Lock your bikes/bike carrier to your vehicle...

Have you ever wanted to keep your bike on your car carrier unsupervised but worried that someone might try to steal it?  After all, it is pretty much just sitting on your car asking to be stolen.  Anyway, I found myself thinking about this situation and wanted to find a solution.  Upon a quick Google search, there did not seem to be much in the way of bike-to-car locks (at least not easily installed or cheap).  Left with no good consumer options, I decided it was DIY time (queue the Batman theme).  The following is my solution:

Step 1: Materials and Tools.

Materials needed:
-chain- 10' for $9.98 from Lowes
-18 gauge steel galvanized wire (wire from a coat hanger might work as well) - had this from previous projects, but $4.88 from Lowes
-PVC tee- $1.87 from Lowes
-tube insulation (for pipes?)- OPTIONAL $4.98 from Lowes
-padlock- had it from a school locker, but from Lowes I see one at $2.98
-black electrical and duct tapes or tape of your choice- had them in the tool chest (I assume you might as well...handyman's secret weapon and all)


Tools needed:
-pliers with wire cutting capability
-Dremel tool with cutting disc or bolt cutters- OPTIONAL

Grand total: $24.69
Obviously, you could get all of this from someplace other than Lowes and probably for cheaper (especially if you recycle).   You just never know what you might find on the curb or the free listings on Craigslist.  Seriously, you'd think people's pianos and treadmills were possessed or something....but I digress. 

Comments

[rimar2000]

I am searching a good design for a bicycle holder as this. I need some more details: how do you assemble all parts, how do you use it. Sorry, I am a "hard (brain) dude".

[edjsage]

The carrier is actually a Bell bicycle carrier we bought (here).  I thought about going the DIY route when we were buying.  In the end I decided I had better pick something that was a little more proven for carrying my wife's more expensive bike.  It would definitely be possible to make one on your own though.  The only thing that is fancy about our carrier is the locking mechanism that keeps the arms locked in position.  You could probably easily fashion something out of PVC, wood, or whatever.  Good luck if you decide to do it yourself!  I'd be interested to see what you came up with!

[rimar2000]

I have MANY "portfolio projects", maybe I will do it next year.

Now I am doing a 2 wheels trailer for my bicycle, but I go slowly due to some other domestic tasks.

Thanks for the info.