I HAVE SEARCHED, but the bike racks mentioned are not what I'm looking for.
I have started riding my bike during my lunch hour and am looking for a secure yet quick way to carry my mountain bike in my tacoma. Does anyone use the UNIGRIP TRUCK BED BIKE RACK? It looks pretty neat and easy to work.
Has anyone built their own that takes advantage of the rail system in our trucks?
**Note: I do not want to have to remove the front tire. I only have an hour to get to the spot, ride and then get back to work.
I use the Toyota cleat accessory, but I am going to buy locking Rocky Mounts soon. I have to say, I use it all the time since I ride tons, and taking the wheel off and mounting the bike in the bed takes all of about 30 seconds...its super fast and easy, so I would rethink that part.
That system you are looking at looks like it could take even longer...if you have to walk around to both sides of the truck.
If you want the fastest solution, just lying the bike down on the bed if you have a bed mat would be sufficent. I think you need to alott more time for your rides...one hour isn't even long enough even if you are just counting the time you are peddling. I suggest riding before work, or after work, and hit the gym for lunch hour.
Yeah, I really like my Toyota cleat for my bike. I ride a 55cm trek and i can mount it widthwise across the bed, which actually doesn't impair my rear view at all.
I am working on drafting up a design for a simple fork system to mount on the underside of the same cleat, so I don't have that detached wheel just sitting in the bed. Maybe once I work up a cad file (been really busy at work), maybe a someone on here could fab it up. My idea would essentially just take about a 3' long piece of metal bent into a fork with a plate to bolt it to the bed cleat, really basic.
I have seen that option before, and it seems kind of flimsy. Plus, is there even a lip under our bedsides that would even accommodate that?
I have used the tie-downs (for my motorcyle) to hold my mountain bike in the bed. You could get some tie-downs for cheap, and be done with it. It only takes a few minutes to put the two straps on and the bike is stable. And you don't have to take off the front wheel.
If I have multiple bikes, or I am going to be traveling very far, I take off the front wheel and use the Toyota cleat, plus straps. Rocky Mounts seem to be the way to go, and I might get a set of those sometime soon.
That system you are looking at looks like it could take even longer...if you have to walk around to both sides of the truck.
If you want the fastest solution, just lying the bike down on the bed if you have a bed mat would be sufficent. I think you need to alott more time for your rides...one hour isn't even long enough even if you are just counting the time you are peddling. I suggest riding before work, or after work, and hit the gym for lunch hour.
From what I can tell, you don't have to walk around to both sides of the truck. It grips on one side, then the arm holds the bike.
I am putting the bike in the bed now, but there isn't anything really securing it that is quick and jack-proof. Right now I'm using bungi cords to holder down/still.
With working a desk job, I need something during the day that gets me outside and I have found that this really works. Not only do I benifit from it, but it helps my afternoon go better also. I feel better and have a better attitude. Can't afford the gym, so this works out better because its free. The trail is 2 miles one way. Off the paved part, you can hike through the woods, which I did yesterday for about 10 minutes. Check it out here: http://sctrails.net/Trails/ALLTRAILS...renceRail.html. Be sure to click the Trail Map link at the top for a visual.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MO60
I have used the tie-downs (for my motorcyle) to hold my mountain bike in the bed. You could get some tie-downs for cheap, and be done with it. It only takes a few minutes to put the two straps on and the bike is stable. And you don't have to take off the front wheel.
If I have multiple bikes, or I am going to be traveling very far, I take off the front wheel and use the Toyota cleat, plus straps. Rocky Mounts seem to be the way to go, and I might get a set of those sometime soon.
Now that would take a while to setup because you would need to do it on both sides.
I normally use an expandable bar on top of the wheel well (carryover from what I used on my Ranger). Of course the front wheel has to come off.
If in a hurry throw it in the bed, its low profile, but if your worried about theft, use a cable lock and secure to the Bed D-ring on the bed floor. Chances are theives aren't running around with a 10 mm hex socket.
__________________ 6-spd, 05' D-cab Sport 4x4, Tow pkg, TRD exhaust Summer: Stock 17's Winter: Blizzaks on 16' black steelies
I normally use an expandable bar on top of the wheel well (carryover from what I used on my Ranger). Of course the front wheel has to come off.
If in a hurry throw it in the bed, its low profile, but if your worried about theft, use a cable lock and secure to the Bed D-ring on the bed floor. Chances are theives aren't running around with a 10 mm hex socket.
Even if they ARE, it took an impact wrench to break mine loose when I added D-rings.
However, they probably carry bolt cutters... lol
__________________
^sig by me!
Toytec 3" lift & AAL, 285/75r16 Kumho Road Venture
DTRL, Fog Light, locker, & diff breather mods, Bestop Supertop, Hi-Lift mount, hood struts, reinforced tailgate, BHLM, ABS kill switch, bed lights, rock lights
This is something I posted a while back but thought it might help some of you. I dremeled off the side tabs on the factory bike mount and bored out the center hole a bit and inserted a hefty, locking Yakima skewer. Even if a thief had enough time (and balls!) to stand there and unscrew the tightening knob on the cleat he would have to turn the whole bike 90 deg. to get it out of the track. Just food for thought.
I use the standard one with the included skewer, but run a cable lock through it, so you can't unscrew the mount with a big cable blocking any way to get a grip on it. Plus, that way I also have my seat and rear wheel secure as well.
edit: That does look really cool though. I may do that with my other one, I am getting sick of running the cable lock. This looks a lot cleaner.
Last edited by aquamandrew; 06-28-2007 at 01:42 PM.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Linear Mode
