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Bus bike rack too short, how to strap in a bike quickly?



 
 
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  #21  
Old August 25th 18, 08:44 PM posted to rec.bicycles.tech
Joerg[_2_]
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Posts: 6,016
Default Bus bike rack too short, how to strap in a bike quickly?

On 2018-08-25 12:26, Sir Ridesalot wrote:
On Saturday, August 25, 2018 at 2:58:12 PM UTC-4, Joerg wrote:
On 2018-08-25 11:12, Frank Krygowski wrote:
On 8/24/2018 2:17 PM, Joerg wrote:
On 2018-08-24 10:11, Frank Krygowski wrote:

As to your question: I wonder if a velcro strap with
rectangular ring might work. They're fast to install and
surprisingly strong. See, for example:

https://www.amazon.com/Reusable-Cabl...g=UTF8&s=a ht




Thanks, but I do not trust plastic for this stuff. The Arno straps
that Sir mentioned seem to be the ticket here. Of course,
there remains the risk that a picky bus driver refuses to
accept that mounting method and we'd be stranded.

I do have some with steel loops, but that's OK. I should have
known it wouldn't work for you. ;-)

A certain guy I know well once had a habit of asking my advice.
"Can you come over and look at this? You're an engineer." So I'd
visit and hear "The garage door track is coming loose" or "This
table I'm building has wobbly legs" or "I need a way to carry
this bag on the back of my bike" or a bunch of other things.

In each case, the answer seemed obvious to me - as in "You need
something to resist that bending moment, so if you add a brace
here" or "... if you screw this in two places..." or whatever.

Invariably, he'd say "That won't work, because..." and spout some
nonsense.

I still see the guy from time to time. When he asks me about
problems now, I usually say things like "Yeah, I see why that
bothers you. What do you think?" and later "Well, you could try
that if you like."


I would have assumed that you as a mechanical engineer would
understand that plastic buckles will not be adequate for holding a
bike wheel _on_ the slot (not _in_ the slot) at freeway speeds and
when taking corners at a good clip.

-- Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com/


When I know the bus is going onto a highway, I use two Arno straps on
the bus carrier to brace the bike so that it doesn't end up leaning
to one side or the other and thus put a lot of sideways pressure on
the wheels. Again, I wrap the Arno straps around the FRAME not the
wheels so that the sideways stress is take by the frame and straps
not the wheels.


I'll probably carry two straps so I can run an additional one over the
top tube, though it won't help much because the only place I can tie it
to is the slot below the bike. No hooks on the bus bumper and I can't
tie to the next slot because another passenger might want to load their
bike in it.

The wheel must be strapped down as well, hard, because else the bike
will won't to shoot out to the side of the bus when it takes a corner,
due to the fact that the front wheel is almost completely riding on top
of the U-shaped top end of the slot..

Anyhow, a manager at the transit agency seems to be interested in
digging into the matter. Let's see where that goes. IMO the rack
manufacturer should fix this free of charge to the transit agency
because they messed up. If they fix it I won't need to strap down at all
but like you I probably will anyhow if it feels at all iffy. Arno straps
are on the shopping list for the next Amazon order. They come as 2-packs
so I can shorten one for the wheel strapping and leave the other for the
top tube strapping.

--
Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com/
Ads
  #22  
Old August 25th 18, 10:41 PM posted to rec.bicycles.tech
[email protected]
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Posts: 1,261
Default Bus bike rack too short, how to strap in a bike quickly?

On Friday, August 24, 2018 at 12:01:26 PM UTC-7, Sir Ridesalot wrote:
On Friday, August 24, 2018 at 2:17:27 PM UTC-4, Joerg wrote:
On 2018-08-24 10:11, Frank Krygowski wrote:
On 8/24/2018 10:35 AM, Joerg wrote:
Couldn't believe it. Those great agency folks obviously didn't test
the bike racks for our local buses before signing the contract. Long
story short my 29er bike didn't fit in and neither did my friend's.
Luckily the driver was patient and helpful. We had to load the bikes
reversed so the hook goes over the rear wheel. Not easy because of my
panniers but worked, somehow. The front wheels now rode up on the
other side of the rack slot. We both had bungee cords with which we
strapped them down as hard as we could. Oh, and the slot width barely
fit my 2.25" wide MTB tires barely squeezed in and I had to push down
hard. The rack looks like this:

https://ixquick-proxy.com/do/spg/sho...8df2678ec2064b


When we arrived another rider put his 26" MTB on there on even that
barely fit in (rear wheel rode up half an inch).

