08 May, 2014

New Six-Pack Rack

I got to work a little late this morning and Casey, of crazy bar fame, is nowhere to be found. He's out getting beer, I was told. Now VO is a pretty laid back place, but beer at 9:30am? Turns out that we just got the prototype six-pack rack. And yes, it's another of Casey's crazy ideas, basically a rail that bolts to several of our front racks allowing you easily carry, you guessed it, a six-pack. The photos tell the story.

So is it too crazy or a good idea? I can't decide.

60 comments:

BG of GB said...

I think that is cool.

Larry said...

The question should not be "is it crazy or a good idea", but "is it a good idea or is it the Best Idea?"

Anonymous said...

Winner, winner, six pack dinner!

Anonymous said...

Would be AWSOME if the sides would fold out flat as an option....

Ben said...

This is the best idea ever! Especially since it doesn't require me to buy (and, more importantly, install) a whole new rack!

Dan said...

Love it. My VO rack needs one!

Anthony Garcia said...

This is the best idea.

RoadieRyan said...

Great Idea and you could add a "six pack net" to the mix to help keep things in place. Not sure about Annapolis but on the mean streets of West Seattle we have potholes that could easily launch some beer missiles.

Unknown said...

I like it, even when not toting a tasty beverage, it could be used as a sort of mini-basket, if one were to put a liner of some sort in it.

Anonymous said...

i don't drink, so it has no obvious use for me, but i like the idea, and would be into it if i did drink. as it is, i bet it will work for people in other ways - might fit their favorite purse or lunchbox or sports equipment well.

Andy Squirrel said...

Why would you want to box yourself in with a rack addition like this when you can just get a rando bag that not only carries a six pack but also prevents them from ejecting on rough roads. A bonus of a basic rando bag is that it can carry pretty much anything in addition to six pack transportation. I'd send this one back to the drawing board. Cute idea that would look good in some silly bike accessories spread in Momentum though.

Colin said...

WHERE DO I GIVE YOU MY MONEY

SW said...

I approve, because: a) beer, b) useful add-on to stuff I already own, and c) beer.

John Aquilano said...

Take my money.

Anonymous said...

Please let me buy this from you.

Unknown said...

Brilliant! This is just what I've wanted! Will it fit the constructeur racks? I like the design of the porteur racks, they just are a bit too big for me. A pair of these on front and rear constructeur racks would be a dream come true.

Anonymous said...

I have been dreaming of a porteur rack attachment designed just like this! Why not consider that? I can't see buying a porteur rack for the rare times I'd use it (plus having to replace with existing rack and remove later). But, if there was a porteur rack attachment like this, you'd have my money.

Anonymous said...

I agree with Andy Squirrel. You can fit a six-pack in a rando bag, along with your wallet, bike tools, snacks, jacket, etc.

I'd rather have a mini rack that I can attach to the canti-studs on the seatstays that would help support a large saddlebag. The current saddlebag supports are poorly designed.

Please make one of those instead!

Ty C said...

I agree with Andy and anonymous 2:33pm. Too precious, too single purpose, too much. A rando bag works, as does a small basket, or just the small rack with strap or bungies or net. The rando bag has the added benefit of preventing beer bottles missiles launching from bumps in the road. And I'll second the motion for a good saddlebag support that mounts to canti-studs. Something that has weight capacity similar to a Nitto R10, but doesn't require the seatpost mount.

Kyle McCormick said...

Brilliant idea! As soon as they come in stock I'd order one! Trying to strap a six pack to the rear rack or hand carry them is just asking for broken bottles.

david p. said...

agree with the other dissenters. i think it's too limited in scope. can portage drinks in a variety of ways that also happen to be much more secure.

good for a bike-themed bar in the window, but not for mass production

Velonut said...

I think it is cool and as long as it is affordable I can see adding it to my collection

JB said...

I agree with all the comments: It's awesome; I want one; A handlebar bag or small basket makes 10 times more sense.

Joseph said...

It's an interesting concept. I wouldn't get one of these, but I would be interested in a small platform that attaches to the 4 points in the same way, for carrying light-weight but bulky items. I would also be interested in a basket like the Wald 137 or 139 which could be bolted on like this. I know it can be done with clamps or zip-ties, but this is more secure and elegant.

Anonymous said...

Great idea! I'll take two.

Anonymous said...

Shut up and take my money!

Andrew, Erin, and Audrey in Alaska said...

First of all, LOVE the tattoo! Go Fibonacci! I agree that the rack would be a fun addition to my townie but you might find it to be a small market of buyers.

Anonymous said...

Uh, Put me down for two right now...I'll even pay now if you would like.

Deathblow said...

Sweet!

Made one for my rack out of old flat metal fenders and fender stays.

This is way cooler.

D.J.Bolles + Co. said...

**people get so excited about beer, reasonably so**

This is a very sharp rack. I like that it is something different than a Wald basket. It can carry small odds and ends, a six pack sure, a summer outfit, etc. But, enough products are offered, by VO that will allow you to carry beer and so much more as others have said.

My initial reaction was, " Oh awesome! I want one!" But, it was mainly because of the beer. I don't feel like this is a rack option VO needs to offer. But, if you do I'm sure it will sell...

