Road Cycling - Preferences in Bike Transportation

Hi all,

after some research I just bought a bike rack that hangs on our trunk (it is a sedan). The roof racks are just sooo expensive. But at the same time I am worried about our bikes just flying in the wind back there.

What good and save solutions did you all find? What are your experiences / recommendations?

Cheers,
Chris

Welcome to BikeForums Chris. :beer:

I have a Thule trunk mount rack I used before I got a Yakima roof rack.
I wrapped long (about 8") velcro straps around the frame where it hung against the rack and did the same with the pedal. This kept everything from swinging and blowing in the wind.
I also tied the front wheel so I didn't spin.
You may also be able to use the extra length of mounting strap to tie the bike.

This setup was good for at least 70mph.

mostly use the bike itself for transportation but when i have to haul it I have a pick up with a shell on the back i take offt eh frount wheel and mount it upright in a divice similiar to a quick release the bike is protected as it is inside and also locked up

I've had a good experience with a receiver-hitch mounted bike rack. The downside is, of course, that you need a receiver hitch for this type of rack. The good news is that they are generally not too expensive. Other thoughts:

Pros:
-You don't have to reach up to get your bike
-You lock the rack to the hitch, and the bike to the rack
-Nothing touches your car
-The rack pops off in seconds - leaving not a hint behind
-You won't rip your car/bike up when you forget and drive into the garage! :eek:

Cons:
-You need a receiver hitch (either 1.25" or 2")
-Depending on the car/truck, your bike may hang a bit low

As Ron says, Tie it securely. It won't go any where.

Foam padding, the kind that is used to insulate water pipes in homes, makes good padding to protect the bikes frame from scratches etc.

Great thoughts! I will look into the receiver hitch, but should also be able to make the Thule Backpack work with these ideas.

What is good place/brand to check into a receiver hitch?

Thanks.
:beer:

I just take the wheels off and shove it into the backseat of the Neon! good thing i didn't get the two door....

Well Chris, in terms of where to get a receiver hitch, I bought mine from NAPA. I got a 1 1/4" receiver hitch because I knew that I wasn't going to use if for anything other than my bike rack. However, you may want to get a 2" hitch if there is a chance that you'll ever want to pull a trailer. Receiver-type bike racks come in both 1 1/4" and 2" sizes. The 2" would give you more versatility.

Regardless, I think that the hitch was around $125, and then you'll have to pay to have it installed unless you are willing to take the plunge. U-haul also sells and installs receiver style hitches.

Good luck!

FYI, I just bought a new car and I'm currently in search of a vendor who makes a receiver-hitch for this new model. NAPA does not have one yet, so I'm going to check U-haul.

Here are a few related links: :D

http://www.accessconnect.com/bike.htm
http://www.badgerrack.com/vertical.htm
http://www.draftmaster.com/
http://www.uhaul.com/

Originally posted by Chris K
Hi all,

after some research I just bought a bike rack that hangs on our trunk (it is a sedan). The roof racks are just sooo expensive. But at the same time I am worried about our bikes just flying in the wind back there.

What good and save solutions did you all find? What are your experiences / recommendations?

Cheers,
Chris

Well there are 5 methods you can use for sedans:

1) Take the front wheel off and toss it in the rear seat. Pro - cheap. Con - can be messy for the car.

2) Take both wheels off and toss it into the trunk. Con - messy for the trunk and who wants to take both wheels off?

3) Roof Rack - you can find you car easily in the parking lot. You have to reach up to put your bike up there. You just might drive into the garage with your bike on the roof (*sob*).

4) Trunk Rack - cheap, reliable, easy to put there.

5) Just forget the car and ride to the ride. Benefits - great endurance. Cons - what life?

Great hints and links!
Now I am getting a station wagon too and the transferability of the trunk racl will come in handy.
Cheers.

One thing that pisses me off about the big rack manufacturers (Thule and Yakima - hey Joe are they sponsors?) is they refuse to put out a product that can be used inconjunction with your existing factory installed roof rack. They make you buy new towers and all kinds of stuff. So what's the point of the roof rack?:mad:

I've used a Rhode Gear Shutle for 15 years on various cars of all sorts, TR6, Spitfire, XJS, Golf (Rabbit) Saab Turbo etc, and it has been great.

However, I can't use it on our Saab 9-5 estate because of a sealing lip around the tailgate. SO CHECK IT WILL WORK!

:D

I have a factory-mounted roof rack on my Subaru wagon, and I'm hoping that it will work with one of the roof systems made by Yamaha -- well, I only ordered the components today, so I'm not %100 sure that it will work, but I'm pretty confident. There are a couple of mounting pieces that fit the Subaru rack and then the bike racks attach to those. At least that's the plan. I'll be sure to post next week if the suckers don't work.
Carole

Originally posted by northcountry
I have a factory-mounted roof rack on my Subaru wagon, and I'm hoping that it will work with one of the roof systems made by Yamaha -- well, I only ordered the components today, so I'm not %100 sure that it will work, but I'm pretty confident. There are a couple of mounting pieces that fit the Subaru rack and then the bike racks attach to those. At least that's the plan. I'll be sure to post next week if the suckers don't work.
Carole

Great. I'd like to hear the results of your findings. TIA.

I've got a rack on the back of my car.

I gave up tying the bike on and grabbed some old toe straps. They go on easy - hold the bike firmly - then release easily.