Bird bike rack

[fatmike]

Yep, I'm in Chatham, NJ.

The BIRD AUTOMOTIVE bike rack fits -- I figured this out after a few conversations and several hours of messing around. I bought it on eBay. The seller failed to include a bolt assembly that attaches the front of the rack to the under-carraige of the car. So, I wasted a Sunday afternoon trying to find appropriate sized metric bolts and washers (spacers) to make it work.

If I weren't such an die-hard cyclist and in desperate need of a bike rack, I might have just sent it back to him...

I'll report back more on the bike rack after I use it a few times. If I had all the right parts to start with, I think I could have assembled the rack in :30 minutes (in my living room) and I probably could have attached it to the car in another :30 minutes. Its only 4 bolts, but the hardest part of installing it is just getting access under the car (and it obviously doesn't work so well without the bolts...).

But, now its done. The system seems to be very effective and it seems like the rack won't damage the paint.

Also, while it was up on the jack I put my snow tires on. So, I killed two birds with one stone...(sorry for the pun)

[Perfectlap]

let me know if you need the bike binding straps. I think I have a set for two bikes (two per bike).
Or you can go to a bike shop and pick them up for a few bucks each. I think Thule makes them. They have those rubber fastening straps like you would see on the pedals of a gym exercise bike.

The Bird rack worked well. You just have to get used to the flexing when the bikes are on. Always make sure those harness straps are pulled down tight. and be careful not to drop the anchor hooks on the trunk lid.

Man I really want that Saris Thelma bike carrier. Maybe Bird will incorporate it somehow.
Willwood never responded to my inquiry.

[fatmike]

PERFECTLAP --> Now that is a really nice bike rack.

As you know, the Bird system is just some welded pipes & tubing. But they'll be effective. My bike carrier did come with velcro tie down straps -- thanks!

[fatmike]

I wanted to provide some feedback on the Bird Automotive Bike rack for the Boxster. I do recommend this for a cyclist.

The design:

- seems to protects the paint,
- allows the spoiler to work,
- doesn't touch the paint or bumper
- seems sturdy
- was easy enough to install (really only 4 bolts, but I was missing some parts -- thank you eBay!)
- the rack installs into the recieving pipes that are mounted full time.
- the receiving pipes are fairly well hidden.
- the rack mounts in about 3 minutes once you get the technique down.

Overall, this is a very good solution for the Boxster. Some pictures are attached.

By the way, I've gone full circle on the amber. I've already replaced the side lights and the tail lights will be done on December 25th (by about noon...). Since I had the car in the air, I was also able to snap a picture of my RMS -- but that is a story for another thread!