MK1 Bike Rack

fugalster · 07-11-2009, 01:54 AM

I like to mountain bike just about as much as I like driving my Mk1. Unfortunately, these two activities don't always go hand in hand, as there seems to be no particularly good way to carry bikes on an MR2. So I've decided to fabricate my own roof rack. Luckily, working in the prototyping business, I have access to many of the things required to tackle such a feat.
Basically, like the majority of roof racks, the fork will mount into a quick release device. that will be located just behind the sunroof, with legs going into the sunroof well to mount in there, so there are no unsightly mounting marks anywhere visible on the car. The rear wheel of the bike rest nicely on the spoiler to be strapped down, and I may even make a custom gutter to fit over the spoiler. I'll post a picture of how this all goes together in the near future.
My question to all of you: is there enough interest out there to make several racks to distribute? It's always easier to make multiples in a batch rather than one now and one later. Who knows, maybe I'll even set up a small production line if it shows enough interest.
Let me know your thoughts.

Xhermes · 07-11-2009, 04:43 AM

What about t-tops

Raptor13x · 07-11-2009, 05:11 AM

If I want to move my bike, I use my GF's Focus.

But good luck- I'm sure there's at least a couple people that would be interested.

fugalster · 07-11-2009, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xhermes

What about t-tops

I don't have access to a T-top to make measurements. I'm sure it could be done, though.

fugalster · 07-11-2009, 04:46 PM

Here's the promised picture of the MK1 with a bike on top. Everything's to scale.

Looks pretty awesome, if you ask me

TomsMR2 · 07-12-2009, 01:15 AM

the front wheels are too big to really fit inside, just not going to happen with 2 people..

i think you can still buy the yakima rack too.

como · 07-12-2009, 01:10 PM

Odd, but alright. I'm not voting because I tore the wing off the back of my mk1 and plan to stick my regular rear-end bike rack on it. Granted my bike sideways will be a good foot wider than the car, but whatever

ag86IL · 07-12-2009, 06:55 PM

I fit 2 bikes and a passenger.

muffinman · 07-13-2009, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fugalster

Here's the promised picture of the MK1 with a bike on top. Everything's to scale.

Looks pretty awesome, if you ask me

328FTW · 07-13-2009, 08:46 PM

I changed the design a little to what I think would be more practical and more mr2 owners would enjoy. All to scale

MarsMr2 · 07-13-2009, 09:25 PM

I ride bmx bikes and do dirt comps. but I would never put a roof rack on my 2 it would look ridiculous and they damage your paint so thats a no no. Just get a regular rack for the trunk you can take on and off it wont mess up your wing either I do it all time. My last car had a wing too and it worked

bassman54 · 07-13-2009, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fugalster

I like to mountain bike just about as much as I like driving my Mk1. Unfortunately, these two activities don't always go hand in hand, as there seems to be no particularly good way to carry bikes on an MR2. So I've decided to fabricate my own roof rack. Luckily, working in the prototyping business, I have access to many of the things required to tackle such a feat.
Basically, like the majority of roof racks, the fork will mount into a quick release device. that will be located just behind the sunroof, with legs going into the sunroof well to mount in there, so there are no unsightly mounting marks anywhere visible on the car. The rear wheel of the bike rest nicely on the spoiler to be strapped down, and I may even make a custom gutter to fit over the spoiler. I'll post a picture of how this all goes together in the near future.
My question to all of you: is there enough interest out there to make several racks to distribute? It's always easier to make multiples in a batch rather than one now and one later. Who knows, maybe I'll even set up a small production line if it shows enough interest.
Let me know your thoughts.

bassman54 · 07-13-2009, 09:35 PM

Isn't it weird enough to want to drive a 25 year old car, and now you want to add a roof rack for a BICYCLE? Well call me weird too. I'm a roadie instead of a mountain biker, but there shouldn't be much difference in the measurements.

Keep me posted on the design, I voted "might be interested" in the poll.

fugalster · 07-13-2009, 10:46 PM

Ah, good. I was beginning to think I was totally off my rocker

Should work fine for a road bike, too. I'll also have a mount for the front wheels to go on the roof.
2 people, 2 bikes. That's the goal.

fugalster · 07-13-2009, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ag86IL

I fit 2 bikes and a passenger.

How so?

