How do you haul your mountain bike in the back of your pick-up?

[N_K_1984]

Thinking about tackling the build of a DIY bike rack for the back of my truck. I have foundseveral examples online made of PVC. I'd rather build than buy, it will be cheaper and way more fun, and I've read good things about the DIY PVC bike racks...

Here's an example of one I found online:

I thought I might come before you my fellow INGOers and see how you haul your bikes? Are there any other creative, DIY methods to hauling a bike in the back of a pick-up truck?

 

[HICKMAN]

if your bed has the slots in it, take a 2x4 and get some bike fork mounts

Amazon.com: Pyramid Bike Rack, Quick Release Fork Mount Black: Sports & Outdoors

 

[HICKMAN]

think I've actually got one at the house you can have if you want it. Can bring it in Monday.

Has two quick release mounts on it.

 

[N_K_1984]

Thanks JT, I appreciate it. I'll take it if you're giving it away, I will definitely give it a try! We'll call it a trade, that bed frame I gave you for your bike fork mounts!

Longterm, I'm looking for a solution that doesn't require removing my front wheels. I have quick release on both bikes, BUT I'd rather not fuss with it every time I load or unload. Ya know?

 

[HICKMAN]

understand, I'll bring it in with me monday

 

[N_K_1984]

Thanks JT!

Rest assured, this is not a "WTB" thread, I still want to hear and see some other methods that fellow MTB'ers use to secure their bikes in their trucks! Has anyone else thought, seen, heard about the DIY PVC racks or even better use one?

 

[eldirector]

Last truck had front fork mounts on a 2x4. With the current truck, I just toss (gently) the bikes in the back.

 

[N_K_1984]

...I just toss (gently) the bikes in the back.

That's my current method.

 

[IndyMedic]

I am using the fork mount method. This is the first I am seeing the PVC and I think it is a very cool idea. I wish I could use something like that, but I have a Sonoma with a short bed and a 29er so the bike barely fits in there as is.

 

[N_K_1984]

I'm rocking a Sonoma Crew Cab, it has a tiny bed. I don't ride a 29er though... So, I'll definitely let you know how it goes.

 

[cbseniour]

Years ago I laid a 2x6 across the front of the bed, in the bed not on top attached two axle clamps to it and set my bikes in there with the front wheels off. Still works great cost about $10. If you need security you have to add a bike cable and lock.

 

[N_K_1984]

iPhone teaser pic!

 

[N_K_1984]

Detailed Pics of my DIY PVC Bike Rack

I finished my DIY Bike Rack for my pick-up. Cost me just under $30 in materials and took no more than an hour to assemble. I just took it for a test drive across town and back (in Bloomington) and had no problems. The bikes were just as snug when I got home as they were when I left!

 

[N_K_1984]

Here's the drawing I did for the DIY Rack

Materials:
- 1/2" PVC Pipe
- 14ea T Fittings
- 6 90 degree elbows
- PVC Pipe Primer
- PVC Pipe Adhesive
- Spray Paint (optional)

In the space that holds the front wheel of the bike, there is a small gap between the T Fittings, a 1.75" piece of PVC is used to fill in that gap. I feel it's best to gauge this gap with your individual bike tire.

My drawing is kind of vague, so if you want to build one and have any questions let me know!

 

[IndyMedic]

Yeah mine is a crew cab also. I love the truck but wish the bed was a foot longer. The rack looks great. I wish I would have seen this before I made mine. I like the fact that you don't have to remove the front wheel every time. I may have to build one of these just to try it out and see which I like better.

 

[N_K_1984]

I love not having to take my front wheel off. And, for $30 and an hour spent on the build, how could you go wrong??

Some tips I'd give anyone interested in building on of these; Be as precise as possible when gluing your joints. Measure twice, cut once. Perform a dry run of assembly. Glue and reassemble very quickly. Having all the pieces laid out on the ground in front of you is VERY helpful. My fiancé helped me build mine. Having an extra set of hands made it much easier. If you have someone willing to help, definitely take advantage of that!

...and good luck!

 

[N_K_1984]

Another successful test outing today. This time with only one bike. Once again, across town and back.

 

[wrenchead88]

i wish i would have made one of those for my last pickup but i just used put a heavy blanket over the tailgate and hang the front end of the bike over it and strap it down so it couldnt move, which worked but this looks like it works better

 

[N_K_1984]

This setup is freakin' awesome! I can't tell y'all how much I love it. I have hauled our two bikes all over town and back, multiple times, and so far never had a single issue. The bikes are in solid, don't move an inch, and I know they aren't sliding around getting scratched, dinged, or getting pedals snagged in spokes... This is one of the best DIY projects yet that I feel I've tackled. If you are a bike rider, have a pick-up, and you haul your bike to trails, this is THE way to go if you don't want to buy a fancy name-brand set up.

 

[KMan]

That is awesome. I've been using a small fork mount that is bolted to the bed but this looks a lot easier.