How to Build a Bicycle Carrier

Cycling is a healthy lifetime pastime that can be shared by all. Whether you are a road cyclists or a mountain biker, at some point you will have to haul your bicycle with your car. Taking the bike apart and putting it the trunk works sometimes, but it is inconvenient and can get grease on your upholstery. The alternative is a bicycle carrier that fits on the outside of your car, however commercially manufactured bike carriers can be expensive. Building your own bicycle carrier is a viable alternative that could save you a considerable amount of money in the long run.

Things You'll Need

  • 2x2 square metal tubing Welding safety equipment Welder and accessories Pipe foam insulation Hack saw Car hitch
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Instructions

    • 1

      Build an L-shaped bracket from the metal tubing. Cut two 24-inch pieces, a 48-inch piece, and two 6-inch pieces of tubing using the hacksaw. Weld the center of one 24-inch piece of tubing at one end of the 48-inch piece of tubing forming a T shape.

    • 2

      Weld one end of the other 24-inch piece of tubing at the opposite end of the T, perpendicular to the top 24-inch section. Weld the two 6-inch sections of tubing at the ends of and perpindicular to the T cross member.

    • 3

      Install the hitch on the bottom of your car according to the supplied manufacturer's instructions. Slide the lower portion of the bike carrier into the hitch to a depth that satisfies you. Mark the hitch pin hole with a permanent marker and then use the drill to drill a hole for the hitch pin.

    • 4

      Slide the bike carrier into the hitch and insert the hitch pin. Cover the top half of the bike carrier with the foam instulation to protect your bikes paint job. In order to mount the bike, simply lift the crossmember of the bike to rest on top of the 6-inch arms of the bike carrier and strap down securely with bungie cords.