mounting a sissy bar

[Thxcuz]

I've seen sissy bars mounted on the axle. I guess that's ok if you are a 80lb kid but wouldn't it be dangerous for a tub o lard like myself? I have also seen them mounted with little dohickeys that mount on eyelets on the dropouts. Can either of these methods hold up an adult or is there something I'm missing

 

[deorman]

I think the weak point would be the screws that attach the bar to the seat. I also suspect the axle mount would be stronger than the fender/rack hole clamps, which is held by little tiny (1/4" or less) screws. Either one will hold my 180 or so pounds in wheelie mode. I don't think I'd want to give it much sideways loading though, the bar itself would probably not be hard to bend. Your results may vary.

 

[ODDER]

Replace the hardware with grade 8 bolts if you are worried. Factory bolts have held up fine to my almost 200 lbs. All but one of my bikes has a banana seat and they've all been fine.

 

[horsefarmer]

Welded some steel flat stock on the drop outs, then did the grade 8's

 

[Thxcuz]

I tried it on the axle but since I'm on a motorized bike I thought I shouldn't tempt fate. I went to my neighborhood hardware store (South Side True Value) and got some grade 8 bolts. It doesn't look as vintage as it did before but I like the sitting back bit. I seem to be getting more speed but that may just be a coincidence.

 

[metalchewy]

I've used wheelchair bar clamps on the seat or chain stays, for shorter banana seats before.

 

[metalchewy]