19 January 2010

Madsen Rain Cover

This is our first attempt at a rain cover for our MADSEN kg271 bucket bike.  We wanted something simple, inexpensive, light, and hopefully durable (i.e. kid-proof.) that would keep the kids warm and dry for short trips around town on the rainiest of days.





The support frame is made from two pieces of 1/2" electrical conduit coupled together, so it's modular for summer storage.  The frame sits in the bucket on top of the seats.  The cover is primarily Sunbrella fabric, a light awning material, with zippered vinyl windows.  The nylon strap, sewn into the bottom of the cover and fastened under the lip of the bucket, keeps the whole thing in place.



Conception and production was a group effort.  Many thanks to my dad for helping with the pipe bending, and many many thanks to my wife for showing off hew prowess with a sewing machine.  Hat tip to Crow for sending us to Seattle Fabrics - they had everything but the conduit!

Unless the weather is too nice, we'll have a full review soon.  What do you think?
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11 comments:

  1. JulianJanuary 20, 2010 at 10:16 AM

    I think you're giving the Popemobile a run for its money! The girls look happy and cozy. With my crew I might need a see-through front panel to see what rascally business they're up to. Looks lightweight, and I'd love to hear how the attachment system holds up in winds (and how it handles). I've been thinking about a similar cinch-under-the-lip concept. Nice work Team Tacoma!

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  2. saraJanuary 20, 2010 at 11:10 AM

    I am most impressed by this, Matt. The girls look super happy with the set-up. Will be curious to hear how it goes out on the road.

    Ahhh, so laughed at Julian's Popemobile comment...

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  3. BlaineJanuary 20, 2010 at 8:47 PM

    It looks too freaking tall! (ha - inside joke)

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  4. AnonymousJanuary 23, 2010 at 9:44 PM

    I like your frame. Very simple, I'd have mad it way too complex. I tend to over build sometimes. GT

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  5. liseFebruary 6, 2010 at 8:58 PM

    This looks very workable. We've been thinking and thinking what to make for our Madsen. In Victoria, BC we get lots of rain too. I might try to copycat your raincover.
    And no drilling holes in the bucket, very nice...

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  6. MeeganMarch 11, 2010 at 6:33 PM

    I love this! We have a Madsen, too, but I haven't ventured out yet this year in it because of our rain and wind. I would love to have one of these rain covers for our bike! Good job on it!

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  7. bikemomApril 22, 2010 at 3:12 PM

    I'm in Seattle and would love to pay you and your team to make something like this for me. Are you interested? I really need a cover for next fall/winter. I've been using my Bob double stroller rain cover to cover it with groceries and with one kid leaning over in there, but it just doesn't cut it.

    I'm at brynnenford@yahoo.com and would love to hear from you.

    Thanks!
    Brynnen

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  8. AnonymousNovember 5, 2010 at 8:31 PM

    I am also in Seattle and would love to pay to have a cover made for my Madsen. My email address is erindunbar@gmail.com.

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  9. MikeAugust 12, 2011 at 9:52 PM

    We just got our Madsen, and were contemplating constructing our own rain cover somehow... Lo and behold, I find your design here! The conduit idea is stupendously simple -- love it.

    I wonder if you'd be kind enough to share (sell?)any plans (if there are any...), or even tips about any problems or design issues you ran into along the way. If you're willing to talk shop a bit, I'd appreciate any help you might send our way.

    Thanks!

    Mike@precisionchicago.com

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  10. AnonymousAugust 22, 2011 at 11:26 AM

    Any possible way you could make another and sell it to me? ryanbailey73@hotmail.com

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  11. AnonymousJune 3, 2013 at 10:53 PM

    We've recently acquired a Madsen, and we too need to make a cover for it. We're somewhat handy, but having three kids including year-old twins, don't have a ton of time. I see from other comments that other people have asked about buying a cover from you. Are you doing that? If so, we'd love to pursue that option. If not, any chance we can get some design advice? Thanks!
    mriles@drizzle.com

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