Build your own bike rack...I did

If you've seen my previous post, you'd know that I got a new bike.  Not just any bike, but the bike that I've been longing to get for a while.  Anyway, these type of bikes don't come with your standard kickstand nor do I want one on my "urban destroyer", so I decided to build a stand for it. 

Like all good computer addicts, I decided to Google the bike stand and see if anyone was selling any on Ebay or Craigslist.  To my surprise, a couple of do-it-yourself bike stands showed up.  I clicked on one and it brought me to the "Instructables" site.  If you haven't been to this site, you have got to check it out.  It's my new fave.  People from all over give you instructions on how to do all kinds of stuff from building a generator to changing you watch batteries.  Anyhow, I was able to find a easy to build bike rack made out of PVC piping, you know, it's the white plastic tubes they use for sprinklers and stuff.

Rack-parts

Here's the pieces that are needed to get started.  As you can see, I already cut them and put some together.  BTW, in all I think this project cost me around $20 to build vs. $80 to buy something already made.

Rack-alone

Well here's the completed model.  It came out exactly like the "instructable" version.  I don't know who the person was with the great idea but I thank them for sharing.

Rack-complete

Well, there it is.  Such a simple thing that cost less than half a tank of gas and as simple to build as lego pieces.  Did I mention how light weight it is too?  It's a great rack that you can bring anywhere you need it.

What about repairs you say?  Well, I was so excited about building a rack for my bike, I used the PVC rack to inspire my imagination for a work stand too...

Stand-parts

Here's what you need.  I used 3/4" electrical conduit pipes, foam pipe insulation, and those corner pieces used to build those tarp canopies.  A bike stand like this would cost you close to $200 to buy, but if you like to build it yourself, this one cost me $50 in parts from a hardware store.

Stand-partial

To make the cuts on the conduit you'll need a good hacksaw.  I tried the pipe cutter that you spin and tighten but that took forever.  Once you figure all your dimensions it's just a matter of putting them together.  All those years playing with "Tinker toys" paid off.

Stand-complete

Lastly, just cut and add some foam insulation with those zip ties and your bike stand is set for any repairs you might have to perform.  Like the PVC rack, this stand is portable because you can just unsrew the pipe to disassemble it and put it back together when you need it.  On top of that, working height is totally adjustable.  I wanted to put this idea on the Instructables web site but just haven't gotten the time yet.  I figure if someone shared their idea with me, I should do the same.