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How to Build Bicycle Racks

How to Build Bicycle Racks

bike in vountry image by Solidsponge from Fotolia.com

For bike lovers, few sounds are more painful than the crash of their treasured bicycle as it falls to the concrete. A bike rack provides an obvious solution. Though store bought models are certainly available, cyclists with even a basic amount of eye-hand coordination can construct a home made version for a fraction of the cost. In addition to keeping that beautiful carbon frame scratch free, a rack also means a safer environment as riders will always know where their bike is stored---even in the dark.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:
  • One 1x6x8 foot plank
  • Tape Measure
  • Pencil
  • Three vinyl-coated bike hooks, 3x6 inches
  • Stud finder
  • Combination square
  • Drill with cross head drill bit
  • Nine 3-inch drywall screws, coarse thread
  • Construction adhesive
Step 1
Lay the plank on the floor. Measure from one end of the plank using the tape measure. Mark the plank at 15 inches in the center of the board using with the pencil. Repeat on the opposite side. Extend the tape to four feet and make another mark.
Step 2
Screw one bike hook into each pencil mark. This can be done by hand. Screw the hooks in vertically---perpindicular to the plank.
Step 3
Use a stud finder to locate studs in the ceiling where the bike rack will be hung. Mark these studs with a pencil. The plank should be mounted to at least three studs. Note that the two outer studs should rest between each end of the board and the outer hooks to ensure proper support.
Step 4
Lift the plank into position on the ceiling. Use the pencil to mark the position of the studs on the plank. Place the plank back on the floor
Step 5
Place the combination square on the plank at one of the marks. Draw a line with the pencil across the board. Repeat on the other two marks.
Step 6
Use the drill to screw the three-inch drywall screws into the wood. Drill three screws into each line at equal intervals. Do not drill the screws in past the bottom of the plank. Apply construction adhesive to the bottom of the board across its entire length.
Step 7
Lift the board into position on the ceiling. Drill the screws through the ceiling material and into the studs until the screw heads are flush with the board.
Step 8
Allow the construction adhesive to properly set according to the manufacturer's instructions before hanging bikes on the rack. Hang bikes by the rear wheel.

Tips & Warnings

 
This job will be easier if there are two persons to lift the board to the ceiling.
 
Construction adhesive is usually toxic so avoid touching it or wear protection.

Article Written By Mike Biscoe

Mike Biscoe has been writing since 2009. Focusing on travel, sports and entertainment topics, he has credits in various online publications including LIVESTRONG.COM and Trails. He often writes articles covering uncommon travel destinations from firsthand experience. Biscoe holds a Certificate of Completion in acting from the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts.

Write for Trails.com

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