I do a lot of mountain bike riding and a good bit of it is near fishable water. I want to construct some kind of rack/holder that will allow me to carry a four piece, with the reel attached. Just wondered if anyone has already “Invented the wheel” so I don’t have to start from scratch. I am thinking of a proper length and diameter of PVC pipe but… I am open to suggestions of any kind.
Thanks, Voyageur.
Voyageur:
I’m sure you will get lots of replies from others but if you want something ready made and it’s in your budget; try Harding & Sons for a rod & reel case.
While other companies have similar cases for less $$$, Harding will make one to any length, diameter AND color you want and if you wanted something added like Velcro straps to attach it to your bike I’d bet they would have no problem adding them as well.
I have a bunch of Harding rod cases and their quality and workmanship is excellent.
Good luck!
check out post #15 on page 2
http://www.flyanglersonline.com/bb/showthread.php?t=20622&highlight=bike+rack&page=2
years ago there was a maker of a rack that bolted directly to the front fork. i can never find it when needed. sorry. no recollection of the maker.
I love the quote in your signature. Hilarious but TRUE…
I have an Orvis, Safe Passages - two rod holder, but in this case I was thinking of just my bare rod (in a rod sock) with reel attached. Sort of slid into a type of “scabbard” holder. Simple and rattle free but easy in and out.
I appreciate the link to Harding and I may order one of their cases for a different application.
David
Elegant simplicity. I wouldn’t have to build anything and it sure is easy on and off. I think I will try it today.
David
V - I just put my 4-pc in it’s sock with the reel on and tie it up. I just bungee that to my handlebars or my rack.
Bamboozle’s sig line is good, but I believe it comes from an R. Crumb comic from the 60’s dealing with something besides whiskey.
problem solved 
You’ve probably thought of this but for simple & on the cheap …how about a pvc tube…capped or uncapped…with a slot in one end to accept the reel…and use a neoprene reel case to protect the reel?
Yes, I have thought about the PVC route. I even used it to design and build a handy kayak kart, for the sometimes long rolls, to the put-in.
I thought about attaching it at the front hub and running it sort of vertical to just in front of the stem. Shouldn’t affect steering or visibility. This weekend I will have time to explore the suggestions I have received and maybe receive even more ideas. That is what I love about “forums”. Great ideas and great people…
Voyageur
Yeowza!!:shock: Mountain biker riding conjures up visions of bumpy trails, big rocks, trail hugging trees, with exposed roots, and hanging branches … And you want to expose a good fly rod to that? possibly without a hard case? OMG!! Get a good PVC pipe, cap it securely (glues to one end, the other fit tight) hook that to the frame if you want, and carry the reel in your pocket! I’d hate to think what that rod and reel would look like after a confrontation with a boulder or tree! Or, get a backpack/fanny pack and strap the TAKEN APART rod IN A HARD CASE to the pack.
My equipment is far too valuable (to me at least) to trust it to the open elements and hazards of a mountain bike.
EDIT:Sorry … didn’t mean to sound snarky! Every once in a while the Mother in me comes out! I really need to go fishing!!
Hi Betty, Just kidding. I took no offense at your well meaning advice.
I don’t really have a very expensive rig because I am a new fly caster. I have a Redington Crosswater reel and a T.F.O. rod 9’. So far, I am not very good at all. I took a few lessons from Dave Loger, Adventurekayakfishing.com (no affiliation) , but I guess I was so bad, he won’t even return my emails…
Matter of fact, my mountain bike is a Chumba XCL that cost over $4,000,00 and I don’t want to wreck it either. The areas that I fish are mostly salt water estuaries that exist at the end of sand pathways. Not many rocks, etc. and no overhanging branches. I think my fly fishing rig would be safe. I am very excited about becoming a proficent fly fisher and eventually lear to tie my own…
Thank you for the response…
David
This is the rack that attaches to the front forks. I don’t think that it’s still on the market (their website doesn’t work). Great idea, would love to find one.
http://www.hunting-fishing-gear.com/article-display/930.html
Kevin
Holy cow!! 4 million for a bike!! (well … short one “0”). I wouldn’t want to wreck it either!!:rolleyes:
I’m thrilled you are advancing in flyfishing, and look forward to the day we can wet a line together!!
Betty - good observation. Should have been $4000.00. Either way it is to expensive to mistreat…
Fly Chucker - Wish I could find a source for that rod holder. It looks great. Funny how so many good products just don’t make it.
Thanks…
Voyageur …
Here is some info I found on Google that might help:
[LEFT]RiverTrail Gear
P.O. Box 410
4060 Richland Road NE
Pleasantville, OH 43148[/LEFT]
866-758-9830
[LEFT]740-468-9011
[LEFT]FAX: 740-468-9011
robert@rivertrailgear.com
Est.: 2002 Staff: 2
Owner: Robert Troup
The RiverTrail? Mountain Bike Fly Rod
Rack allows fly fishers to safely carry one
or two fly rods in their tubes on a
mountain bike.[/LEFT]
[LEFT][FONT=Comic Sans MS][COLOR=darkred]Hope this helps,[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][COLOR=darkred]DickM.[/LEFT]
[/COLOR][/FONT]
[/LEFT]
Maybe this
Not thrilled with unprotected, but if you have a rack on the bike it should be pretty easy to fashion up a carrier to hold the case on the rack. Reel and gear could go in a small pack lashed to the rack.
I will call that number in the morning.
I have seen the Cabella’s carrier and while I generally like their product line, this one won’t fit my needs.
Voyageur.
The number listed above is no longer in service. I’ve tracked down the # of the gentleman who used to make them and am trying to find out if they are still available. Will keep all posted.
Kevin
Spoke with Robert Troup who is the guy that was making them several years ago. Unfortunately, he’s no longer doing so and doesn’t have any available.
On the bright side he said that if I could get my hands on one I could copy it and bould my own.
Kevin