Aero roof bike rack.

[pete c]

I was thinking of building a roof rack for my mountain bike. I would like to accomplish two things.

Be as aerodynamically clean as possible and protect my bike.

I would like something similar to the aero roof storage shells you can buy. If I pull the seat, pedals and front wheel, I can can get everything into a space roughly 10"x33". I would taper it at the lead edge where the turned sideways handlebars would be and I only need a few inches of height.

Has anyone done anything like this? It would fit nicely between the roof rails of my Jetta Sportwagen.

Has anyone built anything similar?

Is there such a thing I can buy off the shelf that isn't ridiculously heavy?

[aardvarcus]

I assume 10 wide and 33 high, how long?

How long does it take to pull the pedals? I know the seat and wheel should be quick, but tiresome to do on a regular basis.

Is there a reason you would not want a box/carrier that goes on the back in a receiver hitch? You could shape it like a tapered body extension and make your MPG improve.

[pete c]

Originally Posted by aardvarcus

I assume 10 wide and 33 high, how long?

How long does it take to pull the pedals? I know the seat and wheel should be quick, but tiresome to do on a regular basis.

Is there a reason you would not want a box/carrier that goes on the back in a receiver hitch? You could shape it like a tapered body extension and make your MPG improve.

Pedals are off in seconds with a 17?mm wrench. I would likely just pull the left pedal anyway. This keeps the bottom bracket and pedal from being stressed.

I've had that same thought about a hitch receiver boattail..

The only issue with that is that it limits hatch access.

A roof container would be simpler, lighter and useful as storage for other things.

[redpoint5]

They make receiver bike racks that tilt out of the way of the hatch.

[oil pan 4]

The best arrow roof rack is the one that's easily removable and installable.

[Vman455]

I've thought about this a lot, driving to races and traveling and whatnot.

First choice: put the bike inside the car. Is there a reason you aren't predicting having enough space inside to do that?

Second choice: A framework or suspended net to carry the bike at the ceiling, inside the car. Keeps the floor space free, slide the bike in from the back and go.

Neither of those will impact the aerodynamic profile of the car. If you need to carry the bike outside, you can expect to have a box similar in dimensions to a travel box--and those are quite large. I flew with one of my bikes once, years ago, so I bought a Performance Bike box; it was plastic but still quite heavy, and around 1' x 3' x 4'.

Found it: it was an Xport cargo box.



(Not my photos).

That's about as small as you'll be able to go without buying a folding bike; both wheels had to come off to fit in that box. May be a good starting point to think about designs. With what material are you hoping to build the box?

[aerohead]

If it must be carried outside the vehicle,a swing-away,bumper-mounted carrier,as JEEP uses for spare tires might allow for the rack,plus access to the back of the car.It impossible for me to recommend anything for the roof.

[Jez77]

If you're going to pull the bike apart why not just put it in the car?
Personally I brought a small van, pulling the bike apart is too much hassle and the bikes safer away from prying eyes.

[freebeard]

Has anyone done anything like this? It would fit nicely between the roof rails of my Jetta Sportwagen.

Return On Investment. How many miles, how often.

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=VW+golf+ca...+inside&ia=web

Assume some reason not to carry inside the car. Assume the car has a full aerodynamic boat tail (). Given 'roof rails of ... Jetta Sportwagen', shrink-wrap the collapsed bicycle and lash it down with an octopus bungee.

[oldtamiyaphile]

A while back someone on here built an aero trailer to haul bikes that improved his HWY MPG (also a Jetta owner from memory). That would be my first choice.

I don't really understand how people lift MTB's onto roofs. That's a recipe for injuries and roof damage. Bikes are pretty awkward.