Bike Rack - two single bikes

burdima · 08-27-2008, 08:23 PM

I've made a very simple bike rack that fits the two tow fitting in the rear bumper. The two 3/4" black pipe (1 1/16 OD) tubes screw into the bumper fittings and hold two sets of Yakima Boa fork clamp bike mounts. With bikes mounted the rear window still opens. I have used the rack and there is very little bike movement over bumps. Rear visability is still good. The rear wheel of each bike are wider than the car by about 6 inches. Since I'm a new member I don't think I can add pictures, but I will try later if anyone is interested. Happy Smart biking!

SGTMAJOR · 08-27-2008, 09:40 PM

Burdima - Sounds like you're thinking the same as I. (smile) I was looking at the Boa mounts, however, wasn't sure how secure they would be so was thinking of using the High Roller. The Boa mounts would be much cheaper for sure.... and I'm anxious to see pictures of your design so hope you can figure out how to post the pictures.

How far do your pipes protrude from the rear of your car? Did you screw the pipes directly in to the tow fittings?

Many thanks for posting your design ideas..... at least now I know it can be done.

Best wishes,
Steve

a2jack · 08-27-2008, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by burdima

I've made a very simple bike rack that fits the two tow fitting in the rear bumper. The two 3/4" black pipe (1 1/16 OD) tubes screw into the bumper fittings and hold two sets of Yakima Boa fork clamp bike mounts. With bikes mounted the rear window still opens. I have used the rack and there is very little bike movement over bumps. Rear visability is still good. The rear wheel of each bike are wider than the car by about 6 inches. Since I'm a new member I don't think I can add pictures, but I will try later if anyone is interested. Happy Smart biking!

That my friend is the break through. Thank you for coming up with the idea and posting it. Yes pix would be great.

Black pipe (gas pipe) is quite strong when compared with water pipe as gas pipe molecules are closer together. This stuff is cheap and comes already threaded from any hardware store and it can be painted.

Good shot...A2Jack.

SGTMAJOR · 08-28-2008, 09:05 AM

burdima - Sorry.... one more question. With the Boa, I see you must remove the front wheel. Do you just put the wheel inside.... or have you done a special mount for it?

I contacted Yakima in reference to the "High Roller" mount. Obviously, they cannot recommend a sideways install as that's not the intended design, however, they did state that if installing sideways to look at their "Sprocket Rocket" as a more secure setup.

I don't mind removing the tire etc.,.... but on vacation I have luggage etc., to consider and I'm just not sure where to put the wheel.

Thanks for the time,
Steve

burdima · 08-28-2008, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SGTMAJOR

Burdima - Sounds like you're thinking the same as I. (smile) I was looking at the Boa mounts, however, wasn't sure how secure they would be so was thinking of using the High Roller. The Boa mounts would be much cheaper for sure.... and I'm anxious to see pictures of your design so hope you can figure out how to post the pictures.

How far do your pipes protrude from the rear of your car? Did you screw the pipes directly in to the tow fittings?

Many thanks for posting your design ideas..... at least now I know it can be done.

Best wishes,
Steve

The pipes are welded to fittings I bought from gomimigo.com for Smart car. The pipes stick out 21 in from car, but could actually be about an inch shorter for the width of the bikes I have. The wheels go behind the seats. What do you think someone would pay for a set of these pipes ready to screw in?

burdima · 08-28-2008, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SGTMAJOR

Burdima - Sounds like you're thinking the same as I. (smile) I was looking at the Boa mounts, however, wasn't sure how secure they would be so was thinking of using the High Roller. The Boa mounts would be much cheaper for sure.... and I'm anxious to see pictures of your design so hope you can figure out how to post the pictures.

How far do your pipes protrude from the rear of your car? Did you screw the pipes directly in to the tow fittings?

Many thanks for posting your design ideas..... at least now I know it can be done.

Best wishes,
Steve

Forgot to mention - I'll try to upload pics tonight, but in the meantime I do have pics on my posting at Smart USA insider. Cheers

fmaxwell · 08-28-2008, 12:26 PM

I purchased a bike rack from Performance Bicycle and I highly recommend it (though I have not yet used it on a smart-mounted hitch though I see no reason why it would not work). This is what it looks like:

It's regularly $250 and is on sale right now for $140. It works with either a 1.25" or 2" receiver and the bikes sit upright and are easily loaded:

It holds two bikes and is adjustable for bicycle wheelbases from 17"-58". What's not shown is that the two arms that support the wheels fold (and lock) to the vertical position, making it less than a foot wide.

In order to provide stability and not wobble in the hitch mount, it uses a bolt rather than a hitch pin. That's a good thing to slow a potential thief, but makes it a bit more tedious to attach and detach from the hitch. Fair tradeoff, though.

I do not know if this has been mentioned elsewhere in the forum, but I wanted to share my experiences with it in case that would be helpful.

burdima · 08-28-2008, 10:00 PM

I can't figure out how to upload pictures to my post. Any help?

Smart Enuf · 08-28-2008, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by burdima

I can't figure out how to upload pictures to my post. Any help?

Try this sticky: How To Post Photos

burdima · 08-29-2008, 01:58 PM

I uploaded three pictures to the Gallery. Not sure how to link them to this posting. You can find them by searching bike or rack, I hope. Thanks for the tip Smart Enuf.