Extending a Fiamma Carry-Bike Wheel Channel to Accept a Tandem Recumbent Bicycle

[Jim Pona]

Greetings All,

Apologies if I am missing an already-existing thread on this subject. Two questions here:

1) I modified my Fiamma "Carry-Bike" (yes, that's what the Italians call a bike carrier!) to hold our tandem recumbent bicycle. I haven't yet taken our rig out for a test drive. Has anyone out there actually done a mod like this? Our bike is a Rans Screamer (see pic). Although it's hard to see in the photo, what I did was purchase an additional wheel channel from Fiamma, and I removed the inner wheel channel that came with the original rack. I then nested them atop the existing outer channel using 6 stainless steel bolts with lock washer nuts (3 for each nested channel). The load at each wheel puts about 23 lbs of weight on the respective channel, and that point is about 14" out from where it would be on the wheel channel

The carrier weighs 21 lbs and the bike 46 lbs. - well below the carrier's total capacity of 100 lbs. However, I am concerned about how the rack will hold up under dynamic load as we go bumpety bump down the road. Has anyone out there already made this kind of mod to a Fiamma rack? Also, any engineers out there who can offer their design insight?

2) And now on to the bike cover. Has anyone found a lightweight but durable bike transport cover that will work with the Fiamma? A web search yields products that a) look too heavy; b) have too much opaque area that will cover the Airstream's tail lights and license plate; and c) Have a lot of loose material to catch wind and add more dynamic force to the setup.

Look forward to the group's wisdom!

James

[Phantom98]

Originally Posted by Jim Pona

Greetings All,

Apologies if I am missing an already-existing thread on this subject. Two questions here:

1) I modified my Fiamma "Carry-Bike" (yes, that's what the Italians call a bike carrier!) to hold our tandem recumbent bicycle. I haven't yet taken our rig out for a test drive. Has anyone out there actually done a mod like this? Our bike is a Rans Screamer (see pic). Although it's hard to see in the photo, what I did was purchase an additional wheel channel from Fiamma, and I removed the inner wheel channel that came with the original rack. I then nested them atop the existing outer channel using 6 stainless steel bolts with lock washer nuts (3 for each nested channel). The load at each wheel puts about 23 lbs of weight on the respective channel, and that point is about 14" out from where it would be on the wheel channel

The carrier weighs 21 lbs and the bike 46 lbs. - well below the carrier's total capacity of 100 lbs. However, I am concerned about how the rack will hold up under dynamic load as we go bumpety bump down the road. Has anyone out there already made this kind of mod to a Fiamma rack? Also, any engineers out there who can offer their design insight?

2) And now on to the bike cover. Has anyone found a lightweight but durable bike transport cover that will work with the Fiamma? A web search yields products that a) look too heavy; b) have too much opaque area that will cover the Airstream's tail lights and license plate; and c) Have a lot of loose material to catch wind and add more dynamic force to the setup.

Look forward to the group's wisdom!

James

I carry 2 bikes on mine. They weigh about 30 pounds each. You should be fine with your set up.

[tmeyer10]

Nice Screamer, I used to have a Rocket the same color. I wouldn’t put a cover on because of the sail effect that might put some unnecessary pressure on the rack. I would take the seats off for the same reason and store them inside.

[pteck]

Nicely done. That should work great. Not to mention it looks great as well!

[Jim Pona]

A quick update: We completed a 500+ mile shakedown drive with our tandem on the modified Fiamma carrier and it worked great. I did tiè stabilizing ropes on each end of the extension to reduce dynamic bounce. Be safe and wise, everyone, as this pandemic plays out!