Bike Rack - Porting Thule

[force fed]

has anyone tried the bike rack for sale on ebay? it uses a yakima rack with some machined stainless pole for the bumper.

[KP4-smart]

That set up for the bike rack on ebay (click for link) looks very familiar. I thought we had a member here on the forum that had purchased or machined some bolts that threaded into the rear factory tow hook location. I wonder if he's the same one selling this solution.

Anyway, here are some of the features of what they are selling for $349.95 plus $16.95 shipping:

Complete Bike Rack Mounting Solution for Smart Car
* Threads into Rear Factory Tow Hook Location
* Machined to OEM Specifications (sound familiar )
* Maintenance Free Stainless Steel Construction
* No Modifications Needed

Includes Yakima King Cobra Bike Mount
* Firmly Grips any Wheel from 20" to 29"
* Easliy Holds Suspension and Disc Brake Equipped Bikes
* Quick Loading without Touching Painted Surfaces
* Bike Mount has Integrated Locking Cable (requires SKS Lock Core sold separately)
* Rack can be Securely Locked to Car with Optional Lock Kit (sold separately)

This looks OK for someone that wants a turnkey effortless solution, but I prefer DanishPea's approach which allows two bikes and has the potential for additional mods.

EDIT:force fed, you didn't provide a link to in your original post, so I hope I have linked to the correct one. If I did, it's a strange coincidence that you joined the forum today, this is your first post and both you and the ebay seller (havaclu71) are in Arizona; therefore, is there any relationship between the two or are you a satisfied local area customer? Please let us know. BTW, in answer to your question, AFAIK nobody on the forum has tried the bike rack for sale at the ebay link I posted.

[tsutaoka]

What I like about DanishPea's approach is the "ratchet hinge" allowing the rack to fold-up when not in use. Its a detail, but a big one

[delcabrio]

delcabrio, enjoy...there will be others

I was just kidding. It wasn't me.

[tsutaoka]

;-) its all in good bidding. i'm still searching for a good deal

Originally Posted by delcabrio

I was just kidding. It wasn't me.

[16d @ 4]

DanishPea,
I don't know if this has been asked already, but I'm going to ask again as this is pretty important.

When the bikes are loaded on the rack, and you're driving down the road, does the bikes and rack bounce up and down alot.

Just a bounce floor at some older homes, I don't think it is a good idea to have your bike (most of the time very expensive) bouncing up and down while you're going down the road.

Thanks for the step by step,

[SGTMAJOR]

DanishPea..... MANY THANKS for taking the time to post such great pictures etc. (BTW.... Awesome bike!!!!...Smile)

I'm looking to find a bike solution for my Smart and your "fix" is about the best I've seen to date. There is at least one add-on company developing a bike rack for the Smart.... but their other products give me the impression they are pretty much gouging Smart owners etc.

Anyway.... you have a great solution and have given me some ideas.... Not that I don't like yours..... but when you talk about cutting etc.,..... my non-mechanical abilities have disaster written all over that. (smile)

Best wishes,
Steve

[SGTMAJOR]

Okay.... I think I've found a possible solution so stayed tuned. After seeing the great job Danishpea did.... it gave me an idea. (Could be bad or good.... I'm batting about 50/50.)

I purchased a set of "bumper bolts" today from go mini go..... GoMiniGo-Home of Innovative Products for your car - Smart Bumper Bolts so should receive those in a few days.

My plan..... find some threaded pipe extensions of a proper diameter... then purchase a Yakima rack.

I'm looking at several possiblities... check out the High Roller, however, also look at the Boa. The Boa might work and it's only $60.00. Might be a suitable substitute.

Yakima Products - HighRoller

I'll let you know what I come up with. I'm not taking a trip until late October and hope to have something in place and workable before then.

Best wishes,
Steve

BTW... If someone else has already tried this or has some input... I'm all ears!