DIY Hitch Bike Rack- PIC HEAVY

[desertred]

Nice job, looks great. Always fun to build something that's one of a kind, that you will use.

Now excuse my ignorance. I've been looking at getting a mtn bike since moving to ABQ, why do I notice most people getting the racks that hold from the wheels instead of those that hold at the frame like these.

The frame design of many full suspension bikes prevent easy mounting on the latter racks without a "crossbar adapter" running between the seat post and steering tube. The convenience of loading and unloading bikes of "wheel based/platform style" racks is a big factor, as well. I personally chose a platform style rack, as I wanted to carry an extended load on the roof while transporting my bikes. Racks that hang a bike by the frame tend to position the bikes higher toward the roof line and at an angle, which may interfere with loads extending over the roof. It just comes down to the types of bikes you have and personal preference (and willingness to spend $$$). Both styles are used extensively in my area.

 

[desertred]

4runforfun, excellent job! I have to envy your fabrications skills, as my lack of such placed me into a position of spending the dollars to get a rack that met my desires. Well done.

 

[Rocky5000100]

What gauge is that tubing?

 

[ImOnAPlain51]

The frame design of many full suspension bikes prevent easy mounting on the latter racks without a "crossbar adapter" running between the seat post and steering tube. The convenience of loading and unloading bikes of "wheel based/platform style" racks is a big factor, as well. I personally chose a platform style rack, as I wanted to carry an extended load on the roof while transporting my bikes. Racks that hang a bike by the frame tend to position the bikes higher toward the roof line and at an angle, which may interfere with loads extending over the roof. It just comes down to the types of bikes you have and personal preference (and willingness to spend $$$). Both styles are used extensively in my area.

Thanks for reply/information...makes sense.

 

[MarkWalker]

Nice work! Very similar to a Hollywood rack I had back in the day. I miss the days when everybody used good ol' 9mm front wheel skewers.

Ha, exactly what I thought. I still have my Hollywood and its better than 99% of the crap on the market today. Just like the OPs BUT it folds up also.

 

[txclimber]

Looks great! I have one very similar and love it. If you find that it wiggles in the hitch, you can replace the hitch pin with a large bolt and fix a nut inside the rack's tube.

Then you can just tighten it all up and no more wiggle. Feels much safer and quieter on bumpy roads.

 

[4runforfun]

What gauge is that tubing?

The center tubing is 1/4" thick, and the "I" frame is 1/8" thick. Both heavy duty but not too heavy to lift.

 

[4runforfun]

Looks awesome. How do you mange sway?


Edit: looked good in white too.

THanks


What type of sway? The rack doesn't sway at all because of the 2" tubing in a 2" receiver. No room for movement. The bikes don't sway because of the fork mounts.


I know, the white was sharp, I almost wanted to leave it, but it may not have stayed white for long.