Bicycle cover

workhardplayharder wrote:
Swagman

This is the one we have used for 5 years and it looks like it is new. One thing I do, is when the cover is in place, I use a "spider type" bungee cord over it so it does not flop around with the wind.

go to a canvas place where they make awnings and boat covers. I have a custom made carrier and 2 bikes and had one made for $205. Full length zipper all around, waterproof and 96% dustproof. He made it to fit my bikes and it is perfect. No one size fits all.

S-n-L wrote:
Thanks everyone,

I will check out the Swagman. I am hoping I can find something "off the shelf" rather than getting one custom as I would imagine an mass produced would be a better value for the same quality.

Stuart

You don't mention what type you have, a platform or single arm rack.

The Swagman worked well with our single arm but will not work with our Thule platform.

I use an atv cover I got from Northern Tool. Works good

Folding bike stowage. We have two folding bikes which will fit behind the driver’s seat when we travel with/out our two dogs. We have a large stowage box mounted on the rear of the vehicle on double receiver s. On each side we have racks which will accommodate two 5/6 gal water & fuel can each side or now one folding bike one on each side. We purchased two 30” round Grill covers to protect the bikes from the weather (see photos). Looks like this is going to work well (Less than $10.00 each)[/img]

x2 on gas grill cover! Put over 8k miles on one while on the road to/from AK, still very functional. Only spent about $20 for it, too. Got the idea from another traveller on the road. ST

Thanks everyone,

I will check out the Swagman. I am hoping I can find something "off the shelf" rather than getting one custom as I would imagine an mass produced would be a better value for the same quality.

Stuart

Can't imagine why a qualified seamstress with a commercial machine couldn't accomplish a custom cover. Just a matter of tracing the exterior shape and using a waterproof fabric with a high density. Heck, I could pull that off with a Singer Stylist with a moveable feed dog.In layperson's terms just use the same fabric.......a sailmaker would know.

We have tried the thin cheapo ones and they tear up. Also most are made for hang the bikes type rack. We are getting a new "sit upon" type hitch mounted bike rack. We bought an extra large grill cover for like $35 to put over the bikes when they are off the camper and sitting around in the campsite. We are going to get an upholsterer to make a custom fitted cover for the bikes while on the rack going down the road. In case you haven't noticed we like our bikes a lot and they were a bit expensive so we take care of them and can't afford new ones all the time. Our friends had a custom cover made. It is made from like backpack fabric and has a large zipper. Expect to spend around $300 for it. Theirs has lasted about 8 years now and still going. If you are interested, I think I have some photos of theirs which we will be showing to our upholsterer this summer. Will take bikes and rack on the truck over to them to do the work. I had a challenge finding an upholsterer who "likes a challenge". You can PM me and I'll go look for the photos in my computer.