Homemade Bicycle Rack

Traditional rear-mounted bicycle rack.

Bike racks are a popular add-on to commuter bicycles as an alternative to carrying a backpack or messenger bag that may be uncomfortable or interfere with balance while riding. While there are several brands of bike racks to choose from, most bicycle racks often require a certain amount of modification. Bike racks can be too long, or interfere with the rear brakes so there is always the option of building your own rack to circumvent these problems.

Pick Your Materials

The first thing you're going to want to think about when building a bike rack is the kind of material you're going to use. Bike racks are designed to withstand anywhere from 40 to 80 lbs of weight. Optimal materials are aluminum, steel and bamboo but any material that can support the weight of your luggage will do. A bike rack is a very simple piece of equipment with a flat piece called a top shelf reinforced by bars that attach to the rear axle and evenly redistribute the weight. In order for it to work properly the rack needs to be sturdy, properly measured and properly fixed to the bike.

Build It

When building the rack, use a flat piece of aluminum or bamboo for the top shelf. You may choose to reinforce this by placing aluminum bars on the underside of the shelf. This top shelf will be placed over the rear wheel and fender, if there is one. You will also need two or three lengths of rod to attach the top shelf to the rear axle. Measure out the distance between your axle and where you will place the top shelf. Each rod will need to be approximately twice that length plus the width of the top shelf. Using a vice, bend each rod to create a "U" shape. Using either solder or bolts, attach the rods to the underside of the top shelf. You will need to solder the tips of the rods together so the entire rack resembles the truss of a bridge and it can redistribute the weight properly. Once the rack is built, you will need to attach it to your bike using braze-ons. A braze-on is a small metal eyelet that is welded to the frame and is used to screw on accessories like a bike rack or a sissy bar. Bolt the finished rack to the braze-ons near the rear axle. Using metal struts that can be found at any hardware store, attach the front end of the rack to the seat of your bike frame with seat clamps. Seat clamps can be found brand new for just over a dollar. Test your rack to make sure its sturdy, and enjoy the ride.

References

• Circle City Bicycles: Racks
• Road Cycler: Which Rack is Right for You?
• Old Man Mountain: Rear Rack Installation Instructions