Removable platform for rear rack?

David Kerber <ns_dkerber@ns_ids.net> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Boy, I'm really losing it today; I meant to post this in
.misc, but put it in .rides instead; sorry about that.
Maybe the 3rd time will be a charm!

I posted this in .tech, but didn't get any responses, so
I'll try here...

I'm looking for plans (or a pre-made one) for a platform
which I can easily attach to and remove from my rear rack,
which would be big enough to hold a large gym bag (approx
27" long, 12" wide) without it hanging way off the end and
sides as it does on the factory rack.

I'm sure I could whip something up out of 1/4" plywood and
four u-bolts, but was wondering is somebody knows of a better-
looking, more durable solution.

Aluminum would be nice, but not necessary. I have wood
working tools, but not much in the way of metal working
tools except for a bench vise, a hacksaw and a Dremel, so
complex metal bending and welding are out (simple bending,
cutting and soldering are ok).

One possible simple solution: plastic storage crate (milk
crate), tied on with rope or elastic rope.

Gym bag would stand up on end, the 12*12 part put into the
milk crate, and the remainder of the 27 inch dimension
hangout out the top.

Use old shoelace to tie gym bag so it can't fall out.

In article
<[email hidden]>,
[email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

David Kerber <ns_dkerber@ns_ids.net> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Boy, I'm really losing it today; I meant to post this in
.misc, but put it in .rides instead; sorry about that.
Maybe the 3rd time will be a charm!

I posted this in .tech, but didn't get any responses, so
I'll try here...

I'm looking for plans (or a pre-made one) for a platform
which I can easily attach to and remove from my rear
rack, which would be big enough to hold a large gym bag
(approx 27" long, 12" wide) without it hanging way off
the end and sides as it does on the factory rack.

I'm sure I could whip something up out of 1/4" plywood
and four u-bolts, but was wondering is somebody knows of
a better-looking, more durable solution.

Aluminum would be nice, but not necessary. I have wood
working tools, but not much in the way of metal working
tools except for a bench vise, a hacksaw and a Dremel,
so complex metal bending and welding are out (simple
bending, cutting and soldering are ok).

One possible simple solution: plastic storage crate (milk
crate), tied on with rope or elastic rope.

This is one of my "last resort" possibilities. I'm no
fashion nut, but this is a little uglier than even I would
like. Even this might not be real stable, since the crate
would stick out several inches on either side of the rack,
with the tall bag raising the center of gravity quite a bit.

Thanks for the response, though; you're the first one.

--
Remove the ns_ from if replying by e-mail (but keep posts in
the newsgroups if possible).

I saw the ultimate version of this last summer in Holly, MI.

There was a guy riding his bike around that had a 3
foot square plywood sheet mounted on the back. It was
nicely covered in carpet, and had his German Shepard
riding on it :-)

"David Kerber" <ns_dkerber@ns_ids.net> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Boy, I'm really losing it today; I meant to post this in
.misc, but put it in .rides instead; sorry about that.
Maybe the 3rd time will be a charm!

I posted this in .tech, but didn't get any responses, so
I'll try here...

I'm looking for plans (or a pre-made one) for a platform
which I can easily attach to and remove from my rear rack,
which would be big enough to hold a large gym bag (approx
27" long, 12" wide) without it hanging way off the end and
sides as it does on the factory rack.

I'm sure I could whip something up out of 1/4" plywood and
four u-bolts, but was wondering is somebody knows of a better-
looking, more durable solution.

Aluminum would be nice, but not necessary. I have wood
working tools, but not much in the way of metal working
tools except for a bench vise, a hacksaw and a Dremel, so
complex metal bending and welding are out (simple bending,
cutting and soldering are ok).

Thanks for any suggestions!

--
Remove the ns_ from if replying by e-mail (but keep posts
in the newsgroups if possible).

"David Kerber" <ns_dkerber@ns_ids.net> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Boy, I'm really losing it today; I meant to post this in
.misc, but put it in .rides instead; sorry about that.
Maybe the 3rd time will be a charm!

I posted this in .tech, but didn't get any responses, so
I'll try here...

I'm looking for plans (or a pre-made one) for a platform
which I can easily attach to and remove from my rear rack,
which would be big enough to hold a large gym bag (approx
27" long, 12" wide) without it hanging way off the end and
sides as it does on the factory rack.

I'm sure I could whip something up out of 1/4" plywood and
four u-bolts, but was wondering is somebody knows of a better-
looking, more durable solution.

Aluminum would be nice, but not necessary. I have wood
working tools, but not much in the way of metal working
tools except for a bench vise, a hacksaw and a Dremel, so
complex metal bending and welding are out (simple bending,
cutting and soldering are ok).

Thanks for any suggestions!

--
Remove the ns_ from if replying by e-mail (but keep posts
in the newsgroups if possible).

I found a folding camping grill that is about 12" X
24". Removed the folding legs, and used aprox. 3/16"
rope to fasten to my rack. Been using it for over a
year with no problems.

