DIY Suction Mounted Roof Rack

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By Adam Flaherty
Posted 2012/07/30 @ 2:00 am
Category Energy, Fun & Games, Home

If you’re an amateur cyclist, you’re probably aware of the cost of a decent bike rack for your car. On top of that, installing a bike rack can be slightly cumbersome–not to mention a little theft-prone if you neglect to purchase a lock. For about $50 in parts, this handy DIY suction mounted roof rack looks like it would do a fine job of allowing you to shuttle your bike around. When not in use, it could easily be stored in the glove box. [via Bike Hacks]

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8 Responses to DIY Suction Mounted Roof Rack

trkemp on July 30th, 2012 at 4:48 am said:

This is neat, but I’d be afraid of it coming loose. Not only would you lose your bike, but if it hit anyone/anything else there would be significant legal issues.

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Tony Woolf on July 30th, 2012 at 5:12 am said:

Don’t try this at home! The only legally safe roof rack is endorsed by the vehicle manufacturer or reputable supplier for the vehicle it is used with.
I know these suction devices are good but would it stand the force of the wind at 70 mph (plus possible adverse wind speed)? A friend of mine had a bike rack carying a tandem, at 70 mph it ripped the gutters off the car. Luckily there was no vehicle close behind. And there were no usefully salveagable parts of the tandem.
And as for being theft-proof, a knife to puncture the rubber and release the vacuum and it would just lift off.

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Andy L on July 30th, 2012 at 6:21 am said:

I would imagine that the bodywork would flex and distort over time also.

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Walter Anderson on July 30th, 2012 at 6:38 am said:

If a commercial rack is a little “theft-prone,” how is this any better?

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- Keith Neufeld on July 30th, 2012 at 6:58 am said:
  
  I reckon you unstick it from the roof and put it inside your car when you park.
  
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  Walter Anderson on July 30th, 2012 at 9:22 am said:
  
  You can do that with a commercial rack as well…
  
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  Siafa Alvin (@SiafaAlvin) on August 24th, 2012 at 9:49 am said:
  
  I think the idea is that commercial racks are oftentimes too cumbersome and time-consuming to constantly take down and put up. I’m sure you’ve seen people who leave their bike racks in place even when not in use.
  
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Bill Chance on July 31st, 2012 at 7:51 pm said:

I’ve had commercial racks come off at speed… still, a safety cord of some kind (ran through a closed door) would help with peace of mine.

Thanks for sharing.

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