Durham’s unique bike racks — the first in a series
by Phillip Barron
Frank Hyman won’t let Columbia, SC show up Durham. So, when I posted a photo of a bad ass bike rack I saw down there, he wrote in to remind me of the Biker Bar. In his own words… (edit: this at 101 E. Geer St)
 photo courtesy of Frank Hyman |
Called “The Biker Bar”, met the size requirements (4 bikes) for the permit and gets used by at least one staff person. It’s all the way in back of the parking lot, at the far end of the building if you’re ever over that way. It was up 6 ft. in the air in the basement, so cut it loose with a sawzall blade (the wrong tool for every job), turned it over 180 degrees with ropes and poles, lowered it to the floor and 4 helpers carried it up a flight of stairs out of the basement. Cut holes in the pavement to cement the legs into the ground, capped the pipes with PVC caps painted black and coated it with Penetrol at Al Frega’s recommendation (he made the metal railings at Morgan Imports/ Fowlers).Voila! A homemade bike rack.
Now I want someone to commission me to make a bike rack out of cannibalized car parts! 
His isn’t the only unique bike rack in town. So, over the next few months, I’ll make a point of visiting and photographing them. When I do, I’ll share those photos here.
Anyone interested in contacting Frank can learn more about him on his website, FrankHyman.com
Comments
Nice. Who needs fancy smancy bike racks. This is Durham after all.
Far end of what building?
I’d never suspect that was a bike rack.
Looks like the industrial feel of the buildings near Pop’s and Morgan Imports.
Itchy, that’s a nice segue into the next unique bike rack in Durham… I need to get over there this weekend for a photo. Anyone know already which one I’m talking about?
Sure do. I see it everyday. I would say there is more than one at that location. Can you find them all?