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.

andrew smith 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:

andrew smith 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...