Clubhouse Fort FAQ

How to Build a Clubhouse Fort

Updated on 

This article refers to GSD Gen 2 bikes.


The Clubhouse Fort for the GSD Gen 2 protects little passengers from the elements. It’s the best way to keep kids dry, cozy, and comfy, even on bad-weather days. In this article, we’ll explain how to build the Clubhouse Fort, so you can keep the good times rolling all year round.

The Clubhouse Fort was designed for the GSD Gen 2. It’s made up of four different accessories, each of which is sold separately. For an introduction to the Clubhouse Fort, check out this article.

As always, if you feel you may need expert guidance or run into any problems, please see your dealer for installation help.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to build the Clubhouse Fort:

Bike

  • GSD Gen 2 (any model)

Accessories

Tools and Materials

  • 3 and 4 mm Allen wrenches with ball end
  • 8, 10, and 13 mm open-end wrenches
  • 5 mm Allen wrench
  • Anti-seize lubricant and application brush
  • User manual for each accessory

How to Build the Fort

You’ll install the accessories in this order:

  1. Sidekick Wide Decks
  2. Clubhouse Gen 3/Clubhouse+
  3. Storm Box
  4. Storm Shield

To give you an idea, the video below shows the installation process from start to finish, using the Clubhouse+:

Step 1: Install the Sidekick Wide Decks

View the Sidekick Wide Decks user manual here.

First, place each Sidekick Wide Deck over the corresponding Integrated Lower Deck.

Next, use a brush to apply a little bit of anti-seize lubricant to the threads at the end of each bolt.

Then, put the nuts, washers, and bolts in place.

Finally, use a 5 mm Allen wrench and a 13 mm open-end wrench to tighten each bolt.

Step 2: Install the Clubhouse

View the user manual for the Clubhouse Gen 3 here, and the Clubhouse+ here.

First, assemble the Clubhouse. Before you begin, apply a little bit of anti-seize lubricant to the threads at the end of each bolt.

Find and install the front flat bar, which is the bar without any protrusions on it (the bar with two protrusions is the rear Flat Bar). Then, decide which rear bar you'll need and install it. Both the Flat Bar and the Child Seat Expansion Bar will work for building the Clubhouse Fort. If using the Flat Bar, be sure to install it with the protrusions pointing downward.

  • Use a 4 mm Allen wrench with ball end and an 8 mm open-end wrench to tighten the Clubhouse Gen 3’s attachment bolts to 4 - 5 Nm of torque.
  • Use a 3 mm Allen wrench with ball end and an 8 mm open-end wrench to tighten the Clubhouse+'s attachment bolts to 4 - 5 Nm of torque.

Next, place the Clubhouse onto the GSD’s rear rack.

Then, put the nuts, washers, and bolts in place.

Finally, use a 4 mm Allen wrench with ball end and a 10 mm open-end wrench to tighten the attachment bolts to 9 - 10 Nm of torque.

Step 3: Install the Storm Box

View the Storm Box user manual here.

First, unfold the Storm Box and unfasten the velcro opening on the front end.

Next, place the Storm Box over the Clubhouse and install it corner-by-corner. Pull each corner of the Storm Box onto the Clubhouse, ensuring that all four corner protrusions on the Clubhouse are exposed. At this point, the Storm Box's bottom will be resting on top of the Sidekick Wide Decks.

Then, secure the Storm Box to the Sidekick Wide Decks using the velcro fasteners.

Then, fasten the vinyl fabric connecting pieces inside the Storm Box. These pieces snap together underneath the top rear rack. Fasten the long longitudinal piece first, then the shorter side pieces.

Finally, install the seat pads or child seats. Evenly space all four velcro straps around the top rear rack. Align the rubberized areas on the straps with the side rails to prevent the straps from slipping. Then, place the seat pads on top and secure the backrest pad using the velcro fasteners, or install the child seats according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 4: Install the Storm Shield

View the Storm Shield user manual here.

First, unzip one side panel of the Storm Shield and install the two inner poles.

Then, place the Storm Shield over the Clubhouse. Place each corner loop on the Storm Shield around the corresponding corner protrusion on the Clubhouse+.

Next, use the velcro fasteners in the Storm Shield's front and rear to secure it to the Storm Box and the Clubhouse. Note that the Storm Shield's front velcro fasteners attach to the Clubhouse, and you may need to open the velcro on the front of the Storm Box to secure them. The velcro fasteners can be a little tricky, so check out the video to make sure you’re using them correctly.

Finally, close the side panel. Weather forecast looking good? You can roll up the side panels and secure them instead.

A Few Safety Reminders

Now you’re ready to ride! A few quick safety reminders before you take off:

  • Always make sure all accessories are securely fastened to the GSD before riding. If they come loose, they could pose a hazard to you, your passengers, or other road users.
  • There are a few good spots on the Storm Box and the Storm Shield to add additional lighting for even better visibility. We’ve marked them in the Storm Box User Manual.
  • We recommend that the rider and any passengers inside the Clubhouse Fort wear helmets when riding.
  • We know forts are a fun place to hang out, but please don’t leave children unattended inside the Clubhouse Fort.

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