Bike rack

Submitted: Thursday, Sep 03, 2015 at 21:40

ThreadID: 130179 Views:7706 Replies:5 FollowUps:4

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NIK `N` OFF

Having sold the ute that carried our mountain bikes I needed to find another way of taking them away. I initially thought about making up a rack on the front of the van but it would have got in the way of things, so I looked at the rear and this us what I came up with. I was a bit dubious about the way it clamps onto a 50mm towball, but it appears very strong and doesn't move around at all.

The rack itself is a Thule brand and I came across it at a cheap price.

Bike rack

I moved the number plate across so it wasn't obscured.

The down side of rear mounting is the bikes will get covered in dust on dirt roads.

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Reply By: Doinit-Ezy - Friday, Sep 04, 2015 at 22:44

Friday, Sep 04, 2015 at 22:44

Hi Mick & Vikie

Looks good & I'm sure they will get covered in dust. However my front mounted bike (behind stone guard) gets covered in mud & road grime when raining so not sure which is worse. Have decided to go back to fold-up bike which works great on good surfaces; e.g. 28km circuit at Hervey Bay; but a shocker on corrugations. Also don't need to peddle as far for exercise.

Cheers
Greg

AnswerID: 589991

Follow Up By: NIK `N` OFF - Saturday, Sep 05, 2015 at 13:23

Saturday, Sep 05, 2015 at 13:23

What's a bit more dust .. Haha, we have friends with fold up bikes, they stay clean because they rarely get them out :-)

FollowupID: 858008

Reply By: Maximus - Saturday, Sep 05, 2015 at 18:26

Saturday, Sep 05, 2015 at 18:26

Mick

Looks great. Just what I want to do but not sure where to start. How far away is the top from the window ?? I use a fold-up I bury in one of the hatches. This is when I miss the Chevy. AND I do USE my fold -up..so there.
Much prefer the full size though.

Cheers

AnswerID: 590012

Follow Up By: NIK `N` OFF - Saturday, Sep 05, 2015 at 19:50

Saturday, Sep 05, 2015 at 19:50

G'day Barrie,

The rack doesn't foul with the window opening as it is, but to be honest I haven't tried with the bikes attached, it wasn't a big concern as they are easily taken off.

The closer photo of the two best describes what I did, but if you would like me to take some close ups and measurements I can. Cutting the square tube at the right angle was the hardest part. Being custom someone may have a better idea and other styles of bike racks may suit a different bracket.

A friend makes these
http://www.isi-carriers.com
They are an excellent product and something that could be mounted on the front or rear of the van. They cost a bit more than mine ;-) but may give you an idea.

FollowupID: 858014

Reply By: Maximus - Saturday, Sep 05, 2015 at 20:13

Saturday, Sep 05, 2015 at 20:13

Thanks Mick..
When I get around to it and have the time I will make contact again.

AnswerID: 590018

Follow Up By: NIK `N` OFF - Saturday, Sep 05, 2015 at 20:27

Saturday, Sep 05, 2015 at 20:27

No worries,

I refreshed my memory on the iSi carriers, they surely are a well built bike rack, the bike is supported on the wheels similar to what I had on my ute, I have my doubts that my Thule attached to a 50mm towball will survive the corrugations, time will tell :-/ At least the receiver bracket I made will suit the iSi carrier if I end up with problems with the Thule.

I could have saved some hassle had I kept the bike carrier when I sold the ute :-(