Does anyone know a better "strap down" method that is faster than
wrapping a bungee around rim and rack numerous times?

I wouldn't fault the rack designer too much. Bikes come in such
incredible variety it's tricky to design even stationary bike racks. And
transit companies are seldom flush with funds. They can spend only so
much to accommodate the one percent with unusual bikes.


In this day and age 27-1/2" and 29" bikes hardly represent 1%. And yes,
the designers are at fault. They should have tested or at least hold a
design review with actual cyclists attending. In med-tech we are
obligated to hold those and for good reasons.

Also, as I wrote even a simple 26" MTB didn't fit completely, the rear
wheel remained an inch above the rail floor. In my book that constitutes
a thoroughly botched design.


As to your question: I wonder if a velcro strap with rectangular ring
might work. They're fast to install and surprisingly strong. See, for
example:

https://www.amazon.com/Reusable-Cabl...g=UTF8&s=a ht


Thanks, but I do not trust plastic for this stuff. The Arno straps that
Sir mentioned seem to be the ticket here. Of course, there remains the
risk that a picky bus driver refuses to accept that mounting method and
we'd be stranded.

--
Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com/


Around here the bus drivers don't mind the few seconds it takes to use a long Arno strap to secure the bike to the rack. I just loop the strap around the top tube of the bike and then around the bus rack and cinch the Arno strap tight. It takes just seconds and I usually have it done whilst other passengers are getting on or off the bus.

Arno straps are really tough as are their buckles. I've never had an Arno strap fail nor its buckle even when being used in the dead of winter. I've had many a plastic buckle snap when being cinched in winter's cold.

Cheers


I have more concern for the other bus or BART passengers if you're holding things up.
  #23  
Old August 25th 18, 10:48 PM posted to rec.bicycles.tech
[email protected]
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Posts: 1,261
Default Bus bike rack too short, how to strap in a bike quickly?

On Saturday, August 25, 2018 at 7:19:59 AM UTC-7, Ned Mantei wrote:
On 24-08-18 16:35, Joerg wrote:
Couldn't believe it. Those great agency folks obviously didn't test the
bike racks for our local buses before signing the contract. Long story
short my 29er bike didn't fit in and neither did my friend's. Luckily
the driver was patient and helpful. We had to load the bikes reversed so
the hook goes over the rear wheel. Not easy because of my panniers but
worked, somehow. The front wheels now rode up on the other side of the
rack slot. We both had bungee cords with which we strapped them down as
hard as we could. Oh, and the slot width barely fit my 2.25" wide MTB
tires barely squeezed in and I had to push down hard. The rack looks
like this:

https://ixquick-proxy.com/do/spg/sho...8df2678ec2064b


When we arrived another rider put his 26" MTB on there on even that
barely fit in (rear wheel rode up half an inch).

Does anyone know a better "strap down" method that is faster than
wrapping a bungee around rim and rack numerous times?


I have occasionally had a problem with my MTB in a Swiss train.
Depending on the train, there will typically be a space for bikes at the
end of the wagon. There you can hang the front wheel of your bike by a
hook, and the back wheel will be in a vertically mounted U-shaped,
fitting to keep it from swaying too much.
See https://www.radreise-wiki.de/Datei:S...lbstverlad.JPG
However, especially in older rail cars sometimes the hooks are too near
the ceiling and the wall, so that 2.25" tires won't fit. The train
operators (mainly the federal rail system) know about this problem, but
solving it involves more than just replacing the hooks.


Newer trains sometimes will have a wagon with a different sort of bike
parking:
https://blog.veloplus.ch/2015/03/24/...velotransport/
That works well, and it's easier to park your bike.

Ned


Both look like very good ideas. The Ferry Boats around here have very crude conditions for bikes. On the stern there are the semi-hanging bike hooks but that is only few in numbers. So in the passenger compartment there is a large space where people just throw all their bikes together leaning against one another. There isn't a lot of swaying because the boats are twin-hulls with turbines but I always try to be at the head of the line to get to the hooks in order to not get into that mess. The ferry-boats also have bars so I suppose that's why people don't care how their bikes are handled.
  #24  
Old August 25th 18, 10:50 PM posted to rec.bicycles.tech
[email protected]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 1,261
Default Bus bike rack too short, how to strap in a bike quickly?

