[hpv] Bent transport

[James Cooper]

While in college a process called the "design onion" was in vogue.
Basically it means that ANY system has other systems which encircle the
desired result, all of which have to work together toward the common
goal..... in this case, bike riding. Transportation is one layer of this
onion. Not many of us can exist in a "car free" environment, so this layer
has to suit our normal transportation needs, too. SUV's make sense for
those who need them (probably not many of us). I personally need to move
soccer players and hockey kids, so a minivan's in my garage. Regardless of
what the advertisements say, removing the rear seats is a major PITA. While
I love to ride, I can't justify a vehical so far from my other needs just
to haul our bikes around. My aerodynamics training make me shudder when
I think of what a roof rack does to your gas mileage..... Might as well
drive around with your doors open.
This leads, naturally, to a trailer. During the 99% of the time
I'm not hauling bikes, it has no performance penalty. Don't have to lift
your bikes up onto the roof, either. Bought a $175 4x4 trailer kit from
Nothern Supply and added a plywood floor. Built my own fork mounts for
about $1 each that are twice as strong as the $25 cast-kind. Secure the
bikes with fork mounts and light tie-down straps, and away we go ! This
rig hauls a MTB, Vision R42, Nimbus, and a Screamer. When not in use it
fits beneath my deck (another "onion" layer of my wife's insistance).
Don't think I have $200 in the entire thing. I took some pics today,
and once developed I'll scan them and send to anyone interested.
Contact me off-line if you want a set.
This is the ultimate set-up FOR ME. If I didn't have a garage
perhaps a Draftmaster would be best. If I lived at the end of a long,
unpaved road perhaps an Expedition. How many layers surround your "onion"
??

Keep strokin' J. Duncan Cooper