Cheap Bike Rack especially Cabrio

[Carkle]

I used a pair of tow point adapters from gominigo.com, 2 1/2"-3/4" pipe reducers, 2 18" 3/4 pipes, and 2 Yakima Boas. I use a 19mm wrench to snug them into the bumper sockets, and can carry 2 light (sub 25lb) mountain bikes on a setup like Runner33. If you take the wheel trays off the Boa, the whole assembly fits inside the storage bin in the tailgate. The Boas are the most expensive part, I think the adapters were $55, the pipe was maybe $15. Pretty sweet setup and much cheaper than the factory rack. I leave a pair of wheelbags in the back to keep it clean.

[mkradin]

Similar to Carkle I fabricated a bike rack. I used two Smart tow hooks, cut off the rings and welded to steel tubing that fits the inside of a Yakima roof rack tube. I purchased a new 48" tube cut it in 1/2 assembled it and use a Yakima fork mount bike holder. I can carry two heavy beach cruisers no problem - solid.

[ADilwicius]

Originally Posted by Carkle

I used a pair of tow point adapters from gominigo.com, 2 1/2"-3/4" pipe reducers, 2 18" 3/4 pipes, and 2 Yakima Boas. I use a 19mm wrench to snug them into the bumper sockets, and can carry 2 light (sub 25lb) mountain bikes on a setup like Runner33. If you take the wheel trays off the Boa, the whole assembly fits inside the storage bin in the tailgate. The Boas are the most expensive part, I think the adapters were $55, the pipe was maybe $15. Pretty sweet setup and much cheaper than the factory rack. I leave a pair of wheelbags in the back to keep it clean.

Do you have a picture of this set up?

[tcirillo]

today in general discussion. it's inexpensive, and i rated it as highly recommended. it may meet your needs perfectly. check it out.

[SmartPotato]

Howdy... I was the guy who got Smart Madness to sell the bolts (Your Welcome ;)

They work great. We have put two road bikes or two mountain bikes on the back using Yakima racks (need to turn handle bars at stems). Our triathlon bikes work best because of the low spoke count we slip the handlebars through the wheels.

The bolts were our only option because normal bike racks don't work on some of our bikes.

[silverbrabus]

Originally Posted by runner33

btw- make sure you get the larger diameter two rods so it fit the yakima boa style bike mounts.

Is this what you used?

smart car Tow Hook Support Rods (2)

[runner33]

Originally Posted by silverbrabus

Is this what you used?

smart car Tow Hook Support Rods (2)

yes...

[silverbrabus]

Thanks for the reply runner. 2 more questions:

1) Any marring of the bumper paint/plastic at attachment point?

2) Why the boa vs copperhead? Price only or functional consideration?

[silverbrabus]

Bringing this thread back from the dead.

I'm about to pull the trigger and order a Yakima and the hardware to put one of these together. Want to see if anyone using this type of setup long term was having problems.

From a forum search looks like anyone hanging any kind of serious weight on the tow fittings is having structural issues.

Mine is a light road bike -- figure total weight of bike + rack = <25 lbs, so I should be safe?

Experiences, comments?

[recyclerob]

Help - also need a pair of the *tow hook support rods* for 1 1/8 "( Yakima old lock jaw system) . any ideas where to purchase? there was some on E-bay awhile ago but the source has dried up ? and the smt madness link shows no product. and help will be great !!