Ladder Mount Bike Rack Build
UPDATE 8-4-'14, below. I couldn't find what I wanted, so I cobbled together some 2" angle aluminum and 2" PVC, inspired by other designs from here and a Google. The PVC was heated and expanded ...
Forum Discussion
What a great, well thought out solution! There is always such great satisfaction in devising and completing a project like this.
While I didn't use my Roof Ladder, on the back of my Truck Camper, I did install a similar style bike storage on the front wall of my Motorcycle Trailer. After 3 years of continuous use, I wanted to do something that would allow me to grab the bikes, easier and much more quickly. There were many times I would stop, see a trail or bike path and just want to jump on the bike and go for a quick ride. What would stop me, was the time and hassle to, as in your case, climb up, undo the leverage clamp, rotate the lever out to clear the front fork detents, undo the rear wheel tie down, climb down/hand down the bike to the ground, retrieve the front wheel and attach. By then, the epiphany of a quick ride was now sullied by the time and effort. There must be an easier way! (A Shark Tank moment!)
It has always been my belief, that the easier it is to use something, the more you will use it. Sort of the reason many slowly stop using a motorboat, because of the time and effort to get it in and out of the water. So, with your DIY mind, what can you do to simplify the process you now have, with using the equipment you are already have? If you were so inclined?
I did just that, by eliminating the front fork clamp and leaving the front wheel on. This alone saved effort and time and eliminated storing the front wheel somewhere else. The only thing I have to do, now, to take my Mountain Bike down, is one shock cord. That’s it. One shock cord. So I would challenge you to come up with a better mouse trap too, if you ever find yourself just passing by a quick ride because;
“If I just had more time, I would just grab the bike and see where that trail/bike path goes to!”
Have fun and you have great mechanical and problem solving skills!
b
While I didn't use my Roof Ladder, on the back of my Truck Camper, I did install a similar style bike storage on the front wall of my Motorcycle Trailer. After 3 years of continuous use, I wanted to do something that would allow me to grab the bikes, easier and much more quickly. There were many times I would stop, see a trail or bike path and just want to jump on the bike and go for a quick ride. What would stop me, was the time and hassle to, as in your case, climb up, undo the leverage clamp, rotate the lever out to clear the front fork detents, undo the rear wheel tie down, climb down/hand down the bike to the ground, retrieve the front wheel and attach. By then, the epiphany of a quick ride was now sullied by the time and effort. There must be an easier way! (A Shark Tank moment!)
It has always been my belief, that the easier it is to use something, the more you will use it. Sort of the reason many slowly stop using a motorboat, because of the time and effort to get it in and out of the water. So, with your DIY mind, what can you do to simplify the process you now have, with using the equipment you are already have? If you were so inclined?
I did just that, by eliminating the front fork clamp and leaving the front wheel on. This alone saved effort and time and eliminated storing the front wheel somewhere else. The only thing I have to do, now, to take my Mountain Bike down, is one shock cord. That’s it. One shock cord. So I would challenge you to come up with a better mouse trap too, if you ever find yourself just passing by a quick ride because;
“If I just had more time, I would just grab the bike and see where that trail/bike path goes to!”
Have fun and you have great mechanical and problem solving skills!
b