On Saturday, August 25, 2018 at 11:22:33 AM UTC-7, Frank Krygowski wrote:
On 8/24/2018 2:09 PM, Joerg wrote:
On 2018-08-24 09:21, Sir Ridesalot wrote:
On Friday, August 24, 2018 at 11:25:58 AM UTC-4, Sir Ridesalot
wrote:
On Friday, August 24, 2018 at 10:35:42 AM UTC-4, Joerg wrote:
Couldn't believe it. Those great agency folks obviously didn't
test the bike racks for our local buses before signing the
contract. Long story short my 29er bike didn't fit in and neither
did my friend's. Luckily the driver was patient and helpful. We
had to load the bikes reversed so the hook goes over the rear
wheel. Not easy because of my panniers but worked, somehow. The
front wheels now rode up on the other side of the rack slot. We
both had bungee cords with which we strapped them down as hard as
we could. Oh, and the slot width barely fit my 2.25" wide MTB
tires barely squeezed in and I had to push down hard. The rack
looks like this:

https://ixquick-proxy.com/do/spg/sho...8df2678ec2064b




When we arrived another rider put his 26" MTB on there on even that
barely fit in (rear wheel rode up half an inch).

Does anyone know a better "strap down" method that is faster
than wrapping a bungee around rim and rack numerous times?

-- Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com/

You should look into getting a few Cohglans Arno Straps. They are
like super long nylon toestraps and have a metal buckle that does
not fall apart when reefed really tight. I'ved used them to secure
a recliner rocker chair to my rear bike rack. I also use them for
fastening everything to the bike when touring. In addition to that
I use them for holding the rolled up sleeping bag, tent etcetera
instead of having to fumble with laces etcetera. Here's a link to
an actual card with two Arno straps on it.

https://www.sportsmanswarehouse.com/...9227/cat101260




Aha, Arno straps! Thanks, those look very good. They can also come in
handy when something structural breaks on the bike during a trail ride.




You can get them in lengths of 36" to 60". The straps are 3/4" wide.

Cheers

Addendum

I forgot to mention that I use those Arno Straps to secure my
mountain bicyle to the front rack on our inter-city bus. It's great
insurance for when the bus is running at highway speeds.


On the freeway the bus driver really stepped on it and actually passed a
tour bus. I was concerned that the handlebar of my bike might smash a
front window on the bus but despite being just 2" from it that didn't
happen. He took corners Mario Andretti style and luckily neither bike
flew out sideways. The bungees were all that was holding them sideways
to the bus depending on curve direction (away from the hook).

If I was an engineer on the design review for such a rack (they don't
seem to hold any design reviews ...) I'd insist that there are wheel
hooks for front and rear wheel. And, of course, slots long enough for
29ers and 27-1/2 bikes. In fact, then you could leave the slots open to
the curb side making loading and unloading much easier for older riders
who can't lift a bike upwards while bent over (something even young
people should avoid).


Don't forget to design for small wheel, short wheelbase shopping bikes.
And for long wheelbase "flatfoot" bikes. For short wheelbase and long
wheelbase recumbents. For recumbents with 20" wheels and 700c wheels.
For under-seat steering and above-seat steering. For tandems, including
conventional, small wheel, and recumbent. For tall bikes and for
antiques, including high wheelers. (Most of those are very valuable.)
For carbon fiber frames as well as metal. For folding bikes, especially
if carrying packs, because those frequently can't go into the bus. For
electric assist bikes, and electric powered bikes.

Don't worry about unicycles. This is a BIcycle discussion group.

--
- Frank Krygowski

---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
https://www.avast.com/antivirus


I've been seeing those long wheelbase pickup bikes more and more often.
  #25  
Old August 26th 18, 02:31 AM posted to rec.bicycles.tech
Frank Krygowski[_4_]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 10,538
Default Bus bike rack too short, how to strap in a bike quickly?

On 8/25/2018 2:58 PM, Joerg wrote:
On 2018-08-25 11:12, Frank Krygowski wrote:
On 8/24/2018 2:17 PM, Joerg wrote:
On 2018-08-24 10:11, Frank Krygowski wrote:

As to your question: I wonder if a velcro strap with rectangular ring
might work. They're fast to install and surprisingly strong. See, for
example:

https://www.amazon.com/Reusable-Cabl...g=UTF8&s=a ht



Thanks, but I do not trust plastic for this stuff. The Arno straps
that Sir mentioned seem to be the ticket here. Of course, there
remains the risk that a picky bus driver refuses to accept that
mounting method and we'd be stranded.


