Another way to attach tire rack without those ugly silver bars?

[MrCaspan]

So I just got a nice Topeak MTX rack for my iGO electric and my Fat tire ebike so we can interchange removable baskets and lunch pails.. Really cool system. The only thing that I hate at the ugly silver bars that they give to you to attach the device. Does anyone else know of a better way to attach these back racks with something that looks better? I am assuming by looking at the designs that all the weight is actually carried down the the mounting points by the center of the wheel and those silver bars are just for holding it in one place so it cannot rock forwards or backwards? is there aftermarket parts that replace these ugly silver ones with nicer looking black powder coated ones that look like this ones attached? Are these kinds of bars universal? what are these bars even called lol

Curious what others have done to get rid of these ugly flat silver holders?

 

[Coolbob]

On my previous bike, there was a mix of silver and black hardware and accessories, so the silver mounting arms on my Topeak Explorer rack never bothered me. However, the silver arms really stand out now that I've transferred the rack to my newer bike with zero chrome or silver. I think the best approach would be to bend the arms as necessary to mount the rack and then have them powder coated or simply spray paint them. I've also considered covering them in black electrical shrink tubing.

 

[MrCaspan]

I never thought about shrink tubing. That would be really cheap and inexpensive. That is actually not a bad idea. After doing some looking around I was also thinking about Plasti Dip which sprays on but is like a rubber coating on them

 

[indianajo]

I held up my rack previously with even uglier aluminum channel salvaged from a window I picked up on garbage day. Rack was built out of yard signs & a roll of solid wire from mcmaster.

 

[MrCaspan]

WHAT!!! now this is crazy!

 

[EMGX]

I never thought about shrink tubing. That would be really cheap and inexpensive. That is actually not a bad idea. After doing some looking around I was also thinking about Plasti Dip which sprays on but is like a rubber coating on them

I've used Plasti Dip spray on several times including faded plastics on a scooter and always been pleased with the results. Because it can be peeled or scuffed off be careful when installing the arms. A few coats will make it more durable if clearances allow. ~$6/can at WalMart.

 

[RunForTheHills]

The VO Constructeur rack bolts to a metal fender instead of the frame. There may be a few others out there.

 

[tomjasz]

WHAT!!! now this is crazy!

Indiana is perhaps one of the most creative self-sufficient riders I know.