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Attaching Milk Crate to Rear Bike Rack

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Old 07-03-14, 07:40 AM
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Attaching Milk Crate to Rear Bike Rack

I have a technical problem for all you mechanically oriented cyclists. I'm looking to use some sort of "quick release" system for solidly attaching a standard milk crate to most standard rear bike racks. Zip ties work great for a permanent a solution, but I'm looking for a technique to be able to quickly attach the crate and then quickly remove it after I am done. We have a "Meals on 2 Wheels" program delivering meals to the elderly. A quick release system would mean our volunteers would not have to permanently modify their bike. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
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Old 07-03-14, 07:42 AM
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Bungee cords?
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Old 07-03-14, 07:44 AM
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the only things I think of involve a permanent modification to the bike rack allowing the quick removal and replacement of the milk crate. maybe there are temporary zip ties? the kind that are reusable but still hold tight until you choose to release them?
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Old 07-03-14, 07:47 AM
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How about a few small C-clamps?
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Old 07-03-14, 07:50 AM
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Most racks have a forward portion which curves or is bent up at the front to keep cargo from sliding forward. Attach a board to the bottom of the crate which will slide into that loop. Then, at the rear, maybe a simple metal bracket with drilled holes which line up just ahead of a rear support, tight to the bottom of the rack, through which an actual quick release could be placed. It wouldn't be a universal solution, applicable for different racks, but if you have a rack in mind or already on the bike, it could work for that.

Alternately, Bontrager racks and I think Topeak as well (probably others) have quick release attachment systems for gear going onto their racks. If you can find a used or junked system like that, you could scavenge the quick release setup and attach it to the bottom of a milk crate.
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Old 07-03-14, 08:44 AM
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It may not the the quickest of quick release, but hose clamps are available in very small sizes and some don't even require tools.

Koehler/EZ hose clamp (EZ20BK) | Hose Clamp | AutoZone.com

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Old 07-03-14, 08:59 AM
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Originally Posted by Eric S.
It may not the the quickest of quick release, but hose clamps are available in very small sizes and some don't even require tools.

Koehler/EZ hose clamp (EZ20BK) | Hose Clamp | AutoZone.com


worm drive hose clamps have
fastened many a milk crate
to many a rack
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Old 07-03-14, 09:03 AM
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rixen and kaul Carrier Adapter and Coupling Set GTA
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Old 07-03-14, 09:10 AM
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Originally Posted by rumrunn6
the only things I think of involve a permanent modification to the bike rack allowing the quick removal and replacement of the milk crate.
Another option is to modify the milk crates, building a clamp mechanism onto them that can grab most standard bike racks. Or put hooks on 'em and hang them off the side of the rack, similar to this.
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Old 07-03-14, 10:18 AM
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They make zip ties that release with a little tab....use them over and over.

OR

Zip Clips..another type of cable tie,

Last edited by Booger1; 07-03-14 at 10:24 AM.
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Old 07-03-14, 10:33 AM
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Lots of QR fasteners are available to make your own bracket.
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Old 07-03-14, 11:03 AM
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Velcro straps.
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Old 07-03-14, 11:09 AM
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Zipties .. there are a bunch of them used to pack every bike for shipping ,

so would be free when you ask the LBS for a few..

QR ? cut them off then use new recycled ones next time .

'standard' milk crates are marked Property of (X) Dairy ..

Last edited by fietsbob; 07-03-14 at 11:12 AM.
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Old 07-03-14, 11:55 AM
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Originally Posted by Rootman
Velcro straps.
+1
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Old 07-03-14, 12:03 PM
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Ask the owner of the milk crates how they should be attached to a bike rack.
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Old 07-03-14, 12:10 PM
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Zoom out. How about mounting the milk crate to a seatpost mounted rack that can be quickly attached or detached?

The the volunteers won't even need a rack at all.
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Old 07-03-14, 12:11 PM
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Get this:

Topeak MTX explorer Rack

Then one of or both of these:
https://www.topeak.com/products/Basket-Rear




or




i hope all those pics worked.
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Last edited by the sci guy; 07-03-14 at 12:24 PM.
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Old 07-03-14, 12:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Rootman
Velcro straps.
+1

heavy duty Velcro
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Old 07-03-14, 12:36 PM
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re Topeak stuff, wow seems perfect
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Old 07-03-14, 12:49 PM
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550 cord and an ability to tie good knots.
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Old 07-03-14, 12:56 PM
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Originally Posted by rumrunn6
re Topeak stuff, wow seems perfect


you want quick release; bam.
you want solid on the rack; bam.

the slide in rail system with the giant clip is super sturdy.

I have the rack, and one of the trunk/fold out pannier bags. Used it for commuting for months. Solid, everyday.

Plus for this, that big crate has wheels, and a extending handle. AND it folds up flat - even while on the bike!!

How is that not perfect?
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Old 07-03-14, 01:19 PM
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toe clip straps
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Old 07-03-14, 02:33 PM
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Here's an idea I just had since we are out perambulating today:
Get a baby car seat which should be easy because they are sort of disposable (no one wants a used one). Cut off all the seat parts and fasten base to rack.
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Old 07-03-14, 02:44 PM
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Originally Posted by IthaDan
Zoom out. How about mounting the milk crate to a seatpost mounted rack that can be quickly attached or detached?

The the volunteers won't even need a rack at all.
I've tried a couple seat post racks and their usefulness depends on frame geometry. Most are designed for modern compact, sloping frames that show a lot of seat post.

Here is a photo of a Bell rack from Walmart on my LeMond. Even with it's downward angle, the trunk bag JUST fits under the seat.

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Old 07-03-14, 09:52 PM
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From a previous thread, here is what I did:


https://www.bikeforums.net/commuting/...l#post16646984
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