Introduction: Rack From Electrical Conduit
I was looking for a heavy duty rack for the back of my bike but either I couldn't find one or the one I found was too expensive. So, I decided to make my own out of 1/2" electrical conduit and some wood.
It's surprisingly simple and can hold the weight of a person. Plus, since the top is made of wood, I can screw anything I want to it. I'll keep refining it and maybe offer it for sale to you guys for a modest price.
Email me: Carry.Stuff.On.My.Bike@gmail.com
Step 1: Measure and Cut Conduit
You'll have do some basic measurements here from under you seat to where the tire ends, say 24". The rack should be level with the ground. I cut 2 pieces 24" long and used my bench vice to flatten the ends. I bent them to so they would fit on the bolt that tightens the seat.
Step 2: Cut the Wood
The wood needs to be about 18" by 6". Sand the edges smooth and pait if you like. Like I said earlier, you can screw a milk crate or other container to the wood pretty easily.
Step 3: Drill the Holes
Here's where you have to be patient and take your time. I drilled 2 1/4" holes through the conduit and the wood.Make sure the wood is thick enough to do this. I drilled a hole from each side of the wood to meet in the middle and used a small rat tail file to sand the inside hole.
Step 4: Cut the Theaded Rod
I couldn't find 1/4" bolts long enough so I used 1/4" threaded rod with nuts on both ends. Make sure that you cut the rod long enough to bolt up the uprights.
Step 5: Add the Upright Supports
The final step involves cutting supports that go from the rear axle to the rack and attach to the rear threaded rod. You'll have to measure carefully to get the rack level. I attached the rack first and then measured the uprights.
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14 Comments
9 years ago on Introduction
Do you think this could be modified to be mounted on the rear axle? my bike doesn't have any mounting points for racks
9 years ago on Introduction
Do you think this could be modified to be mounted on the rear axle? my bike doesn't have any mounting points for racks
9 years ago on Introduction
Do you think this could be modified to be mounted on the rear axle? my bike doesn't have any mounting points for racks
12 years ago on Introduction
Great idea. I wanted to try this out as soon as I saw it. Sadly, my first attempt at bending conduit was a bit uneven near the seat post.
12 years ago on Introduction
Very well done and explained. Years ago I soldered a copper tubing rack for my CB750. The tee crossbars gave lots of bungee points. Held up really well 'till the bike was stolen. It got plenty of looks too, although it was before the steam punk phenom.
14 years ago on Step 5
You have a lot of space there between the plank and wheel. Perhaps a shallow tool box with the lid opening from the topside of the rack could replace the plank and you could store your bike lock, spare tube, tools etc... Also you may want to use a small hole saw to cut holes into the edges of the plank for bungee cord attachment points on the conduit. Don't forget to weather treat the wood too. Overall a nice sturdy looking and large rack for binding items to.
Reply 14 years ago on Step 5
Guyj, I like your ideas! Especially the tool box. As for the holes to attach, I was trying to come up with some sort of hardware attachment that I could bolt on the back rod, but your idea seems simpler. I also plan on building side bags out of old military or brief cases. A work in progress don't you know.
Reply 13 years ago on Step 5
has anything come of that since then? I think Im probably going to make my own version of your design and I'm curious to see how any finishing touches have worked.
Reply 14 years ago on Step 5
It looks quite strong. How well does it hold up to passengers?
14 years ago on Introduction
I did something similar to add a milk crate to the back of my bike and I have an important warning. I had about 4 pounds worth of stuff in the crate and that was enough to throw off the equilibrium off the bike. I fell twice, the last one, injuring my knee and almost getting run over in the process. I have been riding for about 30 years and am an avid mountain biker. I think that it is safer to either wear a small back pack or saddle bags where the weight is further down in the center of gravity. Be very careful. Good instructable though, thanks for offering it.
14 years ago on Introduction
This looks great, I plan to make my attempt at it today so I will post photos if I succeed. and probably wont if I don't. ; ) Thanks for the great idea.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Mine turned out OK but not as pretty as yours. My shop is set up for wood work so its was fun to play with metal but I did have to make some pieces from wood. I didn't want to spend any money so it looks a little ghetto because everything is scavenged from the garage. Thanks for the idea BigwhiteBob
14 years ago on Step 5
How long were the upright supports for your rack? Mine will probably be different, but they might not.
14 years ago on Introduction
I did something similar to this but i had a piece of conduit left over so i bend some aliminium into a U shape (could've used u bolts or something) and threaded a rod through and welded it into a old metal case so it slid under my rack and slid back out when i wantd it to