Roof-or-Truck-Mount EZ Bike Rack

My daughter wanted me to transport her dept-store bike to college about 250 miles from home. The family minivan was guaranteed to be full. It had the ordinary factory roof rack, but lacked any accessory to safely carry a bicycle. I certainly was not going for Thule or Yakima, because their single-bike products were more expensive than the bike was worth. Besides, the only time the rack would be used is the beginning and ending of the school year.

I liked the fork-mount designs. I sketched a few ideas until this project was begun. My daughter asked if I could please-please-please take her friend’s bike also, and my design was nearly done. My 2(-or-3)-bike roof rack substitutes simple items from the hardware store for those fancy, expensive, easy-to-use quick-release fork-mounts. Everything is off the shelf - no special orders, welding, or fancy shop tools. Each mount is bolted to an ordinary 2x4 which is then attached to the roof rack of my minivan. I needed a ladder to get the bikes up onto the rack. The rear wheels were bungied to the roof rack, and the front wheels were packed inside, on top of all the dorm stuff - minifridge, microwave, et al.

She finished college 5 years ago. This rack has served well, and it’s easy to loan to friends. When not in use, it hangs quietly in the garage on a vacant bike hook. My minivan is now a goner, so the photos show the rack in the pickup bed.

As with any INSTRUCTABLE, be sure to read everything before doing anything...

Step 1: - Materials & Tools

Materials for EACH bike-mount:
(one) 4" octagon box for electrical conduit
(two) 1/4" x 1-3/4" machine screws (or stove bolts)
(two) 1/4" hex nuts
(one) 3/8" x 6" hex bolt (or threaded rod)
(four) 3/8” hex nuts
(four) 3/8” fender washers
(two) front axle washers - one side knurled

You’ll also need a 2"x4" no longer than 5-ft, and maybe some spray paint

Tools:
screwdriver, pliers, crescent wrench
electric drill with 1/4" bit

Comments

[paintphone]

really good idea here, defiantly putting one on my roof rack. could even be used for wall mounded bike rack

[Jon G]

Great Idea, I would lay the bikes flat on my pick-up truck with a moving blanket so it don't scratch up the bikes........ then lock em down with a ratchet strap or two..:o)

[GrafKarlfied]

Great idea, I am going to do this in 2 weeks to put on top of a Pop-Up camper for 4 or 5 bikes. I do have a question, does the back tire move alot or is a simple tie down strap good enough to keep the back from moving around??

[irishmail]

I wrapped a bungee tiedown around each rear rim and hooked the left and right ends. No sliding, but a speed bump might bounce them a tiny bit.

I could only fit three across due to the handlebars. If you need more, I suggest trying a second unit with two bikes in the opposite direction, so the bars, pedals, and all don't scratch things up.

Good luck, take pictures as you proceed, and let us all know when you post you own "Instructable".

[unaffiliatedperson]

lol you got the same cruiser i got. i kinda cleaned mine up. it was in good condition too. amazing what you can find in a dumpster sometimes

[banks412]

Also meant to add - anyone see/have any ideas for mounting something like this to the tailgate so that when you put the gate down the bike rolls forward with it so you don't have to reach over it? Just curious. I do a lot of road riding and most of it is early in the morning. The only problem I have with this type of mount is I always get my midsection soaked from the dew on the tailgate in the morning when I reach over it to mount my bike on the rack.

[banks412]

I'm in the same boat, Re-design. Nice idea on the cheap!

[thewetturd]

Great idea!

[Re-design]

Nice build. I did something like this but I used $40 bike brackets. I shoulda waited for your idea!