How to Make a Bicycle Rack

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Few sounds are as horrifying to cyclists as the sound of their bicycles crashing to the ground. Storing a bike in a crowded garage or against an outer wall means the possibility of damage. You can protect yourself against this unfortunate scenario by building a bike rack. Even with only a smidgen of technical prowess a stout bike rack can be constructed in a short period of time. Additionally, the materials necessary to complete this project are inexpensive by comparison to manufactured models.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Wheel Slots and Frame

Step 1

Measure, mark and cut PVC pipe to size. Cut six pieces to 18 1/2 inches, six pieces to 16 1/2 inches, six pieces to 9 1/2 inches, six pieces to 8 1/2 inches and eight pieces to 1 3/4 inches.

Step 2

Begin constructing the wheel slots and slot frame. Attach four elbows to the side of four T connectors using four pieces of 1 3/4-inch PVC pipe. Assemble so pieces lie flat.

Step 3

Connect four pieces of 18 1/2-inch PVC pipe to the same ends of two of the elbows and T connectors. Fit pipe into the base side of the T connectors.

Step 4

Connect four T connectors to the ends of the 18 1/2-inch sections of pipe. Align the Ts so the base ends are facing downward.

Step 5

Connect four 9 1/2-inch sections of pipe to open side of the T connectors.

Step 6

Connect the opposite end of the 9 1/2-inch pipe to the base ends of the third and fourth T connectors and elbows.

Step 7

Attach the sides of two T connectors using two 1 3/4-inch pipe. Connect these pieces so they lie flat. Build a second connection in the same manner.

Step 8

Attach the remaining two pieces of 18 1/2-inch pipe to the base end of a T connector and elbow.

Step 9

Attach two T connectors to the end of the 18 1/2-inch pipe. Connect the Ts so the base faces downward.

Step 10

Attach the remaining two pieces of 9 1/2-inch pipe to the open ends of the T connectors just attached.

Step 11

Attach the open ends of the 9 1/2-inch pipe to the second pair of attached T connectors.

Step 12

Complete the construction of the wheel slot and frame. Fix four 16 1/2-inch sections of pipe to the open sides of the T connectors.

Supporting Strut

Step 1

Begin constructing the support struts. Flip the frame over so the central T connector base holes are facing up.

Step 2

Fix six pieces of 8 1/2-inch pipe to the six base ends of the T connectors.

Step 3

Fix the two remaining elbows to the outer sections of 8 1/2-inch pipe. Position the elbows so the face toward the inside and center of the frame.

Step 4

Fix the remaining four T connectors to the ends of the 8 1/2-inch pipe. Connect all strut supports using 1 3/4-inch pipe.

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.

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