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#1
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Bus bike rack too short, how to strap in a bike quickly?
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/ |
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#2
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Bus bike rack too short, how to strap in a bike quickly?
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 You can get them in lengths of 36" to 60". The straps are 3/4" wide. Cheers |
#3
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Bus bike rack too short, how to strap in a bike quickly?
On 8/24/2018 9:35 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? Special bike = special accessories: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6P6logRiwo -- Andrew Muzi www.yellowjersey.org/ Open every day since 1 April, 1971 |
#4
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Bus bike rack too short, how to strap in a bike quickly?
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 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. Cheers |
#5
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Bus bike rack too short, how to strap in a bike quickly?
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. 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 -- - Frank Krygowski --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus |
#6
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Bus bike rack too short, how to strap in a bike quickly?
On Friday, August 24, 2018 at 1:11:09 PM UTC-4, 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. 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 -- - Frank Krygowski --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus The Arno Strap I reference in my earlier reply are so simple to use. What's really neat is that they are so easy to release and doing so does not delay the bus for more than a few seconds. When not in use to hold the bike to the bus rack an Arno strap can be used for many other things - such as towing another bicyclist or strapping a keg of beer to a rear bicycle rack. LOL I use a couple to hold my big jug of spring water to the rear bicycle rack when I go to and from the freshwater spring to refill the jug. Cheers Cheers |
#7
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Bus bike rack too short, how to strap in a bike quickly?
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). -- Regards, Joerg http://www.analogconsultants.com/ |
#8
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Bus bike rack too short, how to strap in a bike quickly?
On 2018-08-24 09:00, AMuzi wrote:
On 8/24/2018 9:35 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? Special bike = special accessories: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6P6logRiwo I've got those. Takes too long. Yesterday we held up the bus at that stop for 4min. Not good. -- Regards, Joerg http://www.analogconsultants.com/ |
#9
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Bus bike rack too short, how to strap in a bike quickly?
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/ |
#10
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Bus bike rack too short, how to strap in a bike quickly?
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 |
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