Removing Seats To Haul Bikes "In Car"
08-21-09, 06:20 PM
#1
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Removing Seats To Haul Bikes "In Car"
I've had it with hauling our two Trek Madones on a hitch mounted bike rack.
We travel extensively and need the security of having the bikes inside our Toyota Highlander. I can remove the front wheels and lay each on it's side with a blanket between the two bikes but it's not the best arrangement.
I have seen that others with vans and SUVs have the headroom to sit the bikes upright, sans front wheels, rear wheels towards the front, with the forks fixed to a set of skewers. However, the Highlander doesn't have the interior height to accommodate the bikes without seat removal.
So, what do you think. Will I compromise convenience or mechanical integrity removing and installing the cycles' seats?
We travel extensively and need the security of having the bikes inside our Toyota Highlander. I can remove the front wheels and lay each on it's side with a blanket between the two bikes but it's not the best arrangement.
I have seen that others with vans and SUVs have the headroom to sit the bikes upright, sans front wheels, rear wheels towards the front, with the forks fixed to a set of skewers. However, the Highlander doesn't have the interior height to accommodate the bikes without seat removal.
So, what do you think. Will I compromise convenience or mechanical integrity removing and installing the cycles' seats?
08-21-09, 06:34 PM
#2
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Can the Madone be fitted with a quick release seatpost clamp? If not it isn't a big deal, but would be better to not need tools. Make sure you mark your seatpost so you get the right height when reinstalling it and you'll be fine.
08-21-09, 06:46 PM
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bikes inside is the best! no removing the seats is not going to damage anything. just be careful with the clamp bolt. an old trick to get the seat height correct again is to put a band of eclectric tape right at the frame. these days I just put the clamp for my taillight there.
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08-21-09, 07:09 PM
#4
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I'd rather keep a hex wrench in the car permanently than use a quick-release seat binder.
I always carry hex wrenches when I ride, anyway.
I always carry hex wrenches when I ride, anyway.
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08-22-09, 08:24 AM
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It might be easier to remove the rear wheel along with the front wheel. Wheel removal is way easier than fussing with the seats, unless you lucky to have a Thomson Masterpiece.
08-22-09, 09:12 AM
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bikes inside is the best! no removing the seats is not going to damage anything. just be careful with the clamp bolt. an old trick to get the seat height correct again is to put a band of eclectric tape right at the frame. these days I just put the clamp for my taillight there.
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08-22-09, 09:35 AM
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Huh? As long as you have the seatpost height marked I'd think that removing and replacing the seatpost would be a lot faster and easier than removing the rear wheel.
08-22-09, 10:13 AM
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Seem to be following retro from another seat post posting. We used to fit 3 cycles with the front wheel removed in a small van and only had to remove the seat post on the 23" frame. And is the post C.F.? If it is I would take care in tightening up the seat post to correct tension. C.F. does not like being overtightened- Even accidentally if you are in a rush to get riding.
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