Side Ride Bike Mount

What bed rack is that? It looks slick. Would it work with the bestop?

 

I like the exterior mount, but I did it in the bed for a little more safety.

 

Looking into getting Side Rides for my truck. How do they hold up on the highway? I’m planning an 800 mile trip, most highway, and want to take my bike with me.

 

The mounts are very solid since it ties into the front corners of the bed. I’ve done a few 300 mile trips with no issues. I’ve done front bed rail bike mounts and prinsu rack mounts but the current side mount is the most secure with much less wobble at highway speeds.

 

Any reason why you went this route versus a mount of the hitch? Looks cool, but having to take the front wheel on and off all the time is a deal killer for me.

 

Most bikes have front quick release skewers so removing the wheel is a non issue. This is the easiest bike transport method I have found so far. I keep my bed clear now to haul my wifes and 2 kids bikes if needed. A hitch mount carrier is not an option due to backup cam viewing, or easy access to the bed, especially with a softtopper and a DCLB. This method is still faster than a hitch mount since it stays on and doesn't require storage when not needed.

 

Just use one of the Yakima or Thule bike carriers that clamp onto the frame or the front tire if you want one that doesn't require you to pull the front tire- that's how folks did it back in the '80s and '90s; yeah, people have been carrying bikes on the sides of their racks and shells for decades now (what's old is new again). You can find used ones that still work fine, just need to make a mounting bracket.

 

I know this isant about your bed rack. But I like how tall it is. I've been looking for something like that. Where did you get your bed rack?

 

Interesting....how much wind resistance does that add?

 

Yes, who makes your bed rack?

 

Unfortunately, Rick (Unchained 5150) passed away in 2022.

 

Ricks bed rack was made by SOS. I don’t believe they’re around anymore either.

 

Yeah he got the last of the “tube design” bed racks from SOS. And you’re correct, they’re no longer in business.

Heavy Metal Off-road makes similar tube bed racks that fit softoppers. Think they’re around $800.

 

Any long term use reviews? I'm not crazy about how the rear bracket hangs so low below the bedrail and close to the paint.

 

Turning the handlebar is a good idea if you're in an area with low trees.

 

Two questions for you.
1: Do you see anything that would prevent me from mounting a Rockymounts Tomahawk, 1Up or something similar to this to the side ride? I have an XL 29er full suspension and an 80s 26er with a much shorter wheelbase that I cart around. I use security bolts on the 26er since it's a bar bike, so taking off the front wheel isn't ideal.
2: Do you end up flinging rocks and mud from the front tire onto your bike? I have 285s on wheels with a 0mm offset so poke is minimal but it is there.

 

@Nimble9 rip Rick.

 

Nothing close to the paint, it’s maybe 4-5” away from the bed. No chance if it touching. And if it did that means you managed to bend your bedside or bend plate steel haha

I mean I’m on 5 years of use no issues personally, mainly a transition sentinel or other 29er

for sure!

1: the bedside itself narrows towards the back and isn’t strong enough on its own in my experience. I’ve made a few prototypes, but nothing I feel comfortable selling.

2: nothing that I’ve noticed, and I have 0 offset methods with 295/70r17s and spidertrax spacers to clear the UCA.