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How to keep mtb dust free on rear bike rack


Frohan

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I’m planning a trip to Namibia and the 29'er and fat bike will be on the rear bike rack, but from previous experience they get covered with fine dust behind the bakkie.

 

Any suggestions how to cover them, especially the drive train to keep the dust out?

 

The solar panels are going on the roof rack, so the roof is not an option.

 

I was thinking to use cling wrap???

 

Thanks

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That fine namibian dust creeps in anywhere. My advise would be,travel with the bike normally,then wash it of before each ride,especially the chain,clean it PROPERLY at home,dry it,then re-lube it after a rinse-off in namib.

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I would say cling wrap would work best, you dont have too many options really...

 

Just dont let the bike shop cover it in silicone spray if you get it serviced just before you go...

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Or if you can get some kinda bag. Like those drawstring shoe bags, but instead of drawstring velcro. Sorry you will most likely have to have this made up

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Heavy duty cling wrap - you can buy rolls at most plastics shops

 

I do have a drivetrain bag that came in a bike box I bought - will have to look and see who makes it if you are interested.

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I would suggest you get a thin-ish piece of rubber and tie it behind you bakkie and the the front of your bike rack running underneath it. This will not only help with the dust problem, but it will keep rocks and stones from getting kicked up into your rack or bike. 

 

This will not solve the dust problem completely, but will help a great deal.

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I had the same problem travelling and tried a couple of things: 

 

- get a soft bike bags take the bike pack it in the bag and Macgyver the thing onto the rack and secure. 4 to of 10 in success. 

- Industrial cling wrap (or pop past the local airport and throw the bag wrap guys R70 odd to sort it. They aren't shy of throwing alot of wrap at the problem). . 

 

Truthfully in the end I just made room in the back of the wagon and packed everything tighter, was the only real way. 
 

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Take the chain off when on the rack, makes it much easier to wrap everything else in cling wrap.

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I’m going to look at motorbike rain covers, but it will have to be large in size. But I think the wind will rip it apart after some time.

 

The cling wrap sounds the cheapest and maybe easiest way at the end. Will buy a roll and try to cut it in half so it rolls easier through the tight spaces.

 

All the camping gear, fridge and whatever will make it impossible to put the bikes in the back.

 

I’ve got a few weekends that I’ll test the cling wrap idea!!

 

Once we were driving about 100 kilos on muddy dirt road to get to Cederberg camping spot, bikes were so mud covered, I kind of lost my appetite to ride, I don’t mind if the bikes get muddy, dusty on the way back home, but not to start the weekend like that.

 

I definitely will have to do something before my 3 week Namibia trip!!

 

Thanks for all the input guys, much appreciate.

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Take the chain off when on the rack, makes it much easier to wrap everything else in cling wrap.

 

Then unscrew the chainrings and take the rear wheel out and put them in the car :D

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You could put the bikes into old cardboard bike boxes, under your solar panels on the roof.

 

I have done Karoo trips like yours and that dust gets in everywhere.

 

The stones and grit coming up are another issue (as mentioned above).

 

You could perhaps take the wheels, pedals and chain off. Put cheap camping mat / between the frame and wheels and wrap it all in cling film. A smaller unit, without the wheels potentially extending beyond the sides of the car too much.

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