How to make this rack fit my bike?

October 21, 2011 7:32 PM

Any way to mod this rear bike carrier rack to fit onto my v-brake bike?

Like a dummy I bought this cheap bike rack without realizing that it doesn't work on v-brake bikes (I'm riding an old Nishiki Colorado). Out of curiosity (and frugality), is there any way to mod it, or any little accessory I can get that would make it work? I'm imagining something that would attach to the little rear plate and then clip to my seat post.

Canadian Tire only does store credit on returns, alas.

posted by stray to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (7 answers total)

Is it the type that clamps onto the seatstays? I don't think that type of rack can be adapted. You could get creative with some angle iron or something but I don't think it will be very secure.

I'd recommend a Planet Bike Eco Rack, which is about the same price and comes with adjustable and bendable brackets for the seatstay mounts.
posted by twblalock at 8:02 PM on October 21, 2011

Would mounting it to your seat post with one of these work?
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 8:08 PM on October 21, 2011

You're in Vancouver. Go to Our Community Bikes (Main & 16th) or The Bike Kitchen (UBC SUB) -- they have millions of spare parts in bins, and will teach you how to improvise some sort of attachment, either for a pittance or for free.
posted by wutangclan at 8:37 PM on October 21, 2011

Response by poster: Thanks wutangclan - VERY good advice, except...I just moved to Toronto. I'll have to change my profile info. Do you know of any similar magical bike places here abouts?
posted by stray at 8:53 PM on October 21, 2011

Try Bike Pirates at Bloor and Lansdowne. There's at least one MeFite volunteering there, too.
posted by maudlin at 10:49 PM on October 21, 2011

I think you have it backwards. The plate is to put a reflector on. You are suppose to bend or adjust the two arms to either attach to the rack bosses near your seat tube, or get clamped to the top of your seat stays.
posted by advicepig at 7:48 PM on October 22, 2011

Response by poster: Nah, those arms are actually the arms that go to the wheel hub. There are no other arms, just the plate, which is intended to attach over the rear brakes, but won't work on v-brakes. But, success - I convinced Can Tire to refund my purchase. :) So I'll just go and find a different rack that fits.

Thanks for the help y'all, and the lead on Bike Pirates - I'm excited to check them out.
posted by stray at 9:52 PM on October 22, 2011