RML said...

Make it available! forget the naysayers. N+1. If you don't have a bike fit for this, you lack the tools for the job!

Andy Vibes said...

Crazy good!

jhm said...

My reaction is positive in principle, but I'd point out that not all six packs are a standard size. Maybe something that had adjustable sides (which could also be used to make the package more secure if the size could be squoze tight then secured). Then again, making it too complicated might not be the best thing.

George A said...


Finally you're getting somewhere. I just might succumb and see if one of these will fit my 3-speed Phillips.

Anonymous said...

Nice. True, a boxy rando bag can do much the same thing, but imagine a boxy six-pack bag to drop into the rack - in addition to the cargo net.

doc said...

Perhaps if it were a tad larger, and could either fit or came with an insulated cooler bag...

Zach D said...

Do it.

Jessica said...

Would be better if it could carry a six pack of cans or two growlers as well - doesn't look good for either of those beer vessels. I agree with all the pro-rando bag people too. It looks cool, but beers on racks shake too much. I've had enough rides with beer fizzing out from under bottle caps to know that bike racks and beer don't mix.

lariegeoise said...

l'idée est sympa mais il faut savoir la vraie utilité d'un tel vélo! Enfin il fait rire déjà et c'est bien l'essentiel

A said...

I'd be afraid of shaking up my beers on rough city streets. And that it's not sized for 22's or growlers, as I personally rarely buy 6ers. But it is a neat idea.

Anonymous said...

Great Idea! Need one of those for Hawaii.

SocialBlunder said...

I would only get one if there were a slot for my artisinal axe so I could carry both at the same time. And another slot for the first aid kit if I get confused about whether I should chop wood or drink beer first.

doc said...

It's pretty obvious from this discussion that there needs to be an international standard for six pack measurements.

Pierce said...

make something like this but for the porteur rack, the current rails are pretty useless, but rails like this could allow you to keep a bag on the rack without need for any straps to hold it in place.

Akos Szilvasi said...

A superb idea. I would like to have it on the otherwise useless Nitto rack i bought for its look.

Anonymous said...

Very Neat.
Would be nice if it came with a leather strap or two that hooked over the top to secure the load..
and maybe even some leather or other material padding over the bottom bars, to help deal with the beer-shaking issue..

But i would probably still buy one... reasonable price permitting!

George A said...

Finally, an accessory worth looking into. May just have to see if one could be adapted to my 3-speed Phillips.

Wanderlust said...

Put me down for one!

SA said...

That's a great product. You'll not only sell the Beer Rails to existing customers, but you'll sell more of the racks to new buyers, if the price is right.

I mean what beer drinker in ownership of a bike with a rack has never, out of hopeful curiosity, test fit a six pack on it, puzzling over how to make it stay? This design is simple and elegant, and the concept sure to draw smiles wherever you ride at beer time.

So, very attractive concept, well worth testing thoroughly. Neither the concerns of rail-to-package fit nor excessive shaking should be deal breakers, just limitations or recommendations for use. (E.G. Should I expect to need to cut a piece of foam for padding the bottom?)

I have a hunch the price needs needs to be almost in impulse buy territory. Can you make a decent margin at $40-50?

David Pearce said...

Speaking of racks, that apparently attach to the Pass Hunter Front Rack with integrated decaleur, which I have already purchased and carefully attached to my green Polyvalent frame & fender, I was to argue for and demand a set of attachable / detachable pannier racks that can be attached to the front rack and (I think you call them) the low-rider bosses which are so nicely included on the Polyvalent, and of course the rack eyelet on the front dropout.

I don't think one should have to go to the trouble of changing the racks from the Pass Hunter rack to the Campeur pannier rack each time one wants to do so light touring, not even including the duplicated cost, and certainly considering the four nice eyelets included on the Pass Hunter front rack!

That is my plea. I don't see any reason for having those low-rider bosses in the front fork, if you have nothing to use them with.

Unknown said...

Not big enough
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=1&page_id=146013&v=w#pic_653889

Dodger Tom said...

Seems like a good idea, but carrying your beer open to the sunlight like that could result in skunky beer.

Unknown said...

Apologies to diverge from topic A, but can anyone identify the tires on this bike? Many thanks.

Andre said...

1) Will there be a version that fits a single bottle of organic, Belgian-style beer?
2) Will there be a provision for a tobacco pipe holder on the side?
3) Could you perhaps curls the rack stays into the shape of a waxed mustache?

Belts and Suspenders said...

Where's the foam cushion on the bottom and the bungee net atop?

I want to drink my beer, not have it bounce out of the rack.

Anonymous said...

One comment regarding the final design: Make sure there is enough room for the 6-pack to be in a brown paper sack while still fitting snuggly (and securely) in the rack. Also, instruction should include information on open container laws by state. Prost!

Anonymous said...

This rack is a great idea!
It's perfect on my Elessar bicycle :-)
Fabio

Ken Dor said...

What I would really like is that front rack to be more adjustable so it fits on a wider range of bikes (e.g., my bike)

Josh Mitchell said...

Oh, hellz, yes! Thank goodnes the post date is NOT Apr 1

Anonymous said...

Hi, could someone tell me what handlebars those are? They're well purty....me want.