Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Porteur Racks (you know, like the all popular cetma)

I'm totally just testing the water, nothing here is set in stone.
I've had a few interested parties, and I want to see how many more there are to see if this is even economically feasible.
http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/1875/97710476.jpghttp://img200.imageshack.us/img200/5273/66494762.jpg
This is Prototype 1.
Laser cut from quarter inch aluminum. 11" x 15" platform. 5" high backing.
Should fit just about any 700c bike.
No idea on weight yet, this thing isn't even in my hands, but it will be full aluminum construction.

If I get enough interest, and the price is right, I'd look at getting some batches out early next year.
Maybe sooner if nothing in the design needs changed (unlikely).

These will also be made in a fabrication shop (in the usa:Thornton, CO to be exact), and turn around should be pretty quick, when enough buyers are lined up.

Different sizes might available too.

Not trying to shill, nothing is for sale(yet), just want some feedback.

it depends on the price, but it looks nice.

I just started using my CETMA and i love it.
Price is key for sure, but these are pretty.
How are the legs attached to connect it to the fork/hub?

i'd imagine it won't be as easy to hook cords on that, as compared to the cetma rails.

looks cool enough though.

Some things to consider are:
- How is the rack going to mount to the bike? Where will the struts go?
- Are you going to offer eyelets to mount lights?
- How easily and securely will bungee cords and cargo nets hook onto the platform? The rails look pretty wide.
- Will the squared off edges abrade cords, nets, rope?
- What is the carrying capacity pound-wise?

The rack will mount in similar fashion to Pass and Stow racks.
Light/accesory mounts have not yet been a priority.
Bungee cords shouldn't have much of a problem, but if I find the rails to wide, having them made narrower is no issue as long as it doesn't sacrifice strength.
The "squared off" edges are actually filled and buffed leaving a slight rounded edge, no abrasion should occur.
Actual carrying capacity will be figured out when I receive the prototype.

Price will hopefully fall under $100.

I like the idea of an alu rack for weight. If you land under $100 I'm sure you will sell a ton. I'll get in line.

Looks good and I would be interested in them too depending on final prices. I would like to see a guard rail around the platform or an option to add them.

I live in thornton and have been on the hunt for a good looking rack, and if the price is right I'd definately be interested.

Looks to be a high waste manufacturing process (but looks cool) and when it comes to carrying weighty loads steel is definitely the real deal and a far less expensive material to build with.

It will probably sell well and really appeal to posengeurs who won't be carrying anything substantial.

You might post this in the utility forum as well. People with multi-speed bikes drink beer too you know.

Sounds interesting. Let us know what goes on with it.

If it's 6061-T6 alloy, it weighs 0.098 lb/in^3

Estimating the rail size at 1.5" wide and 1/4" thick, I've come up with around 45 in^3 of material in just the platform and rear stanchion, making that sucker almost 4.5 pounds without struts and hardware.

Interested.

Looks to be a high waste manufacturing process (but looks cool) and when it comes to carrying weighty loads steel is definitely the real deal and a far less expensive material to build with.

It will probably sell well and really appeal to posengeurs who won't be carrying anything substantial.

I assure this is built for carrying substance. I'm not looking to get rich and make a million of these.
I want to sell a few to people who will use and abuse them, for as cheap as possible.

But right now that's all a pipe dream, this is still a one off for my personal use. I just happened to get some interest on another forum, and thought maybe I could help some people out.

But thanks for your very insightful post.

How long would you think it would take before it became available? If that is what happens.

Early next year could be doable.

for 5 pounds, around $100, and a design that was picked to look 'cool' rather than being function, I think I'll pass.

for 5 pounds, around $100, and a design that was picked to look 'cool' rather than being function, I think I'll pass.

And thanks for your opinion based on fluff.

I was gonna say that the platform looks awful thick, but I think that's actually just shadow.

If you made the rails thinner (even just the ones on the edge) for better bungeeing (and better weight, for that matter), or maybe added a fence, it'd be spot on. Or maybe a less wide version?

If you could make these happen for, say, $80 and gave a more definite timeline as to when they'll be done, I'd buy one. Without an idea of when they're coming though... I'm tempted to look elsewhere for my front rack needs—I gotta carry stuff around now!

a quarter inch is damn thick.

and in aluminum, it'd have to be.

aluminum is great but not for a front rack. i'd rather have something that's either waaay nicer and more expensive in stainless, or something waaay cheaper and steel.

a quarter inch is damn thick.

and in aluminum, it'd have to be.

aluminum is great but not for a front rack. i'd rather have something that's either waaay nicer and more expensive in stainless, or something waaay cheaper and steel.

It's rather hard to beat $100 for a porteur rack...

Yo,
Have you priced what a 1/4" of alum. cost? thats some pretty pricey stuff...i'd be very surprised if you could get this done for under a hundred, but who knows. Looks pretty nice though, good luck.

Yo,
Have you priced what a 1/4" of alum. cost? thats some pretty pricey stuff...i'd be very surprised if you could get this done for under a hundred, but who knows. Looks pretty nice though, good luck.

Not sure about the alloy composition (not likely to be 6061-T6), but I've seen 24" x 36" x 0.25" aluminium sheet for around $20.00, and the OP could cut 2 base platforms from that size.
It's less the materials and more the machining that I imagine would be the costly part.

It's rather hard to beat $100 for a porteur rack...

that depends on how much you value your time. Mine cost about $10 in material, and about 5 hours of welding. I'll post some pics when I'm not at work, but its mainly 1/2 inch square steel tubing.

that depends on how much you value your time. Mine cost about $10 in material, and about 5 hours of welding. I'll post some pics when I'm not at work, but its mainly 1/2 inch square steel tubing.

Are we all posting our homemade porteur racks?! This is something I whipped up in my garage. I should have mounted it lower and relocated the headlight as it carried loads a little higher than I'd have liked. Oh well, it was awesome regardless.

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h170/HandsomeRyan/FrontRack2.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h170/HandsomeRyan/FrontRack1.jpg

If you can weld and you need to haul stuff you might as well go hard or go home though...

"The Danger Cart" The worlds most dangerous bicycle.

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h170/HandsomeRyan/DC3.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h170/HandsomeRyan/DC1.jpg

Srsly tho, ^this^ was the worst/stupidest bike ever.

You know ryan, that's a damn good idea, I'm starting a thread!

that depends on how much you value your time. Mine cost about $10 in material, and about 5 hours of welding. I'll post some pics when I'm not at work, but its mainly 1/2 inch square steel tubing.

Well, yeah, if welding equipment is already a sunk cost for you.

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h170/HandsomeRyan/DC1.jpg

Srsly tho, ^this^ was the worst/stupidest bike ever.

That's hilarious. Sadly, I imagine it rides best in reverse.

That's hilarious. Sadly, I imagine it rides best in reverse.

Thanks. Unfortunately it didn't really ride very well in any direction.