[TheThinkTank] Parking racks from frames

[Bob Giordano]

we are making bicycle parking racks from frames.  very easy and effective.
strip down frame, insert stem into seat tube, turn upside down and slide
stem onto a 1" piece of round tubing.  space them at about 30".

a 90" piece of round steel tubing works great: this allows an inverted
bike frame on each end, with a frame at 30" and one at 60".  this allows 8
bikes to be parked easily.  the round tubing should be about 10" off the
ground: this is accomplished either with a bmx frame on each end attached
via stem in seat tube, or even simpler- bmx handlebars and a stem (similar
to the bike stand set up that free ride pittsburgh has a picture of on
their web).

i'll let the list know when we have a picture.

we have 6 of these racks, and we loan them out and/or take them to events
(by bike trailer because they are so light).  i'd imagine we could have
them 'for hire.' we a couple of these in front of our shop too.

these racks are a use for frames that have been hit by a car, or low-end
bikes.

you could also leave some parts on the bike, like the bottom bracket- that
way, as energy gets more expensive, the parking racks could possibly serve
as a part depo.

community gardens are a good outlet for these racks too.

if security is an issue, a quick weld or grind can make them more secure.


-- 
Bob Giordano
Free Cycles Missoula
Shop: 732 S. 1st St. West, 541.7284
3PM-7PM Mon,Tues,Thurs & 11AM-3PM Sat
Missoula Institute for Sustainable Transportation
www.strans.org, mist at strans.org, 406-880-6834