Originally Posted by
GeorgeBMac
I originally tried removing the front wheel and putting the bike in my trunk -- but decided sliding it across the trunk was too rough on the bike.
So, I bought a single bike trunk mount Sarris carrier. I was not impressed: the straps and buckles were flimsy and the I the bike kept scratching the car. Plus, the straps kept loosening and I had to readjust them every ride.
When a fried started riding I got a Sarris 3 bike carrier from Sarris and I like it far better. The straps and buckles are far more robust and the bottom legs of the carrier rest on the bumber which makes the whole thing far more secure -- and I no longer have to keep adjusting the straps because they stay tight. Plus, when hauling just one bike, the bike is further from the car.
But, the 3 three bike carrier makes it hard to get the bike on the car -- especially because my main bike has the cables and brake line running under along the bottom of the top-tube. And, because of the thick supports and semi-flexible plastic straps, the cables keep getting cauught and pulled by the plastic straps.
So, the 3 bike carrier from Sarris is far better than the single (even if you are hauling only a single bike) -- but neither is a pancea. But, it's cheaper than a hitch mount.
That's interesting. I had a Yakima roof rack on my various cars for years. I kept it there for the once or twice per month I used it. I then bought a Sarris single rack and like it much better. After each use it takes less than a minute to take it off and store it in the trunk. Then putting it back on only take a wee bit longer than that. I put an old sock over the pedal facing the car trunk and use two bungee cords to keep the bike stable. So, I've no scratches on bike or car. While I wouldn't use it for long trips, for the kind of trip the OP is contemplating, it might be a good, inexpensive solution.