On Sun, 04 Dec 2005 22:42:38 +0000, IPavlov wrote:
> On 2005-12-04, Rich Clark <[email protected]> wrote:
>> "IPavlov" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:aqJkf.10994$dv.4009@fed1read02...
>>> I'm looking for the best way of transporting two or three bikes
>>> using a car or a minivan. I've seen people using a rack attached to
>>> the towing gear of a van or SUV, which takes a few bikes.
>>> Since I'm not using my minivan for towing and don't have a towing
>>> gear, I'm wondering if there is another, cheaper way of carrying
>>> bikes, which will allow to avoid buying the towing gear which I
>>> won't need for any other purpose but carrying those bikes.
>>> Also, is there any FAQ devoted to these questions?
>> Well, I carry up to three road bikes (wheels on), along with three
>> passengers and their luggage, inside my Mazda MPV. Other minivans are even
>> bigger inside. One of the second-row seats is removed, and the third-row
>> seat is folded into the floor.
>> This protects the bikes from the elements and costs nothing.
> I was thinking about this too. I have Toyota Sienna minivan, recent larger
> model, which is quite spacious inside with flexible sits arrangement, but was
> a little concerned if bikes will cause some rattle and/or be shifting about
> inside the car. Do you carry them lying on the side, or have some arrangement
> where they are fixed vertically?
Just cram them in any way you can. A canvas painters' dropcloth is great
for preventing chafe -- just fold it over each bike in turn, layering
between them. A long, skinny one is perfect. You should be able to put
three or four bikes in the back of a minivan without too much trouble. Pop
the front wheels off, and load the bikes cross-wise, standing up.
>> Failing that, a hitch-mount carrier is IMO the best alternative. You
>> can get the hitch installed without the trailer wiring. Roof racks can
>> also work, but on a tall vehicle they're both inconvenient and
>> potentially dangerous to the bikes.
> Sienna is quite tall and I'm worried that bikes on top of it will cause
> a lot of drag and loss of stability. I'll probably opt for a hitch-mount
> if carrying bikes inside won't be an option.
I wouldn't worry about the stability, but the drag will take its toll on
gas mileage, plus the bikes are susceptible to damage from overhanging
branches, garages, and road debris. But the biggest problem is getting
them up there without dropping them on the roof of the vehicle and
damaging the paint. It's much easier with a car, with its roof at
shoulder level or lower. So yes, for a larger vehicle, a hitch mount is
the way to go.
IMO, roof racks are way overused. Most bikes will fit in most cars, if
people would bother to try.
Matt O.