Handmade stainless and carbon roof rack concept looking for feedback…
Ben from Sheffield has been in touch with details of his concept for a car rack that attempts to address some of the disadvantages of current roof-mounted options. Most notably, the design would reduce the liklihood of hitting low overhangs and garages by lying the bike on its side. Once in the low position, aerodynamics should be improved and, as a result, fuel consumption and wind noise should be reduced.
“I’m trying to build a cool Sheffield based company which will provide an alternative to some of the big brands in years to come”
A gas strut eases the bike over and helps with its return to upright. Initial builds will be in stainless steel, with carbon fibre models to follow. Ben has partially completed prototypes in his own workshop- but would like our thoughts before going further. Beyond being restricted to one bike and the potential challenges with bendy road bike handlebars, it seems like an interesting concept.
At this point, the as-yet-unnamed company isn’t seeking funding or sales- only feedback. What say you all?
Does anyone really care about drag other than to talk about it – it’s the same story as buying a carbon fibre bike fitted with titanimum everything whilst carrying 5kg love handles.
It looks smart but I think I will stick to my tow bar rack which seems like a much simpler solution 🙂
If you’re going to the trouble of fitting a single bike on a roof, after taking the front wheel off and sticking it in the boot, wouldn’t it be simpler to take the rear wheel off and put the whole bike in the back of the car?
I think it’s a great idea, as to your comment chipps, what if you’ve already got a bike or two inside the car?
Then you might not have any room for any more passengers? 🙂
Haha, touché!
Well, nothing new really to the tandem folks who have had “lie sideyways” racks for years.
Needs to be 2 bikes minimum.
Good idea! Id have one if the price was reasonable .
But yes, needs to be 2 bikes minimum and the front wheels too 😉
First off – singletrackworld you’re ace. Thanks for sharing, it’s a huge help and really encouraging.
I’m Ben from Sheffield, designer and builder of said rack. I’m overwhelmed with the response from you guys, lots of encouragement and some really helpful comments.
In light of the aero comments above, I returned to my CFD models this afternoon. I baselined the car model and got a drag coefficient of 0.31, which is within 10% of the official BMW figure FOR a Z4. I then tested my design and got a drag coefficient of 0.41, and then I tried a single bike upright in the same configuration as a Thule 561, which yielded a value of 0.5. I believe the benefit comes from having the bike close to the leading bar, which is causing drag anyway. I need to get an aerodynamicist to check my models, but I’m confident there is some aero benefit to laying the bike flat.
As background, I’m an engineer by trade and and grabbing an opportunity to follow a passion and launch my own business. I left a job at Rolls Royce earlier this year to make this happen (I’m working part time at the moment for sheffield university), so I’m quite committed! I’ve got a workshop arranged, a prototype just about to be completed and just enough free time to fit the odd ride in.
I’m getting sorted on the business side of things now, and by early next year I’ll have not only this carrier but a more conventional rack ready to go.
Thanks again for your comments and support – I’ll get back in the workshop and get some progress made, then I can update you all later with some pretty pics of the real thing!
Cheers,
Ben
Good luck Ben!