How to Make a Rear Bike Rack

If you want to make a homemade rear bike rack, you must have the type of bike that has metal protectors over the tops of the wheels. Otherwise, a rear bike rack is something that you must purchase from a store to insure that it will fit the pole that holds up your seat snugly and will not interfere with wheel motion. However, if you do have metal wheel covers, you can rig a handy rear bike rack in a matter of minutes with a partner, using a few bungee cords and a plastic milk crate.

Things You'll Need

• 4 bungee cords
• Plastic milk crate
• Thin rope or thick twine

Instructions

1. Have your partner position the milk crate on top of the metal wheel guard. It should sit on top of the guard and be pressed up against the back of the bike seat.

2. Attach the milk crate to the wheel guard with the bungee cords. Wrap them through the holes in the bottom of the crate and then under the wheel guard. The bungee cords should pass right above the wheel, but still allow it to turn freely. At this point the milk crate will be firmly attached to the bicycle, but will not remain upright if you ride around a corner.

3. Stabilize the milk crate using the twine. Run the twine through the holes in the side of the milk crate closest to the seat and around the bar holding the seat up. This twine and the back of the seat itself will hold the milk crate in place.

4. Test out your new rear bike rack. Ride your bike around a flat area with no traffic. The bungee cords should not interfere with the wheel's movement. If they do, you will need to try to reposition them. Also, the milk crate should not wobble when you make sharp turns. If it does, add more bungee cords or rope.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember, this will only work if your bike has a rear wheel guard. Otherwise, you need to invest in a rear bike rack from a bicycle shop.

References

• Installing a milk crate on a bike rack.