I do have some with steel loops, but that's OK. I should have known it
wouldn't work for you.Â*Â* ;-)

A certain guy I know well once had a habit of asking my advice. "Can you
come over and look at this? You're an engineer."Â* So I'd visit and hear
"The garage door track is coming loose" or "This table I'm building has
wobbly legs" or "I need a way to carry this bag on the back of my bike"
or a bunch of other things.

In each case, the answer seemed obvious to me - as in "You need
something to resist that bending moment, so if you add a brace here" or
"... if you screw this in two places..." or whatever.

Invariably, he'd say "That won't work, because..." and spout some
nonsense.

I still see the guy from time to time. When he asks me about problems
now, I usually say things like "Yeah, I see why that bothers you. What
do you think?" and later "Well, you could try that if you like."


I would have assumed that you as a mechanical engineer would understand
that plastic buckles will not be adequate for holding a bike wheel _on_
the slot (not _in_ the slot) at freeway speeds and when taking corners
at a good clip.


First, I ride my bikes. Sometimes I carry them on my car, so I've
modified my own racks to work the way I wanted. I've never put them on a
bus rack.

But you've shown no image of your bike on the rack, just a small distant
shot of a bike that fits. You said the big clamp bar worked on your rear
wheel, so it's not clear how your bike could fall off. Was your front
wheel only partially in the slot? If so, it's probably no big deal.
Gravity is holding it down. Straps would mostly be insurance against
jostling. The forces would be small.

You've given me no evidence that a plastic buckle is not sufficient.
You've given only your assertion. I don't value your assertions. Andrew
gave a link to the kind of strap on my roof rack. It's got a plastic
buckle that's worked perfectly with singles and our tandem since 2004.

If I wanted to use the design I linked and didn't trust plastic, I'd
substitute a metal loop for the plastic one, either by purchase or by
fabrication. Yes, I know, you don't have time to cut a piece of steel
rod and bend it into a rectangle, but I would make the time to do that
instead of type 18 discussion posts about how you're smarter than anyone
who ever designed a bike rack.

But if you want to use Arno straps, that's perfectly fine with me. Just
remember, they're made of polyester. That's another word for [gasp!]
plastic.

--
- Frank Krygowski

---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
https://www.avast.com/antivirus

  #26  
Old August 26th 18, 02:38 AM posted to rec.bicycles.tech
Frank Krygowski[_4_]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 10,538
Default Bus bike rack too short, how to strap in a bike quickly?

On 8/25/2018 10:19 AM, Ned Mantei wrote:
O
I have occasionally had a problem with my MTB in a Swiss train.
Depending on the train, there will typically be a space for bikes at the
end of the wagon. There you can hang the front wheel of your bike by a
hook, and the back wheel will be in a vertically mounted U-shaped,
fitting to keep it from swaying too much.
See https://www.radreise-wiki.de/Datei:S...lbstverlad.JPG
However, especially in older rail cars sometimes the hooks are too near
the ceiling and the wall, so that 2.25" tires won't fit. The train
operators (mainly the federal rail system) know about this problem, but
solving it involves more than just replacing the hooks.


We rode a train in Estonia and another on a trip in France with our
Bikes Friday. For those trips, we had large packs on the back of the
bikes. Hanging from those sorts of hooks was a little difficult because
of having to lift the bike higher than normal off the ground, but I
didn't complain. A Bike Friday is an unusual design. It requires compromise.
Newer trains sometimes will have a wagon with a different sort of bike
parking:
https://blog.veloplus.ch/2015/03/24/...velotransport/

That works well, and it's easier to park your bike.


Our Fridays (and their trailers) rode into Zurich in such a car. The car
was packed with bikes, and ours barely fit, but we made it.


--
- Frank Krygowski

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  #27  
Old August 26th 18, 03:25 AM posted to rec.bicycles.tech
John B. Slocomb
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 144
Default Bus bike rack too short, how to strap in a bike quickly?

On Sat, 25 Aug 2018 21:31:19 -0400, Frank Krygowski
wrote:

On 8/25/2018 2:58 PM, Joerg wrote:
On 2018-08-25 11:12, Frank Krygowski wrote:
On 8/24/2018 2:17 PM, Joerg wrote:
On 2018-08-24 10:11, Frank Krygowski wrote:

As to your question: I wonder if a velcro strap with rectangular ring
might work. They're fast to install and surprisingly strong. See, for
example:

https://www.amazon.com/Reusable-Cabl...g=UTF8&s=a ht



Thanks, but I do not trust plastic for this stuff. The Arno straps
that Sir mentioned seem to be the ticket here. Of course, there
remains the risk that a picky bus driver refuses to accept that
mounting method and we'd be stranded.

