How to make a bike rack was something we decided we needed to learn…and fast!
Our garage was a crazy pile of bikes. With our six kids (and multiple sizes of bikes waiting to be “handed-down”), our garage looked like bikes were having babies.
Bikes were everywhere.
How To Make a Bike Rack
We made our bike rack 6 across – and with gaps between the big bikes, wide enough to fit tricycles or a bike with training wheels.
Supplies you will need:
*All PVC pipe that we used was an inch in diameter*
For every bike “section” – excluding the ends – you will need:
- 2 – 13″ long poles.
- 8 – T Connectors
- 4 – insert connectors
- 2 – 10″ long lengths
- 5 – 8″ long lengths
For each “end” you will replace 3 of the T connectors with Elbow pieces.
Photo below is the supply list needed for a 6-bike rack.
DIY Bike Rack
We started with the frame and then added the “rest” portion. The directions we used to create our rack we found and adapted from the Utah Mountain Biking club. These directions were made for a truckbed.
To make the frame, start with the elbow piece, add a long piece into the elbow, a T and the 10″ length. Then add another elbow. You should have an “end pole” finished. Make two of these.
Using the “T” piece, add a long length to the T, add another T, then a 10″ length and another “T”. Create as many of these as the sections “poles” you will need. Use the connectors and the 8″ lengths to connect the poles together until you have a frame made. To the center T’s add the 8″ segment so that the rack can lean back on them.
Viola.
We did not use any PVC pipe adhesive to attach the pipes together. Often we had to hammer them into place. As we did not have a rubber mallet, we used an phone book as a cushion to protect the pipe and a regular hammer. The pieces fit pretty snug and should we decide that the bike unit it too big (or too small) we can easily adapt it.
My directions did not do this project justice. Please visit the original DIY Bike Rack post if you are confused. I loved the diagrams he included.
How many bikes do you have in your garage?
What a great solution for families with lots of kids! We also have six children, and I agree- their bicycles reproduce as soon as the lights go out in the garage. I’m not even sure how many bikes are out there! Thanks for sharing this great tutorial. It is absolutely going on our spring to-do list!
Okay, it’s official. I love you forever!!! Last year we cleaned out our garage… we blogged the enormous event (you can scroll down in the is post http://www.se7en.org.za/2012/06/04/se7ens-fabulous-friday-fun-123-and-the-great-garage-clean-up ) All that we needed was a a bike rack for the se7en + 1 bikes, scooters, trikes… bedlam!!! Nearly a year later we still only need a rack!!! I am going to hunt down some PVC piping for sure!!!
Did you cut all the pipe? Or will the store do it for you?
Thanks! I love this project!
what was the length of your small pieces because i think you are missing that?
I think you miscounted the T Connectors. I’m 2 short, having just finished trying to assemble everything for a 6-bike rack.
Also would like to know if the store cut the pvc for you and were you two Ts shorty as Scott said.
This is amazing, our family of 8 is going to benefit immensely with this tutorial! Thanks for sharing! All these bikes all over are driving me insane.