Replies to This Discussion
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Vincent,
I have been searching for an answer to the bike rack folly since April. I found an overpriced hitch option, but I don't plan to tow heavy stuff, just my road bike which is only 15 lbs. Has your mind developed the answer to my quandry? (my smart car is a convertible- no roof rack options).
can you send me a more detailed description, so I can give it to my bike tech to make me one? I consider a bike pump a tool I can handle, not too much more!
And, I agree, bravo.
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i've seen another rack that is less a few months ago that mounts on the 2 bumper/tow screws.
i have an "A-bike" that weighs 12 pounds and a "mini-avenger" folding bike that weighs about 25 pounds, both will easily fit inside a smart with tons of room to spare. I have a Z-Bike as well, but that's a piece of crap, the gears totally slip on the rear wheel.
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I have had a lot of trouble with this forum so slow I give up so hear finally is the best I can answer. If you look at the picture
2 bolts from smartieparts.com. they are threaded inside as well as being able to thread into where the towing hooks would go.
Next take a pipe cap and drill thru the cap then screw a bolt with a lock washer thru the cap into the stainless steel bolt which has been threaded into the car.
thread the pipe into the cap, screw a cap onto the end and your done.
I used a piece of rubber under where the rack attached to the pipe and your set to go. Pipe and caps from Lowes. - Attachments:
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bike rack.jpg, 487 KB
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Thanks Vincent,
My 451 should be delivered 22 Sept... the countdown continues... still no ordering part number here for the smart rear rack.
Yakima can't/won't ship their stuff outside the USA. So I have 2 Steelhead bike racks with nowhere to go. Also: the Yakima roof QTowers are for solid roofs only. Mine will be moonroofed. No go there.
The bolts you used seem to currently out of stock; http://www.smartieparts.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&a...;
I'm now back in Australia; which has been Metric since 1972... maybe, just maybe the thread is a Metric standard. I had years of frustration in the US scavenging Home Depot, Lowes and any bolt shop I could find for Metric bolts...
A size question for you: how far does the rear wheel of a medium sized bike extend past the side of the smart using the Steelhead rack? (If it goes past the outer edge of the mirror / 6" past body line, it won't be legal here).
Thanks again for the inspiration.
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Not very far I have a Bianchi road bike. You could of course thread a Short L shaped pipe then a short strait pipe out from that, to offset the one side.. The thread is I am sure a Metric thread.
You could also take a hack saw to the end of a towing hook, comes with the car, and purchase another.Take them to a machine shop and have them I think the term is drilled and tapped and use them if smartie cannot supply the bolts. Keep me up to date.
Off subject my wife was in Sydney last year, loved the city and the people very nice and helpfull
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Hiya Fellow Outdoor Smart Enthusiasts :)
Ooh the Thule conversion looks quite cool, I will say that I have both a Yakima board rack and a Thule bike on my truck, and I'm sure if I ever pass a rep of either companies on the road, they just do an eye roll at me... but I wanted to share that we at SmartMadness.com will be shortly introducing our solution to the Smart bike rack.
INot only will we have a bike rack, it will also have a converter (ad-on) kit for both ski/ boards too. You know, so you won't have to be me and my truck- thank goodness. We actually just met with the manufacturer this past weekend to ensure that all is on track, and it's coming along nicely! I understand what it's like to get outdoors, and I know Smart users are being extremely patient for a solution, but we listened, and are working directly to get you that solution. Hang tight, it's almost here, and if you would like to be notified of it's arrival, please drop us a mail, as we would love to hear from you.
To You, Yours and Your Smart,
SmartGurl (aka SmartMadness.com)
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Hi SmartGurl,
My smart is almost here... and the dealer still has no clue about the smart bike rack... si I'm searchig again.
Your rack looks good. US $350.
Will you be able to ship to Australia?
(Yakima won't / can't ship to Australia so there may be some legality involved with vehicle racks?)
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Hi Ian, et al.
Yes, we can ship to Australia, in fact we actually work with our friends (aka customers) to try and find the most cost effective way for shipping product.
If you like, feel free to ping me offline from the forum, we can sort your address and then get it on it's way to you. I also wanted to thank you for your generous plug of the bike rack photo on the site, it definitely makes it easier for all to see. I will try to ping you directly and hopefully we can help you out :)
Chat soon.
To you, yours and your smart,
SmartGurl (Smart Madness.com)
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i saw a 450 smart pass me in downtown chicago yesterday, i was on foot. it had a rack on it and 2 large bikes on it's back, i saw it for only a moment, it zipped into an indoor parking garage. i saw it for only seconds, but knew it was a 450 red cabrio. the second 450 i have seen in illinois...
i wanted to shout, wave, do something... but i'd have looked like an idiot, my smart was at a train station 25 miles away. :(
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Permalink Reply by sara Ohara on -
I'm looking for a bike rack for my new 09 smart coupe - other than the dealer option. My bike shop says only Thule which is a little cheaper but not much - any ideas?
Thanks,
Sara
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I am selling one for cheap! The model shown made by the guy selling them for $350 (see Ian's post), but I waited so long, by the time it arrived, I no longer had the car!
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Permalink Reply by sara Ohara on
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Where do you live?
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