TomsMR2 · 07-15-2009, 05:59 PM

behind the seats is only like 18 inches.. wheels are 26/29 inches.

people are just lazy and cant wrap their heads around cycling meaning something. ability to carry a bike is a 100% mandatory requirement of any vehicle i own. completely understand the desire for a rack. a guy i ride with paid like 400 bucks to get a custom roof rack on his mk2. i have a crappy trunk rack on mine, but id like to work on a hitch mount instead.

.. buut, like i said, the mk1 racks are still in production

im pretty sure its yakima or thule, but they're still for sale.

Raptor13x · 07-15-2009, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 328FTW

I changed the design a little to what I think would be more practical and more mr2 owners would enjoy. All to scale

http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/f...W/MR2-Bike.jpg

stu4u3 · 07-17-2009, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassman54

Isn't it weird enough to want to drive a 25 year old car, and now you want to add a roof rack for a BICYCLE? Well call me weird too. I'm a roadie instead of a mountain biker, but there shouldn't be much difference in the measurements.

Keep me posted on the design, I voted "might be interested" in the poll.

+1

efx · 07-18-2009, 02:11 AM

Guys, I had to go through this when I bought a mountain bike a while back and now you have options.

1. I ended up buying a Yakima trunk rack. I scratched the spoiler because I didn't know how to use it at first, minor but if someone had told me I could have avoided those little scratches. Just make sure to fold it enough where it doesn't touch any part of the car except where the top and bottom cushions touch. The rest is held by the belts or whatever they are called. So it works just fine and you don't have to take any tires of your bike. Depending on the bike it may mount easy or not. I do feel the lag from carrying the bike on the back a little.

2. I saw someone actually use the Yakima roof rack on the MK1 which I then checked out at the store and they just sit on the top of the roof which is what I wanted back then instead of the rear rack. You can have both on the roof, but they are close so as long as you have the other items to bolt/tie down the bike on, you will be fine. So you can now go either way.

3. I thought about just bolting one of those fork holders to the top of the roof to do something like your picture idea, but the rack was fine. So don't sweat it, you can do either now and pick whatever pieces you like too. I think I have a picture somewhere with the rack and bike on, if I find it I'll post it for you guys since everyone is always asking me about it and what it is.

MoreBoost · 07-18-2009, 03:40 PM

Does an MR2 have enough power to carry the additional 20lbs?

View Poll Results: How do you feel about a MR2 roof rack?
I want one now!	4	13.79%
I'd concider getting one.	3	10.34%
It would be cool, but not for me.	7	24.14%
I don't see the point.	15	51.72%
Voters: 29. You may not vote on this poll

07-11-2009, 01:54 AM	#1 (permalink)
fugalster No Skills Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	MK1 Bike Rack I like to mountain bike just about as much as I like driving my Mk1. Unfortunately, these two activities don't always go hand in hand, as there seems to be no particularly good way to carry bikes on an MR2. So I've decided to fabricate my own roof rack. Luckily, working in the prototyping business, I have access to many of the things required to tackle such a feat. Basically, like the majority of roof racks, the fork will mount into a quick release device. that will be located just behind the sunroof, with legs going into the sunroof well to mount in there, so there are no unsightly mounting marks anywhere visible on the car. The rear wheel of the bike rest nicely on the spoiler to be strapped down, and I may even make a custom gutter to fit over the spoiler. I'll post a picture of how this all goes together in the near future. My question to all of you: is there enough interest out there to make several racks to distribute? It's always easier to make multiples in a batch rather than one now and one later. Who knows, maybe I'll even set up a small production line if it shows enough interest. Let me know your thoughts.

07-11-2009, 04:46 PM	#5 (permalink)
fugalster No Skills Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Here's the promised picture of the MK1 with a bike on top. Everything's to scale. Looks pretty awesome, if you ask me Attached Thumbnails

07-13-2009, 09:25 PM	#11 (permalink)
MarsMr2 Some Skills Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Delaware Posts: 52 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader Rating: (2/100% )	I ride bmx bikes and do dirt comps. but I would never put a roof rack on my 2 it would look ridiculous and they damage your paint so thats a no no. Just get a regular rack for the trunk you can take on and off it wont mess up your wing either I do it all time. My last car had a wing too and it worked Last edited by MarsMr2; 07-13-2009 at 09:26 PM. Reason: didnt finish sentence

