When Amy and I went to Burning Man last year, one issue we (well, more like she since I wasn’t all that into hooping then) came across is transporting hoops on a bike. There were rumors of contraptions people had built to carry their hoops, but I never saw them. Since this sort of challenge is my forte, I got the wheels inside my head a turnin’ and came up with this little beauty. Mostly I’m just happy I was able to integrate the two activities I absolutely love: bikes & hoops…Anyway, the hoop rack I built is simple, cheap, and effective:
Parts include:
- Blackburn EX-1 Rack > $29.99 (these are pretty standard)
- four 1-1/8″ metal hose clamps > $1.19 x 4
- one 10′ x 1″ schedule 40 PVC $3.29
- two 1″ T connectors > $.99 x 2
- two 1″ L connectors > $.55 x 2
- one bungee cord or nylon strap > $1.99
Parts TOTAL = $41.50 (not including tax)
note: you’ll notice that there are caps/extension connectors at the top of the hooks. these aren’t necessary, but I already had them so threw them on. they run $.33 a piece, but aren’t critcal to the design.
Tools
- PVC cutter > $9.99
- Flat head screwdriver > I’m guessing you have one
Putting this together took me about 1-1/2 hours. I have a bike stand which made things a little easier, but not necessary. I recommend attaching it to the right side so that when the bike is on the kickstand the hoops will be more centered over the rear tire and naturally rest on the PVC. no glueing or taping is necessary as the PVC fits pretty snug into the connectors, though it might be good to tape it up to just make sure. Constant bouncing on the playa may wiggle them loose. I tested it with four hoops and i barely even noticed them when riding around. Now I just need to decorate the PVC as that white is ug-ly… :)
SA-WEET.
so excited. you’re awesome.
Building it this weekend… thanks!! I had another thought about the design. I was thinking that you could maybe have the part of the rack that is attached with hose clamps as a permanent fixture on the bike rack, and then insert pvc with a smaller diameter into the permanent part as the rack section. That way you could take the hoop rack on/off quickly as you need it.
Thanks for a great idea!
Hooray, you rock! Was riding with 3 hoops slung over my shoulder on Monday, and thought I should do something bout it: your solution looks brilliant!!
Only problem is that I use panniers on my bike rack pretty often (cycle touring etc). Have any ideas for being able to detach the hoop carrier???
It’ll detach rather quickly with a screwdriver to accommodate a pannier on the side the hooprack is attached to. It’s certainly not permanent.
what size did you cut each pvc into from the 10′?