Looking for ideas for quick release solution (bike cargo rack)

Hi all,

Playing around with a little winter project.

Making a riser for a passenger seat on a bike. And I also want to make a cargo rack that can "plug in" to the riser. Looking for a quick, no tools required solution.

I had been thinking I would use a large diameter quick release pin and a metal sleeve in the riser , but that likely won't be strong enough to support much weight cantilevered off the back. Now I'm thinking I could build the rack on 2 "rails" that slide a foot or more into the back of the riser frame. But I need a way to secure the rails into the riser. It needs to be fairly small, and not require 3 hands to remove, and maybe provide some clamping to prevent rattles. If I was smart, I would have bought slip fit tubing for the riser and the rails, but here we are.

Here's the riser and an artist's rendering of the cargo rack

Here's an idea of a quick release to secure the rails, but the ones like this I found are way too big - probably mount it on the inside of riser under the seat so it's out of the way:

Looking for ideas from the hive, thanks!

Clevis pin?

Spring loaded push button like tent poles and kayak paddles?

A bicycle seatpost quick release would require a few spins of the nut, but it's toolless:

Stay with the ball-lock pins. Use two per side to overcome the loose telescoping fit, total of four, passing all the way thru the outer tubing. I like the ones from Carr-Lane, they're legit aerospace quality and quite strong. Pick a handle style. They have CRES versions if you need, too.

paddygarcia said:

Clevis pin?

That'd work for sure. I'm hoping for something "self contained" with no parts to get lost or have to tether to the bike.

No Time said:

Spring loaded push button like tent poles and kayak paddles?

Those are an interesting option, thanks!

I did find these that could work if I cut a groove to keep them in an "unlocked" position

Also found these magnetically retained pins which are interesting:

sevenracer said:

paddygarcia said:

Clevis pin?

That'd work for sure. I'm hoping for something "self contained" with no parts to get lost or have to tether to the bike.

The ball lock pin that Nockenwelle showed is a great option. There are also clevis pins with captive retainers, look for tractor hitch pins.

Thanks all for the ideas everyone, really helped me hone in on the features I want.

I found this which I think is the answer I was looking for. Weld the pin end of the body to the riser frame under the seat. Simple lever to retract the pin. Length of the body with the pin extended (I1) is 2.1 inches, about 3 inches with the pin retracted. Won't protrude to the outside of the riser (where the passenger's legs are).