On Tue, 20 Apr 2004 08:52:17 -0400, David Kerber

ns_dkerber@ns_ids.net said:

I'm looking for plans (or a pre-made one) for a platform
which I can easily attach to and remove from my rear rack,
which would be big enough to hold a large gym bag (approx
27" long, 12" wide) without it hanging way off the end and
sides as it does on the factory rack.

Find a largish, rubber-coated-wire basket. Wal Mart has
some, I don't recall if the size is appropriate.

I don't know what to say for a QR, though. I've been
considering almost the same idea for awhile (just haven't
worked very hard on it
🙂.
--
Rick Onanian

On Tue, 20 Apr 2004 14:08:24 -0400, David Kerber

ns_dkerber@ns_ids.net said:

This is one of my "last resort" possibilities. I'm no
fashion nut, but this is a little uglier than even I
would like. Even this might not be real stable, since the
crate would stick out several inches on either side of
the rack, with the tall bag raising the center of gravity
quite a bit.

Thanks for the response, though; you're the first one.

Well, the first thing is that with only five racks, I have
four designs in my garage. I'm not counting two or three
hanging from the wall. I think the fastening system would
have to be different for each one.

I had a device long ago that had eight arms that slid out
to expand to whatever size you needed. Not real hefty, but
worked for most items. You needed bungie cords to hold the
whole thing together. Haven't seen them in a very long
time. Think I would try to go that route, though. Sliding
arms that nested inside the regular rack. Wouldn't be hard
to do with some wall shelving racks (the parts you nail to
the wall to snap the extensions into) as the outside pieces
and something inside to slide. You could triple the width
and extend the rear while keeping the normal dimensions
most of the time.

Curtis L. Russell Odenton, MD (USA) Just someone on
two wheels...

In article <[email hidden]>,
[email hidden] says...

...

Quoted message said:

I found a folding camping grill that is about 12" X 24".
Removed the folding legs, and used aprox. 3/16" rope to
fasten to my rack. Been using it for over a year with no
problems.

That's a good idea; thanks!

--
Remove the ns_ from if replying by e-mail (but keep posts in
the newsgroups if possible).

In article <[email hidden]>,
[email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

On Tue, 20 Apr 2004 08:52:17 -0400, David Kerber

ns_dkerber@ns_ids.net said:

I'm looking for plans (or a pre-made one) for a platform
which I can easily attach to and remove from my rear
rack, which would be big enough to hold a large gym bag
(approx 27" long, 12" wide) without it hanging way off
the end and sides as it does on the factory rack.

Find a largish, rubber-coated-wire basket. Wal Mart has
some, I don't recall if the size is appropriate.

I don't know what to say for a QR, though. I've been
considering almost the same idea for awhile (just haven't
worked very hard on it
🙂.

Something like U-bolts with wing nuts would be quick enough;
I don't need a single-lever release or anything like that.

--
Remove the ns_ from if replying by e-mail (but keep posts in
the newsgroups if possible).

In article <[email hidden]>, curtis@the-md-
russells.org says...

...

Quoted message said:

I had a device long ago that had eight arms that slid out
to expand to whatever size you needed. Not real hefty, but
worked for most items. You needed bungie cords to hold the
whole thing together. Haven't seen them in a very long
time. Think I would try to go that route, though. Sliding
arms that nested inside the regular rack. Wouldn't be hard
to do with some wall shelving racks (the parts you nail to
the wall to snap the extensions into) as the outside
pieces and something inside to slide. You could triple the
width and extend the rear while keeping the normal
dimensions most of the time.

I really like that one; it's worth some more design thought.

--
Remove the ns_ from if replying by e-mail (but keep posts in
the newsgroups if possible).

David Kerber <ns_dkerber@ns_ids.net> wrote

Quoted message said:

[email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

One possible simple solution: plastic storage crate
(milk crate), tied on with rope or elastic rope.

This is one of my "last resort" possibilities. I'm no
fashion nut, but this is a little uglier than even I
would like.

Quoted message said:

Even this might not be real stable, since the crate would
stick out several inches on either side of the rack, with
the tall bag raising the center of gravity quite a bit.

You are correct on both counts. It's quite nerdy, and the
stability depends on how well you attach it. If you want
quick removal, there's a tendency to go with less
sturdiness. The high center of gravity is a problem.

Quoted message said:

Thanks for the response, though; you're the first one.

I hope what Russell posted is still in production; it sounds
interesting.

"David Kerber" <ns_dkerber@ns_ids.net> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Boy, I'm really losing it today; I meant to post this in
.misc, but put it in .rides instead; sorry about that.
Maybe the 3rd time will be a charm!

I posted this in .tech, but didn't get any responses, so
I'll try here...

I'm looking for plans (or a pre-made one) for a platform
which I can easily attach to and remove from my rear rack,
which would be big enough to hold a large gym bag (approx
27" long, 12" wide) without it hanging way off the end and
sides as it does on the factory rack.

I'm sure I could whip something up out of 1/4" plywood and
four u-bolts, but was wondering is somebody knows of a better-
looking, more durable solution.

