struts definitely, the load you can carry will be far greater without bowing the struts. i am thinking of replacing the tray with an aluminum one to lighten up the whole thing.

[chris_too_cool_for_school]

I love this. Reminds me of the Pashley Mailstar, only this is stronger! Brilliant instructable, I might have to have a go myself.

[empellavega]

glad you liked it! its still runnin strong

[vmills]

Terrific job. Thanks for the idea.

[joincoolkidclub]

really like this project. can you post more pictures of your bike? Thanks.

[empellavega]

of the rack or the bike? what kind of pics, any particular angle?

[joincoolkidclub]

Sorry I wasn't more specific: I was hoping to get an overall view of the frame on the bike. Perhaps a side shot. Thanks!

[empellavega]

the rack frame or the bike frame?

[watermelon]

Idea: Build one for a front suspended bike, buy a gallon of whole milk from a dairy 5 miles away and when you get home, butter! ;D Just kidding...

[ak49er]

No -you need some more cream than there is in whole milk- but it would work.

[ottist35]

nice, but I am guessing it ads considerable weight to the bike. I would try making it out of aluminum instead. good job nonetheless.

[empellavega]

Aluminum would have been a great alternative to save some weight, but I had free steel available and it should last forever and carry more weight. You could easily use aluminum and the same plans for a rack.

[LinuxH4x0r]

Nice! looks like it could hold some pretty substantial weight.

[Handsome-Ryan]

Awesome job on building it! Limitless potential on what you could carry. That red color should get you noticed in traffic too. +1.