Saddle crash rail/rear guard diy
#1
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Saddle crash rail/rear guard diy
Hello, I love the way a crash rail looks on a vintage bike. I have seen for sale for about $40 without the saddle. It's the most simplest looking thing. I was wondering if anyone has ever made their own? Or any ideas on how I should go about making one? Any ideas, material, tips, tricks?
Last edited by cyclingarri; 04-05-17 at 09:44 PM. Reason: Added picture
#2
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Come on people any takers on this? there has to be some fellas out there that can give me some pointers or **********
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I like to think I've been around the block. I had to look up saddle crash rail.
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Had to do a net search to find out what you were talking about.
It's hard to advise on how to DIY something like this w/o knowing what skills, materials and tools you have access to.
First, I'd have a good look under the saddle to find out how I'd be able to mount it. A sprung saddle, or one with the rails bolted to the seat pan at the rear would be a good candidate.
Next option would be one with a wraparound clamp.
I assume you want it reasonably shiny?
Easier to go for Stainless rod then than to muck about with getting it shaped and then chromed.
Polishing is tedious, but readily doable.
Once I'd gotten hold of a length of maybe 1/4" rod, I'd start bending into shape.
Starting with an over-long piece will make it easier.
Using various round objects, rolling pin, lamp post, tree trunk, scuba tank etc to bend around will make it easier to get symmetrical bends.
You might even find a plumber's (copper) pipe bender useful.
Don't try a brake line bender, it won't be strong enough.
Once I'm happy with the shape and have the ends overlapping the mounting bolts I'd trim the ends.
Then I'd find a suitable heat source - barbecue, MAPP torch etc, a hammer, and something to work as an improvised anvil.
And some gloves. And earplugs.
Then I'd heat the ends - one at a time - red hot, and start pounding them flat.
Reheating will probably be required.
Pay attention to get the flat part to line up perpendicular with the bolt you're going to use.
Once the flat part is wide enough, drill a hole for the bolt and mount your guard.
If you can weld or braze, it'd be faster to cut some tabs out of flat stock, and stick them on instead of forging the ends flat.
It's hard to advise on how to DIY something like this w/o knowing what skills, materials and tools you have access to.
First, I'd have a good look under the saddle to find out how I'd be able to mount it. A sprung saddle, or one with the rails bolted to the seat pan at the rear would be a good candidate.
Next option would be one with a wraparound clamp.
I assume you want it reasonably shiny?
Easier to go for Stainless rod then than to muck about with getting it shaped and then chromed.
Polishing is tedious, but readily doable.
Once I'd gotten hold of a length of maybe 1/4" rod, I'd start bending into shape.
Starting with an over-long piece will make it easier.
Using various round objects, rolling pin, lamp post, tree trunk, scuba tank etc to bend around will make it easier to get symmetrical bends.
You might even find a plumber's (copper) pipe bender useful.
Don't try a brake line bender, it won't be strong enough.
Once I'm happy with the shape and have the ends overlapping the mounting bolts I'd trim the ends.
Then I'd find a suitable heat source - barbecue, MAPP torch etc, a hammer, and something to work as an improvised anvil.
And some gloves. And earplugs.
Then I'd heat the ends - one at a time - red hot, and start pounding them flat.
Reheating will probably be required.
Pay attention to get the flat part to line up perpendicular with the bolt you're going to use.
Once the flat part is wide enough, drill a hole for the bolt and mount your guard.
If you can weld or braze, it'd be faster to cut some tabs out of flat stock, and stick them on instead of forging the ends flat.
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Screen Shot 2017-03-22 at 7.41.42 AM.jpg
Screen Shot 2017-03-22 at 7.41.05 AM.jpg
I'll Post some pics.....It should be easy to make if you are not a perfectionist and do not want chrome. It mat be more cost effective to buy one rather than making one unless you already have the round bar in hand and are willing to paint it black.
If not, consider having to purchase, usually a minimum length, your time etc. on the other time if you want the satisfaction of "making" it then go for it. Good Luck!
Regards, Ben
Paint it black, chrome will cost you more than buying new
Screen Shot 2017-03-22 at 7.41.05 AM.jpg
I'll Post some pics.....It should be easy to make if you are not a perfectionist and do not want chrome. It mat be more cost effective to buy one rather than making one unless you already have the round bar in hand and are willing to paint it black.
If not, consider having to purchase, usually a minimum length, your time etc. on the other time if you want the satisfaction of "making" it then go for it. Good Luck!
Regards, Ben
Paint it black, chrome will cost you more than buying new
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"EVERY PERSON IS GUILTY OF ALL THE GOOD THEY DID NOT DO"
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Voice recognition may sometimes create odd spelling and grammatical errors
Last edited by xiaoman1; 03-22-17 at 08:52 AM.
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Attachment 556899
Attachment 556900
I'll Post some pics.....It should be easy to make if you are not a perfectionist.
Regards, Ben
Attachment 556900
I'll Post some pics.....It should be easy to make if you are not a perfectionist.
Regards, Ben
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#8
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You likely would have gotten more positive responses if you had posed the question on Ratrodbikes or The Cabe. Aluminum rod would be MUCH easier to work with, and can be polished to a dazzling shine.
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I've never heard of a "saddle crash rail" before. Live and learn.
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I think they were mostly a thing on fat tire bikes of the 40s & 50s. Nothing wrong with bolting on another heavy, curved shiny hunk of metal on those kinda bikes -- the more the better!
The utility is protecting the corners of the saddle when you knock your bike over onto the ground. I remember pretty much every wide saddle in my family's bikes having chewed up corners from the kids all crashing their bikes or kicking them over. Same idea as a RD cage you used to see on old MTBs.
The utility is protecting the corners of the saddle when you knock your bike over onto the ground. I remember pretty much every wide saddle in my family's bikes having chewed up corners from the kids all crashing their bikes or kicking them over. Same idea as a RD cage you used to see on old MTBs.
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● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
Last edited by Lascauxcaveman; 03-22-17 at 06:09 PM.
#16
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Look vintage Chic, protect, and serve as a convienance
I am def. going to make, or buy one of these. It is going on a 1974 UO-18 Mixte Peugeot. I just FINALLY found some checkard black&white vinyl to upholster saddle, it's been a real pain finding this material. So now that I'm going to have my dream bike saddle, if my bike were to fall and seat were to mess up (Btw every bike I have had at one point or another has and will fall) needless to say....it will be a bad day. So, i want one of these to protect the saddle. Also, can serve as a handle to lift my bike here and there when I'm out and about. Plus I think it should look vintage/chic maybe.
#17
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#18
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Bike Wagon Deal
Instead of making them, I found them on sale for only $2.99 on bikewagon.com. Bought 2x and can't wait to use them. Once installed it will serve to protect my saddle in case bike falls, or scrapes against something (wall, other bikes) Also will serve as a handle when. lifting bike onto bus rack, or up stairs.