Originally Posted by
Retro Grouch
I think that you worry too much.
There are lots of choices for carrying a bicycle inside of a minivan. I think it's hugely better than carrying your bike on the outside of your vehicle - out of the rain, road grime and away from viewing by the less-than-honest. Popping off the front wheel is not a big deal but, with a minivan, it probably isn'g necessary either.
You didn't ask, but a milk crate is great for carrying your shoes, helmet a few tools, etc. I keep cool weather gloves, a balaclava and a wind shirt in mine even through the summertime. I don't know for sure what's lurking at the bottom of my bin but I can say for sure that it's bailed me out plenty of times.
Yes, I am more tempted not to remove the front wheel every time. I guess I need to consider the arrangements of the second row to see which is best. I can have the two middle row seats next to each other, with a little bit more distance to the side, or have them apart with distance in between. I need to experiment to see which one would work best, and whether I need to have the back wheel in first or the other way around.
Sorry, I don't mean to make a big deal out of nothing, but I just want to be sure I am not causing damage to the bike or jeopardizing the passengers.
Cheers.