Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Bicycle Transit

I've heard conflicting opinions on whether or not it is detrimental to transport a bicycle in the bed of a pickup (on it's side, drive train up).

Previously when having to drive somewhere with my bike I always had it inside the car with me. Due to a change of vehicles this is no longer an option. Is it ok to transport a bicycle in the bed of your truck without any special mounts (secured to keep from sliding around of course) or is there legitimate cause of concern for knocking the rear derailleur out of alignment?

Thanks,

Bau

i think i would be more worried a shifter would get smashed than anything. the derailleur is protected by the wheel. if you are no opposed to scratches on the bike or the truck than by all means go ahead. you could always put a mat down or an old blanket.

my steel bike i would do it with at least a blanket. there is no chance of my CF bike back there. but then again i avoid anything that might scratch it like its the plague :D

You might try standing it up against the sidewall of the truck's bed, front tire right up against the front of the bed. One small lashing strap mounted at the middle of the bed will make this quick and convenient.

But to really answer the question; yep, there's a risk of damage. But it's small. You could get away with it for a long time before you regretted it.

Hi, this place http://www.bikerackshops.com/grouppickuptruck.html?gclid=CM_r9P3J_ZsCFRFMagodF13E-A has some fork clamps to put in pickups for $30-$40 it looks like. I don't have a truck so I don't know if that's all you need or not.

You might try standing it up against the sidewall of the truck's bed, front tire right up against the front of the bed. One small lashing strap mounted at the middle of the bed will make this quick and convenient.

But to really answer the question; yep, there's a risk of damage. But it's small. You could get away with it for a long time before you regretted it.

That's a pretty good idea, thanks for sharing.

If I might inquire, what would this small risk of damage be that I could come to regret? I'm not worried about making adjustments to the rear derailleur should it come out of place due to being shook up in the bed and scratches add character (except on carbon fiber :D)

Hi, this place http://www.bikerackshops.com/grouppickuptruck.html?gclid=CM_r9P3J_ZsCFRFMagodF13E-A has some fork clamps to put in pickups for $30-$40 it looks like. I don't have a truck so I don't know if that's all you need or not.

Performance Bike has a similar clamp (http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1031488_-1_400019_400007_400172) on sale for $10/ea. Cut a piece of dimensional lumber (2x4, 2x6, etc) to the width of the truck bed, bolt a couple of these clamps on and you've got a custom truck bed rack for around $20! I use a similar setup in the back of my SUV, though I splurged for an adjustable track (http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_119116_-1_200286_200280_200452) rather than dimensional lumber since I'm constantly shuffling stuff around.

As far as just laying the bike in the back of the truck, the only thing I'd really be worried about is scratching the frame/bars/shifters/pedals. As long as the bike isn't sliding all over the bed, I think the possibility for damage is minimal. Unless you drive like I do... :D

Lay down a blanket and throw it in the back.