07-18-2009, 02:11 AM	#19 (permalink)
efx Cage Fighter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 198 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	MK1 Bike Rack... Guys, I had to go through this when I bought a mountain bike a while back and now you have options. 1. I ended up buying a Yakima trunk rack. I scratched the spoiler because I didn't know how to use it at first, minor but if someone had told me I could have avoided those little scratches. Just make sure to fold it enough where it doesn't touch any part of the car except where the top and bottom cushions touch. The rest is held by the belts or whatever they are called. So it works just fine and you don't have to take any tires of your bike. Depending on the bike it may mount easy or not. I do feel the lag from carrying the bike on the back a little. 2. I saw someone actually use the Yakima roof rack on the MK1 which I then checked out at the store and they just sit on the top of the roof which is what I wanted back then instead of the rear rack. You can have both on the roof, but they are close so as long as you have the other items to bolt/tie down the bike on, you will be fine. So you can now go either way. 3. I thought about just bolting one of those fork holders to the top of the roof to do something like your picture idea, but the rack was fine. So don't sweat it, you can do either now and pick whatever pieces you like too. I think I have a picture somewhere with the rack and bike on, if I find it I'll post it for you guys since everyone is always asking me about it and what it is.

07-11-2009, 04:43 AM	#2 (permalink)
Xhermes No Skills Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 45 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	What about t-tops

07-11-2009, 05:11 AM	#3 (permalink)
Raptor13x Legendary Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Farmington Hills, MI Posts: 3,991 Thanks: 7 Thanked 40 Times in 34 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (5/100% )	If I want to move my bike, I use my GF's Focus. But good luck- I'm sure there's at least a couple people that would be interested.

07-12-2009, 01:15 AM	#6 (permalink)
TomsMR2 Formerly Tom Brokaw Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Bay Area Posts: 2,497 Thanks: 8 Thanked 233 Times in 168 Posts Blog Entries: 1 iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	the front wheels are too big to really fit inside, just not going to happen with 2 people.. i think you can still buy the yakima rack too.

07-12-2009, 01:10 PM	#7 (permalink)
como Road Warrior Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Southern Maine Posts: 520 Thanks: 13 Thanked 8 Times in 7 Posts iTrader Rating: (2/100% )	Odd, but alright. I'm not voting because I tore the wing off the back of my mk1 and plan to stick my regular rear-end bike rack on it. Granted my bike sideways will be a good foot wider than the car, but whatever

07-12-2009, 06:55 PM	#8 (permalink)
ag86IL No Skills Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 42 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader Rating: (5/100% )	I fit 2 bikes and a passenger.

07-13-2009, 08:46 PM	#10 (permalink)
328FTW 3vzfe tinkering Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: New Zealand Posts: 1,538 Thanks: 12 Thanked 100 Times in 84 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	I changed the design a little to what I think would be more practical and more mr2 owners would enjoy. All to scale

07-13-2009, 09:35 PM	#13 (permalink)
bassman54 No Skills Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: So Cal Posts: 23 Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	Isn't it weird enough to want to drive a 25 year old car, and now you want to add a roof rack for a BICYCLE? Well call me weird too. I'm a roadie instead of a mountain biker, but there shouldn't be much difference in the measurements. Keep me posted on the design, I voted "might be interested" in the poll.

07-13-2009, 10:46 PM	#14 (permalink)
fugalster No Skills Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Ah, good. I was beginning to think I was totally off my rocker Should work fine for a road bike, too. I'll also have a mount for the front wheels to go on the roof. 2 people, 2 bikes. That's the goal.

07-15-2009, 05:59 PM	#16 (permalink)
TomsMR2 Formerly Tom Brokaw Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Bay Area Posts: 2,497 Thanks: 8 Thanked 233 Times in 168 Posts Blog Entries: 1 iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	behind the seats is only like 18 inches.. wheels are 26/29 inches. people are just lazy and cant wrap their heads around cycling meaning something. ability to carry a bike is a 100% mandatory requirement of any vehicle i own. completely understand the desire for a rack. a guy i ride with paid like 400 bucks to get a custom roof rack on his mk2. i have a crappy trunk rack on mine, but id like to work on a hitch mount instead. .. buut, like i said, the mk1 racks are still in production im pretty sure its yakima or thule, but they're still for sale.

07-18-2009, 03:40 PM	#20 (permalink)
MoreBoost Banned Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Does an MR2 have enough power to carry the additional 20lbs?

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode