General Cycling Discussion - Bike Carrier

In about a month me and the LadySteele will be taking a road trip to the West. I am going to need a bike carrier for the car, but do not know what to look for in one. I do know I would prefer the trunk model. I do not want to spend a lot of money, but at the same time, I do not want my bike falling off in Wyoming. What advice do you have about buying and using such a device?

I've used the trunk models and the roof racks. The roof racks are by far much nicer. You can lock the bikes more securely (in my opinion) and you have other options you can mount on them. That said, they are expensive. Expect to pay around $250 once you buy all of the pieces. A good trunk rack will run $90 - 100. Don't get a cheap one, especially for doing a lot of traveling, it's not worth it. In the long run I would say try to scrape up the extra money and get the roof rack. I saved some money by getting adaptors that fit on the existing roof rack of my truck. It saved me at least $100. So, if your car has a rack, you can probably get away with spending less. Also, check the classifieds. You can pick one up for cheap and then just buy the mounts for your car.

We have a Yakima roof rack and drove cross country two years ago. Not one problem. We drove a Jeep at the time and the only thing you must remember is watch out in Drive-thrus!! But in a car you won't be that tall.. one interesting story.. we left from NJ and got to the Badlands, as I got out of the car I looked up to check the bikes (habit) and there was a dead bird in my chain ring!!! I guess they're used to cars being shorter and thought he could fly over. Just imagine......your flying around with your friends, see a car, fly up a bit and UGHHH impaled. Joe bird looks around and your gone??????:( It was gross.

I've read about people getting a nasty surprise when they drive into their garage at home momentarily forgetting they have bikes atop their car. There's some kind of gadget that warns about this situation...

That's my vague post for today. :)

Steele,

I must agree with the others about the roof rack.
With my old road bike I wasn't as concerned about using my bike as a rear bumper. But when I bought my Litespeed :thumbup: :beer: and was driving it home for the first time, I'd cringe every time a car pulled up behind me. I bought a Yakima roof rack the next day and have had no problems whatsoever.
If you value your bike(s), pay the extra money for a roof rack. And since I can lock it, I'm not worried if I must leave it unattended for a short time.
Look on the posting board at your LBS to see if there is one for sale. Or try the newspaper, ask members of a local cycling club, etc.
Good luck and have a safe trip. Be sure to tell us about it when you get home.

Ron