Is this bad?
 

I don't currently have a bike rack to transport my bike, but I'd like to take my bike with me more frequently. My car is a sedan, so removing the front wheel and have the bike stand upright isn't an option either. I simply lay it down in the back with the chain side facing up. I always wonder if this is bad for the bike if I do this on a daily basis. Any input? Thanks.

It should be fine.....

Just keep the drive side up and remember to reconnect your brake and tighten your skewer.

I have a sedan rack which I have had for almost 16 years now. It is still holding up but the straps holding the bike down are wearing and tearing. Those can be replaced though. I like my bike rack becasue I can stow it in the trunk when not in use.

I normally fold the rear seats flat, and move the front passenger seat forward and gingerly lay the bike in via the trunk with the wheels on.

drive side up, you should be fine, most of the weight is born on the pedals and handlebars anyway.

I've done this for decades and the only problem was when one bike's handlebar end would contact the frame. I just put a rag between the handlebar and frame to keep from scratching the paint.

Also it's why I buy small station wagons. Much easier to store the bike that way.

That's exactly what I do as well. Just thought it may be bad for the cranks or pedals since all the weight is on it.

I used to have a SUV with a hitch rack. It was so much easier to load the bikes. My only concern back then was getting hit from the rear.

Thanks everyone for the input. I'll continue to transport my bikes like this for now.

One other thing to consider, I just picked up one of these to transport my road bike inside car or trunk on our frequent trips up to the country-we don't have a rack (well we do but it's old and kinda squirrelly and haven't worked up the courage to put my $$$ road bike on it at 65mph yet:)) Bag seems to be well made and is a good bang for buck on sale.

That bag seems to be a pretty good deal. I wonder if it's enough protection as a check-in luggage at the airport? Do the wheels and the frame bump against each other?

That's just a bag. No padding,no hard shell,nothing. Ain't no way I'd check any of my bikes into an airline in one of those.

Agree no way in hell I'd trust airlines handling that bag-great for putting bike inside car/trunk though. To prevent wheels scratching frame I picked up a couple of Nashbar wheel bags for 9.99 each, but bubble wrap or old blanket would serve the same purpose as there's not much in way of divider or anything within bag.