DIY Roof Suction Bike Rack

Sometimes bikes need a lift, and reader Patrick created his own suction roof rack to transport his whip.  Details and a few pictures are below, and for more pictures check out his photobucket page dedicated to the project.  All text and pictures below are credited to Patrick.

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I created a roof suction rack made for about $50. Takes about 2 hours to make with only a jigsaw and a drill. Takes a cutting board, suction handle, and fork mount.

Here is the breakdown to make 2 mounts plus one rear holder-

2x suction handles $24
2x 12x18" thick plastic cutting boards $18
2x 7pk of 1" bolts with matching nuts $3
1 x 7pk of 1.5" with matching nuts $1.50
2 x commercail fork mounts $40
1 yard of nylon strapping $3

Optional:

1 buckle $2
1 3 way pvc end $.70

Total-$92.20

Here is the breakdown to make 1 mount-

1x suction handles $12
1x 12x18" thick plastic cutting boards $9
1x 7pk of 1" bolts with matching nuts $1.50
1 x 7pk of 1.5" with matching nuts $1.50
1 x commercail fork mounts 20

Total: $44

Now as far as directions go I didn't really take many pictures of how to build it so I'll do my best to describe.

1. Disassemble the suction handles mine only required removing a pin from the handle and the suction pad was easily removed. do this for all the heads.

2. cut all the heads so that they are seperate and are with a vertical small lip except for 1/2 of one of the handles that one stays together for your rear tire strap if you choose to use it instead of a tie down.

3. cut both boards in half lengthwise and cut the handle portion off. should leave you 4 boards of the same dimensions.

4. mark where you want to have the heads and fork mount on 2 of the boards. (Mine were 1" in from the boarder and size of 1.5"x4" with the fork mount 2.25" away from the center pad)

5. drill the holes for the fork mount though the marked and the non marked board ensuring the boards are as flush as possible and place 2 bolts in to the holes so that they can not move while doing step 6 and 7.

6. Cut out holes for the suction cups ensuring that the corresponding head can fit into the hole.
7. Drill 2 holes through the suction pad holder and cutting boards and place 2 bolts through the hole with the smooth rounded head next to the pad and the nut on top of the board.

8. Tighten all nuts.

9. Re install the suction pads and check for clearance when pulled for tension. (I had to run mine opposite the way the originall direction pulled)

One cutting board makes one rack, doubling up is needed for strength of the rack. It has held up to reasonable city and interstate driving, but I wouldn't suggest attempting to flee the cops with it.

Comments

[Kotrunner]

This is one product that you want to SUCK really bad. Not completely sold but could be proven otherwise.

[rob h.]

with the money spent u could buy a commercial bike rack used geez