Commuting - Rack-mounted 'trunk'

With all the talk of mounting things to racks, either permanent or otherwise, I thought I'd post my own approach. Here's my commuter in all its dusty glory. Cost $10 at a garage sale, and over two years I have eventually put on new rims, tires, seat, cables/housing, freewheel, chain, and front/rear derailleur. Total cost has been a bit over $200, but I've learned a lot (which was my point).

As you can see, the height of the toolbox made mounting a rear blinkie difficult. I bolted a hand-rail holder to the box, wrapped and epoxied inner tubing (epoxy is wonderful) around the end of that (to create a platform to mount my light), and mounted my Trek Disco Inferno onto that. Works fine, but I've struggled with vibration loosening the screws. Eventually solved with locktight, but now it points a little downward.

I'm a pack-rat by nature, so it allows me to bring my bike tools along. The toolbox itself is surprisingly light, but the weight of the tools adds up quickly, so it wouldn't be for everyone, but I see it as better exercise/training. The toolbox has a spot for a small lock, so I put my blinkies and etc inside and lock it when I run inside stores. Of course, any thief with even a small boltcutter would make short work of it, but it keeps honest folks honest.

The box is waterproof, so it's nice when I get caught in thunderstorms to stow my phone and wallet inside and enjoy the shower. I can also transport more delicate groceries (eggs, bread loaves) inside this when shopping, there's room.

Even though the plastic of the toolbox is sturdy, I reinforced the back of where I mounted the blinkie with a piece of basswood.

Last pics. To allow me to still use my rack to attach panniers, or in my case perma-mounted grocery crates, I put spacers under the toolbox using two pieces of basswood. I went overkill on the bolt lengths because my girlfriend was starting to pace and sigh heavily while I was perusing bolts at the hardware store. Just used the first ones I saw of the right size.

I put it on in January, after the cold weather caused my prototype effort (tupperware storage box) to shatter under vibration. The toolbox has since stood up to a full winter of commuting without problems.

nice work

I have thought about doing the same with a .50 cal ammo box. They are cheap at a surplus store, waterproof, and super durable. Only problem would be the weight though.

http://www.omahas.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=6&products_id=205&osCsid=bf60f2115ff3d68d6e3e5c496aaecb0b

5.5 lbs, ouch. Maybe not. Lol.

Here's my commuter in all its dusty glory. --- Thanks for the pictures of the innovative trunk for your real-world commuter. I especially like the spacers to accomodate panniers.
When the oil peaks out, the survivors will depend upon your kind of inventive resoucefulness. (Tell THAT to your GF)

I still like the soft pack idea. There used to be cartridge bags in olive drab canvas at surplus stores, the size of the .50 cal boxes, but web and canvas, so lighter. I have never been able to find one when I have gone looking recently. I think you could adapt one easily, though.

I still like the soft pack idea. There used to be cartridge bags in olive drab canvas at surplus stores, the size of the .50 cal boxes, but web and canvas, so lighter. I have never been able to find one when I have gone looking recently. I think you could adapt one easily, though.

I went crusing through the bags section on that site.

http://www.omahas.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=2&products_id=1824&osCsid=bf60f2115ff3d68d6e3e5c496aaecb0b

Hmm.

Though you can get the basic Nashbar rack trunck plus a rack for only a few bucks more though.

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=66&subcategory=1005&brand=&sku=15404&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=

When the oil peaks out, the survivors will depend upon your kind of inventive resoucefulness. (Tell THAT to your GF)

Thanks, though I've seen much cooler home projects on this site. When the oil peaks out and society goes to pot, I don't know if my GF will do too well in my nomadic bicycle-commuting gang, though occasionally I do sound her out on it. There's still time though.

My trouble with the soft rack-trunks is 1) storage capacity, and 2) my worry about the ease of petty theft, and 3) cost. I imagine they're designed to be removed easily, and they can also be zipped open, or cut open, in moments.

The toolbox alone weighs maybe as much as one, maybe 1.5 lbs, and cost me $7 at Lowes. It could still be forced open, but it would take more than a casual effort, and it transports certain grocery items really well (soft fruits, eggs, bread etc.).

Great work. I really like the idea of a hard case on the back. It can't weigh too much more, it's bolted on, and fairly waterproof. For a dedicated commuter bike, seems like a good permanent sollution.

I would add some nylon or bungee netting strung across the inside top as a suspended hammock for carrying eggs. I have the hardest time getting eggs home from the grocery.

My trouble with the soft rack-trunks is 1) storage capacity, and 2) my worry about the ease of petty theft, and 3) cost. I imagine they're designed to be removed easily, and they can also be zipped open, or cut open, in moments.


True. It seems that if you want security, a hard case is the only way to go. Or a kevlar lined bag. Haha.

I would add some nylon or bungee netting strung across the inside top as a suspended hammock for carrying eggs. I have the hardest time getting eggs home from the grocery.

That's a great idea. A hammock dealie inside the toolbox itself. Normally I put eggs in the box on top of something soft, but a net would make for a really cushy ride as long as it's cargo didn't swing too much. Thanks a bunch, that's exactly why I come to this forum.

Looks good! I'd like to do that to one of my beater bikes, and already have a rack and plastic toolbox not doing anything...

