Bike Rack DIY

by pyoungblood in Outside > Bikes

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Bike Rack DIY

Portable PVC bike rack for camping and toting your bikes in your truck bed.

Measure and Purchase Supplies

Do some quick measuring to get a rough idea of the amount of pipe needed. My truck was 60 inches wide. Based on my design I figured I would need about 40 feet of pvc. I used 3/4 inch.

You may also want a pvc cutter to make things go a little faster.

You will also need pvc primer and cement.

For my design, you will need:
30 "t" connections
2 elbows (more for the optional modifications. Between 6 to 12 extra elbows)
4 end caps

Measure, Cut and Assemble

For the basic design I needed the following lengths and quantities:
10" x 9
1.5" x 12
21" x 8
8" x 8
14.5" x 8
5" x 4

Assemble the pieces (dry fit) according to the diagram.

If it goes together correctly then prime and glue all joints together.

Test

Test your bike and make sure it fits.

Modifications for Disc Brakes

For my mountain bike, the disc brake was hitting the frame so I hade to make an adjustment to the design. I first just cut a grove in the pipe but then decided to make an additional bended section to allow clearance.


The new lengths needed are:
13"
11"
6"
2.5" x 2

You will want two of these modified forks

The other two slots will accommodate the bikes backward and should have enough clearance (mine did)

Modification for Skinny Wheels

Use foam pipe insulation to pad up the pipes. I used 7/8". It is pre sliced so that is handy. A pool noodle would also work nicely.

Glue It Up and Have Fun

Glue your pieces all together. Apply primer then cement.

Get out and ride.