PDA

View Full Version : DIY Cyclocross Barrier



pitboss
08-17-07, 06:24 PM
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1337/1152939817_721cc3a038.jpg
After building a set of these at my teammate's house this morning, I decided I wanted to build a set of my own. Here is how I built mine.

What I used to build ONE (1) barrier:
2 sections of 3/4" PVC tubing ($1.50/each at Home Depot)
2 3/4" Elbow joints - one end threaded
5 3/4" threaded ends, male
1 3/4" threaded end, female
2 3/4" T-joints, single joint threaded.

I cut the PVC into the following sections:
2 72mm section(for the crossbar)
2 26mm sections (for the legs)
4 40mm sections (for the feet)

After cutting the sections, I cleaned off the burrs and prepped the ends with the PVC primer. I then prepped the joint areas that would also be glued.

A. The crossbar section consists of both 72mm PVC sections: one with an elbow joint/threaded male end (top section in picture) and the other with an elbow joint/threaded female end (bottom section in picture).

B. Each leg section consists of a 26mm PVC section and 2 threaded male ends

C. Each foot section consists of two 50mm sections and a T-joint.

Let the glue set for 15-20 minutes after applying it (do NOT glue any threaded areas on the joints or ends - only the smooth portions that receive the PVC sections should be glued).

After you have all the sections assembled, screw the leg sections into the feet sections - don't make it too tight or else it will be hard to disassemble them. Then connect the crossbar sections so both elbow joints point in the same direction. Finally thread the leg/feet sections into the crossbar. You will have one UCI height-compliant (40cm max height) obstacle. These are meant more for drills/practice than to be used in actual races.

Enjoy!

Ih8lucky13
08-17-07, 07:12 PM
Thanks this is one of the best threads ever.

i_r_beej
08-20-07, 01:32 PM
I made a pair like this. Narrower since since i don't have any friends that race 'cross so it's only going to be me jumping over these things.

I made the addition of drilling a small hole in the post of each barrier and threading a heavy nylon string through it. I measured out enough to meet the UCI requirement for distance between barriers. So positioning is a snap.

pitboss
08-20-07, 04:16 PM
awesome add-on!

thanks for the tip

the mayor
08-20-07, 04:32 PM
Um...am I missing something here?
Wouldn't it be easier to get a piece of wood?

vanwaCX
08-20-07, 04:41 PM
Um...am I missing something here?
Wouldn't it be easier to get a piece of wood?

Well, they're portable. Easy to toss them in a bag and ride out to some park. That's a little harder to do with a board.

Mine are less work since I don't glue any sections. I found that the joints stay together well enough with friction. Here's a linky (http://hoyerfamily.com/cyclocross/?p=135) to mine.

i_r_beej
08-20-07, 04:43 PM
Um...am I missing something here?
Wouldn't it be easier to get a piece of wood?

Maybe. But wood is heavier. It'll warp in damp weather. It's not as light and portable as the PVC pipes. (Not as toxic, either, but that falls outside the scope of this thread)

damocles1
08-20-07, 05:45 PM
A treated 2x6 and two pieces of re-bar. You can set it as high as you like and it's an actual barrier. There's no downside to kicking or running into a bunch of 1" PVC. Hit the board thats driven into the ground a few times and you dismounts will get better.

pitboss
08-21-07, 11:29 AM
A treated 2x6 and two pieces of re-bar. You can set it as high as you like and it's an actual barrier. There's no downside to kicking or running into a bunch of 1" PVC. Hit the board thats driven into the ground a few times and you dismounts will get better.
well, I forgot to mention that I stand near the barriers with one of these for shin contact:
http://www.gravitaexim.com/images/Lead-pipe.jpg

damocles1
08-21-07, 01:28 PM
well, I forgot to mention that I stand near the barriers with one of these for shin contact:
http://www.gravitaexim.com/images/Lead-pipe.jpg

Well, okay then, that's more realistic...

El Duke
08-26-07, 11:58 AM
Nice Pitboss. I'd like to see these in action.

pitboss
08-26-07, 10:47 PM
hey Duke - I drove past trashmore on the way home from your digs today. woo hoo!

El Duke
08-27-07, 11:58 AM
Good deal. Looking forward to putting the Ridley to work over there and over your barriers. That orange tape is a really nice touch!