Bike rack - clamping ideas for roll cage (no, really!)

[AdamR]

Nope, not an April Fool's joke   I'm going to make a bike rack for my car!

 

Basically I need a couple of 45mm pipe clamps to affix to the main hoop of my cage, and I've found a few options but just wondering if anyone else had any ideas?

 

These are on the shortlist so far...

 

Stauff clamps: http://www.icfluid.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/pipe_clamp_1.jpg

 

Exhaust clamps (but not too keen on these as I'm sure they'll ding the powdercoating): http://exhaustpartsuk.com/images/SDC11719.jpg

 

The ones with the built-in threaded boss: http://i01.i.aliimg.com/photo/v0/214469051/343_stainless_steel_pipe_clamp.jpg

 

I'd like the whole thing to be pretty quick to fit / remove so anything too complex is out. It only has to carry 7kg so the plan is to have a 'cup' for each wheel, velcro strap these into place and then a horizontal support between the frame and top of the cage. Welder, bits of steel and loads of nuts and bolts are already available!

 

Cheers,

Adam

[Onliest Smeg David]

Adam

I have thule racks which you can try on your cage if you want, to help see how you want to progress.

Happy to loan if fit.

If so I'm up your way tomorrow pm.

[AdamR]

Cheers for that David - should be ok though, thanks. Have a couple of 'regular' bike racks here to take inspiration from if I need

[Onliest Smeg David]

Have you looked at bike upside down, strapping/clampng handlebar ends to front/rear of cage then seat Velcroed to other end (or wheel if It's your trail bikes and no seat)

You wouldn't need horizontal support to frame then as kept upright by handlebars.

I have used this method with roof bars when no rack available. Very secure with much heavier bikes than yours.

[Terry Everall]

Don't obscure your rear lights

[pickmaster Andy Lowe]

I can't see a Westfield being much fun with a bike on top around corners !!!!!!

[AdamR]

Have you looked at bike upside down, strapping/clampng handlebar ends to front/rear of cage then seat Velcroed to other end (or wheel if It's your trail bikes and no seat)

You wouldn't need horizontal support to frame then as kept upright by handlebars.

I have used this method with roof bars when no rack available. Very secure with much heavier bikes than yours.

 

Ooh, hadn't thought of that. Good shout, thanks!

 

Don't obscure your rear lights

 

Also a good shout - it'll be up nice and high though, cheers.

 

I can't see a Westfield being much fun with a bike on top around corners !!!!!!

 

Oh it will be

[Onliest Smeg David]

Yep

It'll be fun on the bike

& fun getting there and back!

And great photos of bike flying over Westie.

[Kit Car Electronics and Essex AO]

Adam, I'd look at Fiamma bike rack spares- they have lots of handy clamps with rubber covered ratchet straps...

[peet]

Fiamma clamps could be great for my half hood support rail! Thanks for the tip!

[AdamR]

Thanks Mike, I shall look at those

 

However... thanks to David's idea I didn't actually need to fabricate anything    As luck would have it, the dimensions of the cage are almost perfect for my bike. The straps on the handlebars fit between the brake levers and grips so they can't slide anywhere, and with the back wheel wedged up against the main roll hoop (and strapped down) it can't shift backwards or forwards either! Successfully tested on the M6 this evening - complete with funny looks

 

[Onliest Smeg David]

Looks like a childs bike

[Andy Banks]

Awesome! So if you roll it you can cycle home...

 

[alexander72]

i'd like one of those to avoid the recovery truck of shame :-)

[Dommo]

It looks like somewhere behind you there's a paperboy on the road bleeding