I cant help it. I want a cycle rack on my S

[Top Gear TVR]

OK. So last year i proved myself to be a fag smoking unhealthy git and have been trying since to change may ways. Fags gone (but missed) and occasional cycling in its place. One thing I like in addition to my S, is riding my push bike somewhere nice.

So for this summer I would like a quick and easy bike rack solution.

My favourite would be something I could just 'slot onto' the car or even mimic the new corsa built in thing - but better. You know, pull down the no plate, or slide it into the two underslung pipes etc and you are off.

Its important that it can be fitted and removed in under 3 minutes - otherwise the faff will put me off using it.

My first step is to actually find a way of doing it. Ideas welcome

Should I start with replacing the tank framework? if so, can i get it all off from underneath easily?

Edited by Top Gear TVR on Sunday 3rd March 16:56

[v8s4me]

Why not get a Brampton and put it on the passenger seat? It might be cheaper than trying to fit a rack to the car. Anyway, I thought you already had a shed rack on yours

[Top Gear TVR]

brampton - sounds like a public school punishment game? google time

[v8s4me]

My mistake - it's Brompton

http://www.brompton.co.uk/

Other folding bicycles are available

Edited by v8s4me on Sunday 3rd March 16:09

Edited by v8s4me on Sunday 3rd March 16:09

[glenrobbo]

Easy one, that!
Just put the Top Gear garden shed back on, & keep the bike in there.
You can also store your luminous lycra spandex cycling outfit in there & use it as a changing cubicle when you get to your cycle route start point, to avoid embarrasment.
It also avoids startling the cows.

Keep fit?
I'd rather keep fat

[Top Gear TVR]

lycra jokes.............oh dear

so, is the chassis strong enough to do this? - is it simply beefing up the tank mounting frame to allow mounting of a bespoke rack?

Edited by Top Gear TVR on Sunday 3rd March 16:59

[phillpot]

I would guess so, but it is only a guess?

could be a tight fit, quite a stretch to get at

[Top Gear TVR]

ok, if it comes with the 'i guess so' phillpot guarantee, then it MUST be possible

[phillpot]

frame supports up to 50Kg of fuel ok

Bike weighs about 12kg ? + rack + allowance for leverage = don't put too much fuel in

[glenrobbo]

And tie a gallon can to the handlebars in case you run out.

Or fill your drinks bottle with V-Power.

[Top Gear TVR]

V power. Smells off to me. Cant beat straight leaded stuff i recon.

This 97 ron rubbish is kinda yellow too.

Ill have to have a rummage underneath and see what i can 'create'

[White S3]

:} for carbon offset. Been using a Halfords own as cheap as they come rack for the last 17yrs on my S3 and it works a treat. The weight is taken on the numberplate ledge with the other cross bar sitting just behind the boot lid with the straps going through the hinge into the boot just behind the hood. Weight is all on the ledge so good for 2 bikes with no damage. Just remember to take the wheels off then no need for seperate light board. Will try to upload photo in next few days.

MRV

[S2Andy]

Hi, Just read the previous post and now offer my slightly more complex solution. I've used an adapted cycle carrier on my S2 for about 5 years now. Essentially I used a brand new fuel cradle to which I bolt a subframe consisting of angle iron alongside the cradle and a cross beam which bolts through the boot floor utilizing the existing bolt points but with rubber pads and steel spreader plates. The sub frame ends in a rear facing stub, onto which I bolt an adapted Halfords cycle carrier, via an overlapping tube system. The halfords carrier is old and originally bolted to a tow bar using the two big tow bar bolts. Dont know if these are still available. The rear assembly is demountable in less than 5 mins and the subframe similar. Its all very solid if a bit heavy. I carry a mountain bike or racing bike, but only one at a time. Because the bikes are mounted high, bottom brackets level with boot lid, I've not bothered with electrics or trailer boards. Never had any problems. thougth it is noisy with a bike about a meter behind your head in the airstream. I'll set it up in the next day or so and try to post some pictures. I welded all the fabricated parts, so you may need help if you do similar but cant weld. Good luck, its great to be able to combine two loves of cycling and driving.

[Top Gear TVR]

that would be great and sounds not unlike my thoughts.....

[magpies]

I too am interested

[Longers]

Weird timing... I was out pedalling yesterday and a lovely Tuscan burbled passed me. It made me think about taking my bike on the back of the S on the Alps trip this year but then I remembered the last time some of us hit the Alps twisties with a degree of enthusiasm - the back ends of the cars were all over the place! I don't think the rack/bike would stand the sideways G forces!! Nothing to do with me going off the idea of cycling up an Alpine pass of course

[Top Gear TVR]

Got to do it, need a day off - in my garage…

This is also my first mobile post- woohoo, the wonders of 3G

[S2Andy]

Hi, I promised to post some pics of my cycle carrier which I have used for several years. It was constructed from bits and pieces I had in the garage so effectively cost nothing. Picture 1 shows a bike loosely placed on the carrier to give some idea of size. When driving, wind whistling through the bike is loud.

Picture 2 shows the carrier assembled. It utilised an old Halfords towbar cycle carrier from years ago

Picture 3 shows how the carrier is assembled. The main subframe stays bolted to the car and this bits bolts onto over a stub as shown below. This part takes only a couple of minutes to fit so is generally off the car.

Picture 4 shows the main subframe in place with the rear projecting stub over which the previous picture fits. Note this is angled to match the exhausts.

The final picture (which is not very clear) shows the main subframe bolted up to the rear boot and a new fuel tank cradle. Existing Bolt holes through the boot floor are used but with steel spreader plates and rubber sheet to reduce point loads. Strong angles are bolted alongside and through the longitudinal fuel tank cradle members to add stiffness. I leave this in place and it is practically invisible.

This carrier has worked very well for me with absolutely no problems. I'm sure the design can be improved and lightened, but these were the bits I had. I only carry one bike and there is no apparent sag in the rear suspension at all. The whole thing is extremely solid. Care has to be taken placing bikes on the carrier so as not to chip the paint with pedals etc.
Hope this inspires those others of you who share cycling / driving passions

[Top Gear TVR]

Inspired..... Thanks for that

[magpies]

Looks very good.....pretty much how I envisaged it.....and how I intend to make.

Only mods I would make are:

removable number plate (velcro?) to allow fixing through the back panel - shortened legs to lower the bike (maybe about 300mm) and bend the legs where they pass the boot lid to allow the bike to be held at an anlge rather than vertical. This should help with aerodynamics.