The extra-long bolts aren't a bad thing. You may someday want to install a boom off the rear of the bike for some purpose (trailer?) and you could mount it with a couple of nuts and lockwashers to the existing bolts.

Looks great! All of your work mounting the Disco Inferno may come to naught if the thin attachment point of that blinkie breaks off. That's what happened to me (seatpost mounted).

With the amount of time it sounds like you're carrying around eggs, though, you might not be abusing your blinkie as much as I did.

That's a great idea. A hammock dealie inside the toolbox itself. Normally I put eggs in the box on top of something soft, but a net would make for a really cushy ride as long as it's cargo didn't swing too much. Thanks a bunch, that's exactly why I come to this forum.

Of course -- follow up pictures.

Though you can get the basic Nashbar rack trunck plus a rack for only a few bucks more though.

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=66&subcategory=1005&brand=&sku=15404&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=

Can anyone comment on the quality of the FREE rack that come with this trunk? Is it sturdy enough to hold panniers?

That's a great idea. A hammock dealie inside the toolbox itself. Normally I put eggs in the box on top of something soft, but a net would make for a really cushy ride as long as it's cargo didn't swing too much. Thanks a bunch, that's exactly why I come to this forum.

Or maybe you could rig up a rubber band harness, kind of like the ones used for hard drives:

http://www.brianfrost.com/mce/quietmce/9262.JPG


put two bolts/screws on each side, wrap the bands around them and you have yourself a pretty good egg crate harness. Just a thought.

Can anyone comment on the quality of the FREE rack that come with this trunk? Is it sturdy enough to hold panniers?


FYI, though the web site states this trunk bag comes with a rack as a free gift, the rack is discontinued and will not be shipped. I found this out *after* I placed my order. Thirty minutes after I placed my order, I checked the order status online and it was too late to change the order. I'll be returning the trunk rack up it's arrival. WTG, Nashbar.

have much rattling? All that hardware looks like something waiting to loosen & jiggle...

I have the hardest time getting eggs home from the grocery.

For eggs, I have a little army-surplus backpack, and put the breakable stuff in that and the rest on the bike.

Good work.

Next time you're at the hardware store, grab some lock washers. That'll put centexwoody's concerns to rest.

James

Good work.

Next time you're at the hardware store, grab some lock washers. That'll put centexwoody's concerns to rest.

James

Better yet, use locknuts that have a nylon insert crimped into the end (sometimes referred to as prevailing torque locknuts). Even if you forget to tighten them down all the way they won't vibrate loose.

In the seven months since I installed it, only my blinkie screw has come loose, but a lock-washer and a dab of Locktight solved that issue. When the toolbox is empty it's a quiet ride, but when my tools are in there they slide around and I can imagine that bothering some people. I've thought about putting some foam in the bottom with depressions to hold the tools in place and keep things from rattling.

If there's enough room in there for your tools to rattle, then you don't have enough tools.

Just saw this thread! Awesome.

Woah do those baskets fold out? That's awesome!

A small hack saw would remove the excess bolt.

Looks pretty light too. How much does the trunk weigh?

More tools More tools:) HeHe Couple big Pipe wrenches, socket set, and a BFH.
(just in case)

To tell the truth last week I took a saw with me. I needed 1x8s for house trim but only
come in 8' lengths:eek: So I sawed 3 of them in half, all fit in right pannier. Glued
them back together when I got home (router joint). :p

Be careful out there..

The toolbox weighs about 2 lbs. It's been very useful this past year. I feel I'm a bit of a spectacle when riding, but if that means motorists notice me then good. My hope is that if they see me daily, biking well and with courtesy, they'll remember me and give me a little room when they pass. MAYBE even learn to handle my presence at 4-way stopsigns.

I recently decked the toolbox out in 'Share the road' and 'What high gas prices?' bumper stickers too.

I feel I'm a bit of a spectacle when riding, but if that means motorists notice me then good.


Less so then I am with the milk crate ;)

Btw I may be switching to a toolbox set-up like yours soon.

I mounted a box on my trusty steed. Could'nt be happier. Thanks for the idea!

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A layrer of foam on the bottom of the box would take care of tool rattles and eggs.

I'm as interested in the wire racks, though.

All very clever and inventive.

I mounted a box on my trusty steed. Could'nt be happier. Thanks for the idea!

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That setup looks awesome! I really dig the reflectivity from the back, I should probably add some more reflective tape myself. I've become so used to getting ribbed by my friends, I'm glad other people think this is a good idea too.

The folding grocery baskets cost around $15 apiece at my LBS. They bolt onto the rack, can carry a sixteen pack of Guiness each, and fold out of my way when not in use. They do weigh a few pounds though.

Here's one place that sells them.
http://penncyclebuy.stores.yahoo.net/508-009.html

As a toolbox or 'soft' trunk alternative, there was another post on bikeforums where the poster mounted a scooter trunk onto his rack. Looked pretty good too.
http://www.partsforscooters.com/Scooter-Trunk?partner=NEXTAG

I saw a guy use the bottom of a platic jug used for colant in a car.

this is one of the coolest ideas! :D

That setup looks awesome! I really dig the reflectivity from the back


I work second shift so I am riding around on the rural roads of North Georgia at midnight. I figure I need to be as reflective as possible.
Any chance I could join your nomadic bicycle-commuting gang when the time comes?:)