Bike Project

Rick M

Senior Member
I haven't been on a bike in about 20 years and decided to pick up a new one and get back into it. I figured it would be another good form of exercise and a way to get around faster with my camera and gear. I enjoy hiking, but it would be nice to get around a bit quicker sometimes in places I can't take the truck or for destinations that are a bit further than time allows by foot. So I got a bunch of ideas on mods to accommodate my gear and I thought I'd share them here.

In getting a bike I wanted the ability of a mountain bike, but was no longer interested in riding hunched over. I came across the "comfort" bike below which has the gears and tires of a mountain bike, but with a very adjustable handlebar set which allows you to sit much more upright. It was pretty reasonable at Dick's sporting goods, $199 on sale from $299.

My first addition was the rack above the back tire. This will accommodate my small Tamrack backpack if I want to bring "everything", but more than likely I'll get a soft cooler bag for lunch/drinks. The following mods will take care of the gear so I'll have the rack free for other stuff.

Here's a shot of the bike, I'll post the mods seperately.

IMG_0200_6893.JPG
 

Rick M

Senior Member
My first mod allows me to quickly attach/remove my Thinktank Holster bag. I found some strong nylon/plastic clips saved from one of my countless bags. Using large wire straps (175 lb test), I attached the clips to the handlebars as shown below. Since the pieces are plastic, no worries of scratches. I wanted to have the bag right in front of me for easy access and safety.


IMG_0201_6894.JPG



The clips go into the rings intended for the optional shoulder strap, worked out perfect.

IMG_0202_6895.JPG



The bag also has a strap at the bottom (not sure why), it works out perfectly to anchor the bottom of the bag

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Here's a view from the seat, ready for use.

IMG_0205_6898.JPG


As you can see, the holster bag worked out perfectly. It is well padded and the bottom extends so I will be able to ride with my 70-200 f4 attached.
 

Rick M

Senior Member
The next mod is in progress. I'm going to mount a piece of PVC pipe to the rear rack to hold my tripod. Kinda like a rifle holster when horse riding. Again the heavy wire straps will make it a semi-permanent attachment. I was hoping to use a pipe wide enough for all the tripod legs to fit in, but a 4" pipe is a bit larger than I wanted. I went with a 2" pipe which will fit one tripod leg and a bungee cord will secure the other two. This will accommodate even my largest tripod without looking huge.

I glued a bottom to the pipe and drilled a drainage hole. I then matched it up to the rack and frame to drill holes for the straps to go through. Two coats of paint are on, now the 24 hour wait to dry.


IMG_0206_6899.JPG
 
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PapaST

Senior Member
Nice work. I'm interested in seeing how this progresses. I've tried a few things to incorporate cycling and photography. To date, I've just used my black rapid strap with a mod to secure the camera to my back as I ride. And at anytime I can "unsling" it and snap a shot without even getting off the bike.
 

RockyNH_RIP

Senior Member
I haven't been on a bike in about 20 years and decided to pick up a new one and get back into it. I figured it would be another good form of exercise and a way to get around faster with my camera and gear. I enjoy hiking, but it would be nice to get around a bit quicker sometimes in places I can't take the truck or for destinations that are a bit further than time allows by foot. So I got a bunch of ideas on mods to accommodate my gear and I thought I'd share them here.

In getting a bike I wanted the ability of a mountain bike, but was no longer interested in riding hunched over. I came across the "comfort" bike below which has the gears and tires of a mountain bike, but with a very adjustable handlebar set which allows you to sit much more upright. It was pretty reasonable at Dick's sporting goods, $199 on sale from $299.

My first addition was the rack above the back tire. This will accommodate my small Tamrack backpack if I want to bring "everything", but more than likely I'll get a soft cooler bag for lunch/drinks. The following mods will take care of the gear so I'll have the rack free for other stuff.

Here's a shot of the bike, I'll post the mods seperately.


Nice project Rick!

Pat in NH
 

John P

Senior Member
I haven't been on a bike in about 20 years and decided to pick up a new one and get back into it. I figured it would be another good form of exercise and a way to get around faster with my camera and gear. I enjoy hiking, but it would be nice to get around a bit quicker sometimes in places I can't take the truck or for destinations that are a bit further than time allows by foot. So I got a bunch of ideas on mods to accommodate my gear and I thought I'd share them here.

In getting a bike I wanted the ability of a mountain bike, but was no longer interested in riding hunched over. I came across the "comfort" bike below which has the gears and tires of a mountain bike, but with a very adjustable handlebar set which allows you to sit much more upright. It was pretty reasonable at Dick's sporting goods, $199 on sale from $299.

My first addition was the rack above the back tire. This will accommodate my small Tamrack backpack if I want to bring "everything", but more than likely I'll get a soft cooler bag for lunch/drinks. The following mods will take care of the gear so I'll have the rack free for other stuff.

Here's a shot of the bike, I'll post the mods seperately.

View attachment 42958

I also have to ride a hybrid bike these days. The mt. Bikes are just too uncomfortable.
Do you put many miles on?
 

Rick M

Senior Member
I also have to ride a hybrid bike these days. The mt. Bikes are just too uncomfortable.
Do you put many miles on?

I just picked it up a few days ago, so have not done much yet. I'll probably ride a few miles in the evenings/weekends. Planning on bringing it on my next camping trip where I'll use it more. If I really get into it more, I'll probably get a rode hybrid to compliment this more "mountainish" bike.
 

John P

Senior Member
I just picked it up a few days ago, so have not done much yet. I'll probably ride a few miles in the evenings/weekends. Planning on bringing it on my next camping trip where I'll use it more. If I really get into it more, I'll probably get a rode hybrid to compliment this more "mountainish" bike.

Mine is a mountain bike hybrid. Rides more upright with adjustable bars.
You will really like it.
 
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