Some bikes needed hanging up at in a neighbour’s shed, but there was very little vertical space – not even enough to put a 93 x 45mm (‘4×2’) on edge right across.
A 145 x 45mm (‘6×2’) held flat was away too bouncy
But with the 93 x 45mm held flat, gluing a couple of ~20 x 93mm boards to its sides where there was spare height (see photo) made a huge difference – the thing felt solid despite spanning almost two metres.
Conclusion:
- 45mm thick = too soggy
- 93mm think in places = perfect
BTW, so little vertical space was available for the longest bike (a down-hill racer) that the hooks had to be custom-bent out of steel strip to hug the tyre and rim, and even then there was only ~20mm of clearance to the floor.
Having alternate hooks mounted low (there are shorter bikes in this collection) avoids handlebar clash.
The vertical struts (now fixed properly) take weight to the floor rather than have all seven bikes hang off the flimsy roof.
Wood is wonderful
I have to admit that I’m grateful for the token mechanical engineering classes that were part of my EE degree! Glad that you stayed awake in those classes too. 🙂 Also glad that you were able to help out a friend and wind up looking pretty smart.
One to beam up, Mr Scott.
I’ll get my coat.