Updated Prototype Bolt-On Cargo Fork

A while ago I posted about a bolt-on cargo fork project that I was working on. I got some great feedback – and that in combination with a lot of real life testing got me here to this updated prototype. I am actually very happy with it, there are a few minor tweaks I will need to do now that I see it in action, but overall I think the prototype is 95% on its way to final form.

It now:

• Adjusts to fit wider range of headtube angles and fork offsets (mostly happy with this – bit more revision needed!)
• Supports both disc AND rim brakes. Should be able to grab any inexpensive QR/Bolted 20”/406 wheel and have it work.
• Wide integral platform with bolt holes and slots so you can mount anything from boxes, to baskets, to plywood platforms. This is much stronger than the previous design's mounting straps.
• Optional integrated double-leg kickstand to keep fork and cargo steady when parked
• TPU rubber (3D printed – for now) kickstand feet and fork clamp protectors, to protect paint and floors

There were a few tweaks I also made to the hardware used to clamp it together, and to the clamps for the fork, which really improve stiffness. And just seeing this with a nice semigloss powder coat really classes it up!

The cargo platform was designed to support 26”/650b/700c [steel, aluminum, not carbon!!] forks, with 70-73deg head tubes and 30-60mm rake, but as you can imagine that requires quite a bit of adjustable range to keep the cargo area level. In the next few weeks I hope to get out the word locally and do some real life testing with the prototype on a bunch of different bikes and forks, to confirm I’ve dialled in the design.

Lastly, I want to talk about the double-leg kickstand, which is a totally new addition to this revision. From my many months of real life use with my first prototype cargo fork/rack, the main gripe I had was that when parking the fork would flop all around, especially with any load. The double-leg kickstand I came up with is inspired by the simple kick-down bent metal kickstands common in classic tradesmans’ bicycles – and it works surprisingly well! I am looking forward to doing more in depth testing with it in the coming weeks.

I know last time I posted there was a wide range of reactions, so once again I welcome peoples comments and thoughts!

Thanks!