A Rooftop Bike Carrier

(Page 2 of 2)

July/August 1984
 
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The folding support struts consist of 1/2" X 48" lengths of conduit, each bent into an elongated U and attached to what will be the rear framing bar with 1" sections of 1/8" aluminum angle. The down-tube clamps are made from 4-1/2" sections of 1" square aluminum tubing cut to match the contour of the struts to which they're attached and the down tube of a bike frame. A spring-loaded carriage bolt run through each pair of clamps assures a positive grip, and—to prevent scratches and abrasion—Dennis covered the jaws with a plastic-dip coating. (Duct or electrical tape would be a cheapo alternative.)

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Once the rack is hooked to the car roof—support struts to the rear—securing the bicycles is a cinch: The wheels are laid in the plastic troughs (fronts facing rearward), and then the struts can be swung up so the padded clamps can hold each bike's down tube. With that done, each wheel is strapped in place. Unless you have an exceptionally heavy machine, installing and removing a bike should be no problem ... and even sudden stops will tend to draw the bikes down against the cradles rather than lever them upward. Best of all, your "ride" will be safe from any street-level mishaps ... and you can enjoy your jaunt without spending a fortune.

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