Im in the process on building something similar with the rack you see in the picture.

What I want to know is if its possible to determine the optimal length of the tube on the frame and on the rack to allow the max load under stress without the rack breaking/bending on a spot that its not mounted on the frame, and what would be the max load?

and if it is, how to calculate it? :)

things that i know:

• number of tubes
• length
• diameter
• thickness
• bending tube angle
• stainless steel type

worth saying that this is more of a learning exercise.

i want to buy a few hard drives for backups.

What is the most reliable option for longetivity? i was looking at the wd ae, which they claim is fit for this purpose, but knowing nothing about hard drives, I wouldnt know if it was a marketing claim..

I had no idea that cromoly tubes were so expensive so Im now looking for alternatives..

a generic question I have is, does it really matter on what I use of its not for a competition setup?

I mean I dnt care if its relatively heavy.. my initial thoughts was using stainless steel tubes or even construction rods but everyone online seem to recommend only using cromoly..

edit: ordered 5x25mm wtainless steel tubes for 15eur (1.5m) the same in cromoly couldnt find them under 70eur..

I had some wheel made but when they rotate they come in contact with the disc break pads (slightly).

The bikeshop that built them will take another month to look at this, as they are fully booked, and I dont want to pay 35+ on another bikeshop..

Is it doable to DIY this with a spoke key and using the fork as a stand?

(I think it would be a useful skill to learn as it will make me less dependent on bikeshops)

Any brands that sell a rack like the one in the picture? (Edit: what i like from this rack is the mounting points on the frame that will result in a more comfortable ride than carrying the weight on the handlebars or fork))

If not do you recommend someone that can make this without breaking the bank? (I grew up in an agricultural area and there were a lot of folks that could weld something like that for a small fee - but some people online are charging 300+ for this, which is insane)

Bike shops are asking 100+£ for a bike assemble and it might be justified but its too much for my budget and I want to DIY it.

Is that risky to do by watching youtube videos and borrowing tools from friends?

I want to install an english threaded bottom branket with a squared tappered crankset, disc brakes (mechanical), headset (threadless including cutting stem).

Are there any individuals or services that will build a custom air quality sensor from individual components for a fee? I am mainly interested parties in a couple humidity+temp+co2 boxes (wifi,zigbee,zwave or cable)

(Airgradient is prob ideal but too expensive)

I want to create a custom dashboard web app thing for the purpose of learning and to make it avalaible for selfhosted servers.

The plan is to use existing linux cli tools as much as possible.. Which of them do you think are appropriate for that purpose?

There is a nice list in this blogpost but I dont have any experience with any of them: https://www.brendangregg.com/blog/2024-03-24/linux-crisis-tools.html

I want a switch with a few POE ports but it needs to be as low power as possible as I rely in solar.

Any recommendeations?

Any low power security cameras that would recommend with night vision and decent quality? Ideally non-smart without a cloud option as I would like to connect it directly to an offline server with a cable or wifi (although not having a wifi might be better)

I have a steel frame and I'm looking on getting aluminum parts (eg: seatpost, headset etc)

Is Corrosion a concern?

Will I need to service the bike more frequently?

Is lube between the two metals going to make any difference?

Im building a single speed mini velo with 20inch bmx wheels.

Right now Im at the process on building its wheels and I was thinking on getting bmx hubs instead of 'normal size bike wheel hubs' because they are cheaper.

Are there any downsides on doing that? Is there a substantial difference between these two types or it is just a marketing thing?