Utilitrack Yakima bicycle mount

[rvandam]

Another member had posted pictures of his non-utilitrack bike rack, which he mounted on a C-channel, then on the bed floor.

Since I have the Utilitracks, I decided to see if I could mount them on those.

I used the following materials:
- 1/4" cone-nuts (available at local Home Depot)
- 1/4" bolts and washers
- Yakima Blockhead bike mount (ordered online for $16 at sportsrack.com)

The mounting couldn't have been simpler:
- insert bolts and washers into Blockhead
- insert cone nuts in utilitrack channel
- attach Blockhead to cone nuts

Now simply remove front wheel and attach bike to Blockhead.

The only downside I see so far is that the bike's handlebars are higher than the cab roof, which may cause wind noise. Otherwise looks pretty good, I think. Total cost for the three bike mounts: about $60

[motoman]

Excellent idea. Have you driven around with the bikes, does it seem very secure? Do you think you could fit 4 bikes on the rail, 1 is a small kids bike.

[Slappy]

Sweeet!

[rvandam]

Originally Posted by motoman

Excellent idea. Have you driven around with the bikes, does it seem very secure? Do you think you could fit 4 bikes on the rail, 1 is a small kids bike.

No, haven't driven around with bikes yet, but the whole thing felt very sturdy.

Four bikes across shouldn't be any problem. I mounted three because that's how many bikes we have. You might also be able to mount an additional (small) bike behind the bikes, across the bed in one of the bottom utilitrack.

[rvandam]

that the Blockhead is also available in a locking version. That would make your bike frame a little more theft-proof in your truck bed.

I opted not to get them because they are a lot more expensive, and I don't leave my bikes unattended if I can help it.

[ski_freak]

Makes a nice clean bike rack and unlike my setup there it doesn't leave any obstructions in the truck bed. If I had the utilitrack I would definately go with your setup. Like you I opted for the non locking block head.

At a local bike shop:

Non locking Yakima block head $20 +/-
Locking Yakima block head $40 +/-

[motoman]

Another locking option is to use a good cable and loop it through the bike frames and corner tie down points.

[gero]

thanks for the info. originally I mounted the blockheads on the bottom track (drilled a how through the center of the blockhead and used the utilitrak locks... problem was the lack of stability... with your idea, i brought it up from the floor and now have two mounting points... problem solved. thanks again!

also, i went with the non locking and use a cable lock... works great!!!

gero


gero

[rvandam]

Glad to have been of help! Simple, cheap, and effective: my favorite mods

Now I need to find a mount for the wheel. I know I could carry the front wheel in the cab, but it would be cool to have a mounting point for the wheel on the utilitrack. I found one a few weeks ago online, but forgot to bookmark it

[ski_freak]

I have several links to wheel mounts, but they won't work in this manner.
The mount needs to be floor mounted because of the configuration.
If I see anything different I will post a link.

This is the one I was thinking about.

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...372&Store=Bike

[gero]

1/4" cone-nuts (available at local Home Depot)?

Maybe it's different here in THE OC... but no one at my Home Depot seems to know what a cone nut is... I'd really appreciate any help that anyone can provide... part number, who makes them, other names for a cone nut, picture, link ?

thanks,
gero

[rvandam]

The cone nuts are a part of a productline called 'Superstrut'. At my local Home Depot I found the Superstrut products in the electrical section.

I am attaching a picture of the cone nuts with their packaging, and the actual Superstrut display at Home Depot. The last picture is the cone nut as displayed at Home Depot. It has HD item number on it. If that doesn't help your local HD find this stuff, nothing will:

[motoman]

Gero,

Yup, 1st time I went to home depot, they had no clue. 2nd time I was determined. First guy in electrical didnt have a clue. I waited for another guy, he took me right to the cone nuts.

Rvandam - did you pull the plastic off before inserting in the track?

[rvandam]

Originally Posted by motoman

Rvandam - did you pull the plastic off before inserting in the track?

No, I left it on. I found it helpful for holding the nut in place before I attach the blockhead.

[gero]

Not only did you guys make me feel better for not knowing what a cone nut was... you supplied photos (thanks rvandam, you reallly went out of your way; and I truly appreciate it) which I will present to a Home Depot Associate tomorrow.

I'm proud to be part of this online community and proud to be associated with great people like you.

thanks,

gero