Making a Surfboard Rack for Your Bike
16 commentsIf you are within cycling distance to your nearest break, then why not have a go at making a rack for your bike? It will make the journey to the beach a little safer if you have both hands free to ride with and your board is not obscuring your view. This is a quick, easy, and cheap method of making your own surfboard bike rack.
Let's check the materials that we are going to need:
- 1" Schedule 40 PVC pipe (1)
- 1" Schedule 40 PVC elbow (6)
- 1" Schedule 40 PVC tee (2)
- Hose clamps (4)
- PVC glue (low VOC)
- Pipe insulation 3/8" for 1" copper pipe (1)
- Bungee cords (2)
- Hacksaw for cutting PVC
- Screwdriver to tighten hose clamps
- Drill
You should be able to pick up all the parts from any hardware store. If you don't have any of the tools, then see if you can borrow them from someone. Your neighbour is bound to have them.
>> Need a surfboard bike rack? Click Here <<
Bike Rack Construction
What we'll be making is a rack consisting of two arms that attach to the bike. (See the diagram below.) Both arms have a "U" shape where the board sits. The board is held in place in transit by the bungee cords.
First things first — go and check that you'll be able to mount the rack on your bike without it getting in the way of your cables. You'll still need to be able to change gear (especially if you have a hilly ride to your break), and more importantly you have to ensure you can still use your brakes! Check the diagram below for spots to attach your rack arms.
If you're happy that you'll be able to attach the rack safely to your bike, then continue reading. If not, you'll have to go out and buy a new bike just so you can make these racks.
The Rack Design
This is what the arms of your bike rack will look like. Each part is labeled with the description from the materials listed above.
That's it for starters. You are now ready to go crazy with the drill and hacksaw. Surfboard Bike Rack Part 2 >>
This is such a good guide. I have just completed my rack and I'm well pleased. Everyone should give this a go.
Thanks
has anyone other than the person who uploaded the page tried this?
Someone has tried it out here - http://www.shakacostarica.com/blog/bicycle-surfboard-racks-costa-rica/ Looks like it works ok.
just finished making my bike rack with the help of this site. It works beautifully. I modified it and put on an adapter so I can take the rack off and on if I choose. The "Tee" always remains on the bike with the clamps, but from the tee to the rack I have the adapter. took about 2 hours and about $60 in materials.
Sounds great. Send some photos and details of your changes, I'm sure others would be in seeing your design.
How did the rack end up holding out. I have a 8' 7Kg Mini Mal that I want to strap to my bike. Do you think this setup would hold it?
The rack's fine for a shortboard, but there's obviously a weight limit. If constructed correctly, they are very sturdy, but I couldn't say any more than that.
Perhaps someone who's made a rack for their longboard could comment.
This is a terrible idea
Nice, now you don't have carry a surfboard gives you a hand to hold your gin an juice! ghetto!!! hahah
How do attach it too your bike?
How much would this cost to make one
60 bucks
I just finished building mine. It cost me $33 in materials. I also modified mine so I can remove it quickly and easily. I drilled a hole through the t-pipes that are attached to the bike. The hole goes through the t -pipe AND through the first horizontal pvc pipe of the rack that is inserted in that t-pipe. I didn't glue this joint. Instead I slide a bolt through the hole I drilled and put a nut on the other side. So, now when I want to remove the rack and ride the bike, I just slide the bolt out and pull the racks out of the two t-pipes and I'm good to ride. The t-pipes stay on the bike permanently though. It would require removing the hose clamps to take the t-pipes off and I didn't want to have to do that every time I wanted to remove the rack for a while.
Is it sturdy?
Is it lightweight in order for the bike to not tip over when riding? Basically, is it easy to ride with???
Has anyone tried this for a long board? I have a 9,2 but it's pretty light. Mahalo!