I do have some with steel loops, but that's OK. I should have known it
wouldn't work for you.** ;-)

A certain guy I know well once had a habit of asking my advice. "Can you
come over and look at this? You're an engineer."* So I'd visit and hear
"The garage door track is coming loose" or "This table I'm building has
wobbly legs" or "I need a way to carry this bag on the back of my bike"
or a bunch of other things.

In each case, the answer seemed obvious to me - as in "You need
something to resist that bending moment, so if you add a brace here" or
"... if you screw this in two places..." or whatever.

Invariably, he'd say "That won't work, because..." and spout some
nonsense.

I still see the guy from time to time. When he asks me about problems
now, I usually say things like "Yeah, I see why that bothers you. What
do you think?" and later "Well, you could try that if you like."


I would have assumed that you as a mechanical engineer would understand
that plastic buckles will not be adequate for holding a bike wheel _on_
the slot (not _in_ the slot) at freeway speeds and when taking corners
at a good clip.


First, I ride my bikes. Sometimes I carry them on my car, so I've
modified my own racks to work the way I wanted. I've never put them on a
bus rack.

But you've shown no image of your bike on the rack, just a small distant
shot of a bike that fits. You said the big clamp bar worked on your rear
wheel, so it's not clear how your bike could fall off. Was your front
wheel only partially in the slot? If so, it's probably no big deal.
Gravity is holding it down. Straps would mostly be insurance against
jostling. The forces would be small.

You've given me no evidence that a plastic buckle is not sufficient.
You've given only your assertion. I don't value your assertions. Andrew
gave a link to the kind of strap on my roof rack. It's got a plastic
buckle that's worked perfectly with singles and our tandem since 2004.

If I wanted to use the design I linked and didn't trust plastic, I'd
substitute a metal loop for the plastic one, either by purchase or by
fabrication. Yes, I know, you don't have time to cut a piece of steel
rod and bend it into a rectangle, but I would make the time to do that
instead of type 18 discussion posts about how you're smarter than anyone
who ever designed a bike rack.

But if you want to use Arno straps, that's perfectly fine with me. Just
remember, they're made of polyester. That's another word for [gasp!]
plastic.


Apparently plastic buckles are used on quite a few, what might be
called "important" stuff: see https://bit.ly/2P2s4kf

:-)
  #28  
Old August 26th 18, 03:31 PM posted to rec.bicycles.tech
SMS
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 9,477
Default Bus bike rack too short, how to strap in a bike quickly?

On 8/24/2018 7:35 AM, Joerg wrote:

snip

When we arrived another rider put his 26" MTB on there on even that
barely fit in (rear wheel rode up half an inch).

Does anyone know a better "strap down" method that is faster than
wrapping a bungee around rim and rack numerous times?


Yeah, those racks were not designed for long wheelbase bikes with wide
tires.

Since the transit agency is unlikely to put in new racks, you'll need to
buy a new bike with a shorter wheelbase. But perhaps when they buy new
buses they can build a rack with a longer and wider wheel tray.

I've taken bikes on Caltrain and VTA light rail (and light rail from
Folsom to Sacramento) but never on a bus.

  #29  
Old August 26th 18, 03:47 PM posted to rec.bicycles.tech
Joerg[_2_]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 6,016
Default Bus bike rack too short, how to strap in a bike quickly?

On 2018-08-26 07:31, sms wrote:
On 8/24/2018 7:35 AM, Joerg wrote:

snip

When we arrived another rider put his 26" MTB on there on even that
barely fit in (rear wheel rode up half an inch).

Does anyone know a better "strap down" method that is faster than
wrapping a bungee around rim and rack numerous times?


Yeah, those racks were not designed for long wheelbase bikes with wide
tires.

Since the transit agency is unlikely to put in new racks, you'll need to
buy a new bike with a shorter wheelbase. But perhaps when they buy new
buses they can build a rack with a longer and wider wheel tray.

I've taken bikes on Caltrain and VTA light rail (and light rail from
Folsom to Sacramento) but never on a bus.


