Tandem Cycling - Noob ?- Best way to transport bike

My wife and I want to get a tandem bike and begin riding together. Before I make the purchase, I have a question. What is the best way to transport a tandem bike? It seems too long and heavy for my bike rack. What are some of the racks that are currently being used? I drive a Pontiac Vibe so I don't know if a roof rack is an option.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.Assuming that you haven't already, I suggest reading the transporting a tandem (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=393325) thread.

I missed that thread. Thanks.

AS BR notes, there are a plethora of previous threads that address your very question.

But, the bottom line is... a regular rear bike mount that is designed to carry two regular bicycles is more than adequate for a tandem; do the math: a tandem usually weighs about twice as much as a regular bicycle of similar quality / configuration, e.g., 2-18 lb road bikes = 1-36 lb road tandem

However, I'm one of the ones who will always recommend removing both wheels when you carry a tandem on a rear mount -- which is really an easy thing to do since a rear mount hold a bike up off the ground just like a work stand -- so that:

1. the weight of the tandem is more centered
2. the tandem is more stable without the wind buffetting against your wheels
3. without the wheels a tandem's rear drop-outs and fork don't stick out much past the mirrors, noting that in some states it's illegal to have a 'load' that's wider than your car, and
4. you can actually see what's behind you with your side mirrors since the wheels don't obscure rear vision

Here's another thread that has some links to photos of cars carrying tandems on rear mounts. Again, my favorites are the last two which depict a Cannondale tandem on the back of a Porsche Boxster.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=7288240&postcount=9

Another option . . .
If it is just you and stoker in the Vibe consider this:
Open rear hatch of Vibe and load in tandem, back wheel first. Part of tandem will stick out past the bumper; put some padding on tandem, haul down the hatch and use bungee cord to hold hatch down.
Or . . . take off one (or both) wheel(s) and do the same. Or, with both wheels off, tandem frame *may* fit safely inside back end of the Vibe; toss in the wheels and close the hatch.
Been doing that inside a Honda Accord Hatchback since the mid-'70s and now imside our Accord station wagon for the past 10 years.
. . . and you'll get good vibes on the tandem!
Enjoy the ride TWOgether!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem

I just stick mine on a regular towbar bike rack.

For Short Haul (around town), turn the front wheel and "lock it" with some bike bones. Rear wheel sticks out the other side by about half a wheel length.

Long Haul - take the wheels off and put them in the boot (perfectly fits the width of our Mazda 6)

ps. Tandem looks hugely funny when I put it on the back of my little Hyundai Getz (with a strap on rack) as it is almost 50% wider than the car :P

I have a draftmaster rear hitch rack for our Ford Focus and it rides back there very nice. It did not change the MPG very much.

Dean

My method of choice:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=6491814&highlight=#post6491814

I just take off the front wheel and slide it in the back of our Ford Expedition. The Monster is great for this when it is not towing a horse trailer.

We just started riding in July. I have been removing the front and back wheel and laying out in the back.. fits nicely, the back seats fold down on our Chrysler 300. But I must say it is a real hassle. I have been reasearching the Raxter which requires a trailor hitch... might be the ticket for type of transporting we do.