Tandem Cycling - Rack travel and bike coverage

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Indie Motion
03-03-06, 08:17 PM
Hola! My wife and I rode on a rented tandem a couple of years ago in a MS 150 (wife has MS). Loved it so much , after our daughter was born we purchased a Chariot trailer --in great expection. Next we bought a CoMotion Speedster from Tandemworks. Then we bought pedals, shoes, and a helmet for wife and baby. Finally, we just purchased a roof rack for our truck (Thule/Atoc). We are planning to ride in May in the MS 150 from Dallas to Fort Worth, driving from NM to Dallas.

Any suggestions on best way to protect the tandem (seats, handlebars, frame) on our trip? I know what the windshield will look like and would prefer the bike stay clean!

Thanks. Mike

R900
03-03-06, 08:26 PM
Hi,

We use bike bras when traveling long distances. Cover the seats with plastic bags and zip ties (don't forget a cutter to remove when you arrive). The bras keep the bugs off the bike and add a little extra protection for the seat. We've not used one with our tandem, but my guess is it would work as well. Just cover both seats. Gas mileage suffers a little, nothing like a sail on top of your car to help gas mileage.

http://www.coloradocyclist.com/images/products/full/ccybikebral.jpg

You can fine them at Nashbar, Performance, Colorado Cyclist, etc...

John
zonatandem
03-03-06, 09:33 PM
Remove wheels and carry it flat in the pickup bed of the truck?

gregm
03-03-06, 10:35 PM
The day I did this...

http://home.nannynannybooboo.com/bike/tandem_roof.jpg

...it rained so much on the way home, the bike was cleaner than when I started the day!

-Greg
Indie Motion
03-04-06, 10:10 AM
Remove wheels and carry it flat in the pickup bed of the truck?

Thanks but... We have a doublecab Tacoma with a extra shortbed and a shell. Also will need somewhere to carry the trailer , etc. (Carseat takes up a lot of room in backseat...so bed of truck will have to hold everything it seems but bike!)