Aluminum would be nice, but not necessary. I have wood
working tools, but not much in the way of metal working
tools except for a bench vise, a hacksaw and a Dremel, so
complex metal bending and welding are out (simple bending,
cutting and soldering are ok).

Thanks for any suggestions!

How about....

A big aluminum cookie sheet attached w/ 4 bolts & wingnuts
or a whopping piece of velcro.

a.

On Thu, 22 Apr 2004 03:20:04 GMT, "andrew smith"

Quoted message said:

"David Kerber" <ns_dkerber@ns_ids.net> wrote in message

Quoted message said:

I'm looking for plans (or a pre-made one) for a platform
which I can easily attach to and remove from my rear
rack, which would be big enough to hold a large gym bag
(approx 27" long, 12" wide) without it hanging

Quoted message said:

A big aluminum cookie sheet attached w/ 4 bolts & wingnuts
or a whopping piece of velcro.

Bolts for attaching the platform to the rack, and velcro for
the bag-platform interface would be perfect.
--
Rick Onanian

"Rick Onanian" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

On Thu, 22 Apr 2004 03:20:04 GMT, "andrew smith"

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

"David Kerber" <ns_dkerber@ns_ids.net> wrote in message

Quoted message said:

I'm looking for plans (or a pre-made one) for a
platform which I can easily attach to and remove from
my rear rack, which would be big

enough

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

to hold a large gym bag (approx 27" long, 12" wide)
without it hanging

Quoted message said:

A big aluminum cookie sheet attached w/ 4 bolts &
wingnuts or a whopping piece of velcro.

Bolts for attaching the platform to the rack, and velcro
for the bag-platform interface would be perfect.

Actually, I think you've hit the perfect solution.

Velcro on the existing rack & bag. No need to expand the
rack.

a.

On Tue, 20 Apr 2004 08:52:17 -0400, David Kerber

ns_dkerber@ns_ids.net said:

I'm looking for plans (or a pre-made one) for a platform
which I can easily attach to and remove from my rear rack,
which would be big enough to hold a large gym bag (approx
27" long, 12" wide) without it hanging way off the end and
sides as it does on the factory rack.

I made a nice detachable "box" that's worked out really well
- maybe it'll work for you too :-) It takes my laptop to
work, or sports gear, or with the lid off, it can take a
small load of groceries etc.

I got a sturdy plastic box, about 50cm (19"😉 wide and long
and 20 cm (8"😉 deep. The corners are rounded, making it seem
reasonably aerodynamic :-) The lid removes completely and
overlaps the sides so it's waterproof. I bought some
aluminium angle, drilled and screwed it to attach both
inside and outside the box, so the base of the box is
"sandwiched" into a rigid supporting frame.

The side rails of the bike rack slide between the aluminium
walls protruding from the bottom of the box, providing
excellent sideways stability. Additional aluminium "hooks"
on the bottom of the box slide under the cross-bars and side-
rails of the rack, stopping the box from coming off
vertically. I attached some shock cord (like a bungy but
better - see a boating shop) to the under-side of the box
that you stretch over the front of the rack, to stop the box
sliding off backwards. To secure the shock cord onto the
box, I bought special "u bolts" with attachment for gripping
cord/cable.

So, attaching or detaching the box only takes a few seconds
- just position it on the rack, slide it forward so the
"hooks" engage underneath the rack, and stretch the shock
cord in place.

When it's mounted, the box is about as wide as my hips, and
extends back off the edge of the rack a little, but not
beyond the rear wheel. The top of the box is below my
saddle, leaving room for a saddle bag with blinkies on. But
this general design would work for larger boxes too.

I stuck some velcro on the bottom of the box to position a
block of foam on the left and right sides. My laptop sits on
these, absorbing road shocks. It's still working after
several months of commuting! I also attached a shock cord
strap that loops over the top of the box to hold down the
lid (or the contents if too big for the lid). Stick on a
couple of reflectors and it's done!

The only tools required were a drill, saw, screwdrivers etc.

In article <[email hidden]>,
[email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

On Tue, 20 Apr 2004 08:52:17 -0400, David Kerber

ns_dkerber@ns_ids.net said:

I'm looking for plans (or a pre-made one) for a platform
which I can easily attach to and remove from my rear
rack, which would be big enough to hold a large gym bag
(approx 27" long, 12" wide) without it hanging way off
the end and sides as it does on the factory rack.

I made a nice detachable "box" that's worked out really
well - maybe it'll work for you too :-) It takes my laptop
to work, or sports gear, or with the lid off, it can take
a small load of groceries etc.

Sounds great! Thanks for the detailed description.

....

--
Dave Kerber Fight spam: remove the ns_ from the return
address before replying!

REAL programmers write self-modifying code.

On Sat, 24 Apr 2004 20:07:12 -0400, David Kerber

ns_dkerber@ns_ids.net said:

... Sounds great! Thanks for the detailed description.

No problem! Let us know how your bag-carrying efforts go -
it's always good to get other ideas...