How To Build a PVC Bike Rack

Bike racks are an ideal way to hold a bicycle up without having to prop it against a building. Most of the mountain or distance bikes do not have kickstands and it helps to have a bike rack. Building a bike rack out of PVC pipe is an economical way of having a bike rack. This project holds two bikes and will cost less than $20 to build.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 28-inch pieces 1-inch PVC pipe
• 2 18 1/2-inch pieces 1-inch PVC pipe
• 3 16 1/2-inch pieces 1-inch PVC pipe
• 2 9 1/2-inch pieces 1-inch PVC pipe
• 2 8 1/2-inch pieces 1-inch PVC pipe
• 4 1 3/4-inch pieces 1-inch PVC pipe
• 6 T connectors
• 6 PVC elbows
• PVC pipe glue
• Hacksaw
• Measuring tape

Instructions

1. Ask the hardware store to cut the PVC to the required lengths. Dry fit first for correct placement.

2. 
   Rack assembly

   Place the two 28-inch lengths on the ground or floor. One one the left and one on the right. Attach a PVC elbow to each end of each pipe. This forms the four corners of the bike stand.

3. Attach a 1 3/4-inch pipe into the open holes of each elbow. Next, put a T connector into the open end of the 1 3/4-inch pipe. This creates the space for the wheels to go into.

4. Attach a 16 1/2-inch pipe into the T connectors at the top and bottom with the side hole facing toward the middle of the frame.

5. 
   Space assembly

   Attach an 18 1/2-inch pipe into the bottom holes of the T connectors at the top and a 9 1/2-inch pipe into the bottom of the frame. Attach the two lengths of pipe together with a T connector and the side hole of the T connector facing up. Repeat this for each side of the rack. This completes the space for the wheels.

6. 
   Base assembly

   Attach the two 8 1/2-inch pipes into the open holes of the T connectors on each side. Attach an elbow into the open end of these pipes. Finally, attach a 16 1/2-inch pipe into each elbow to form the cross brace for the base that sits against the floor. If all connections are correct, glue in place and allow to dry. If the connections are not correct, trim excess pipe with a hacksaw. Turn the rack over and place where desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Add sections for more bikes.

Resources

• More PVC Projects