Test ride to Marramarra National Park.
A low cost bike transporter that takes up to three bikes, keeps them out of the weather and allows them to be locked inside the vehicle also has a basic tool kit for minor repairs at the trail head.
These photos show it being used in a Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero but it should be possible to make a similar unit that would fit a Toyota Prado, Jeep or any 4WD/SUV with a tall load area. Three of the mounts take mountain bikes and the fourth one in the middle section takes a road bike, being placed further back allows enough room for the bars to clear the rear window. It can take up to three bikes at one time.
There is a storage area in the back of the vehicle where the third row of seats fits, it is covered with a fitted panel that can be removed, I used this as the template to cut the particle board. Decided on the location of the bike mounts by sitting the three bikes in the back attached to the mounts, then drilled and bolted them in place. The plastic parts tray is screwed to the board and the allen keys are attached with a bolt and wing nut. I used some strips of door draft foam tape around the underside perimeter to stop the board rattling on the floor. There are two hooks on either side of the floor where a tie down strap can be fitted to stop everything flying forward under heavy braking.
There is a storage area in the back of the vehicle where the third row of seats fits, it is covered with a fitted panel that can be removed, I used this as the template to cut the particle board. Decided on the location of the bike mounts by sitting the three bikes in the back attached to the mounts, then drilled and bolted them in place. The plastic parts tray is screwed to the board and the allen keys are attached with a bolt and wing nut. I used some strips of door draft foam tape around the underside perimeter to stop the board rattling on the floor. There are two hooks on either side of the floor where a tie down strap can be fitted to stop everything flying forward under heavy braking.
Total cost was $45. The particle board cost nothing, it had been put out in a council clean up, the four bike mounts cost $40, $3 for the plastic parts tray and $2 for the Allen Key set.
Singletracks.com kindly supplied some stickers for decoration and to cover a few holes in the particle board.
$45 bike transporter
I drove out to Marramarra National Park which is about 45kms. north west of Sydney to test the unit, it worked well. This track is very easy but it's a nice place to spend a couple of hours. The lookout at Collingridge Point is a good place for a lunch stop and if you want a more technical ride you can take the turnoff to Coba Point.
Collingridge Point & Hawkesbury River
Photos taken with a Sony DSC P200 and a Blackberry Bold 9780
