Metal Worker - Bike Rack Help

[TARider]

Question for the metal working experts around here. This pic is of the cradles that hold the rear tire on my bike rack. They opening is about 2.5”. The rear tire on my new bike is about 4”.
Any ideas as to a tool that would spread the arms out a bit more or am I asking for issues with the weld that holds it in place if I try it?

 

[TARider]

My first thought is picking up a piece of pipe to slip over the end and start trying to bend but again - don’t want to see something break....

 

[kaiser715]

Thats what I'd do....if it works, then fine, if it breaks, then you would have had to cut it apart to fix it right anyway. What's the harm? Just don't bend what it's attached to.

 

[sammi_davis]

Cut and section it would work well. Did you get a fat bike?

 

[TARider]

Thats what I'd do....if it works, then fine, if it breaks, then you would have had to cut it apart to fix it right anyway. What's the harm? Just don't bend what it's attached to.

I’ll start with that. If I break it I have a month to find someone to weld it back together before I need it for a trip.

 

[TARider]

Cut and section it would work well. Did you get a fat bike?

If I had a welder or skills I’d be more likely to give that a shot.... Yes, I had too many bikes so sold a couple to consolidate a bit. It came in last week. Lots of fun so far.

 

[TARider]

Decided not to wait for the beer to wear off. Took the handle off the floor jack and got everything bent perfectly. Thanks all!

 

[sammi_davis]

Decided not to wait for the beer to wear off. Took the handle off the floor jack and got everything bent perfectly. Thanks all!

If you decide you want to change it I can weld and have a bender.

 

[rockcity]

Torch and a pipe on the end to spread it out for the fat tire

 

[TARider]

If you decide you want to change it I can weld and have a bender.

Thanks!