At least on some bsues the racks were retrofitted and that wasn't long
ago. It is sad that it wasn't properly field-tested. 29er bikes are not
as popular as 26" out here but 27-1/2" sure are. Since half of the bike
riders in my area use MTB that prevents a lot of people from using the
bus system. Not a smart marketing move which is why I wrote to the
director of marketing (who responded immediately).

--
Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com/
  #30  
Old August 26th 18, 03:57 PM posted to rec.bicycles.tech
Joerg[_2_]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 6,016
Default Bus bike rack too short, how to strap in a bike quickly?

On 2018-08-25 19:25, John B. Slocomb wrote:
On Sat, 25 Aug 2018 21:31:19 -0400, Frank Krygowski
wrote:

On 8/25/2018 2:58 PM, Joerg wrote:
On 2018-08-25 11:12, Frank Krygowski wrote:
On 8/24/2018 2:17 PM, Joerg wrote:
On 2018-08-24 10:11, Frank Krygowski wrote:

As to your question: I wonder if a velcro strap with rectangular ring
might work. They're fast to install and surprisingly strong. See, for
example:

https://www.amazon.com/Reusable-Cabl...g=UTF8&s=a ht



Thanks, but I do not trust plastic for this stuff. The Arno straps
that Sir mentioned seem to be the ticket here. Of course, there
remains the risk that a picky bus driver refuses to accept that
mounting method and we'd be stranded.

I do have some with steel loops, but that's OK. I should have known it
wouldn't work for you. ;-)

A certain guy I know well once had a habit of asking my advice. "Can you
come over and look at this? You're an engineer." So I'd visit and hear
"The garage door track is coming loose" or "This table I'm building has
wobbly legs" or "I need a way to carry this bag on the back of my bike"
or a bunch of other things.

In each case, the answer seemed obvious to me - as in "You need
something to resist that bending moment, so if you add a brace here" or
"... if you screw this in two places..." or whatever.

Invariably, he'd say "That won't work, because..." and spout some
nonsense.

I still see the guy from time to time. When he asks me about problems
now, I usually say things like "Yeah, I see why that bothers you. What
do you think?" and later "Well, you could try that if you like."


I would have assumed that you as a mechanical engineer would understand
that plastic buckles will not be adequate for holding a bike wheel _on_
the slot (not _in_ the slot) at freeway speeds and when taking corners
at a good clip.


First, I ride my bikes. Sometimes I carry them on my car, so I've
modified my own racks to work the way I wanted. I've never put them on a
bus rack.


A bus is environmentally more friendly than a car if used by enough
riders. I also always hemmer up to Placerville on the singletrack but
this time I rode with a much slower rider and we would have not made it
back home in time without using the bus for one trip.


But you've shown no image of your bike on the rack, just a small distant
shot of a bike that fits. You said the big clamp bar worked on your rear
wheel, so it's not clear how your bike could fall off. ...



Not fall off but shoot out the side. Unless thoroughly strapped down
which is why the bus driver (correctly) insisted that we cinched that as
tight as we could.


... Was your front wheel only partially in the slot?



Yes, like I wrote. It was almost completely riding on the round top tube
of the rack rail (same as in the picture).


... If so, it's probably no big deal.
Gravity is holding it down. Straps would mostly be insurance against
jostling. The forces would be small.


Until the bus driver makes a hard right turn in which case the bike
would have flown out the rack to the left.


You've given me no evidence that a plastic buckle is not sufficient.
You've given only your assertion. I don't value your assertions.



I do not care whether you value them. I rely on experience and to me
experience matters the most.


... Andrew
gave a link to the kind of strap on my roof rack. It's got a plastic
buckle that's worked perfectly with singles and our tandem since 2004.

If I wanted to use the design I linked and didn't trust plastic, I'd
substitute a metal loop for the plastic one, either by purchase or by
fabrication. Yes, I know, you don't have time to cut a piece of steel
rod and bend it into a rectangle, but I would make the time to do that
instead of type 18 discussion posts about how you're smarter than anyone
who ever designed a bike rack.



Six bucks buys two Arno straps. That makes a home-build silly, doesn't it?


But if you want to use Arno straps, that's perfectly fine with me. Just
remember, they're made of polyester. That's another word for [gasp!]
plastic.


Apparently plastic buckles are used on quite a few, what might be
called "important" stuff: see https://bit.ly/2P2s4kf

:-)


I've had too many fail and I routinely see plastic-buckle straps on the
side of the road during my rides where the buckle has snapped. The
buckle has to be sturdy metal.

--
Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com/
 




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