Storing a bike in a car can be a convenient way to transport your bike whether you’re heading to the trailhead or perhaps you’re travelling for a holiday. I once moved to a new home and questioned how to transport my bike. Due to the long distance, I thought about putting it inside my car.
Like always, there are many situations where fitting a bike in a car is the only reasonable option. Perhaps you don’t have a bike rack or you don’t want to use a bike rack. Saved the embarrassment of a Flat tire/puncture while cycling, Don’t want to cycle a long distance It begs the question: can a bike fit in a car?
Are you unsure about how to fit a bike inside your car well, this article will show the possible ways to put your bike in a car.
Will a bike fit in my car?
By all means, yes most bicycles whether road, mountain or any other type of bike will fit inside most cars. However, this ultimately depends on the size and type of your bike, as well as the size and type of your car.
If you are using a larger car, such as an SUV, estate or pickup truck, then fitting a bike inside the vehicle shouldn’t be a major problem. However, you’ll need to ensure that the bike fits comfortably and won’t damage the interior of the car. To accomplish this, You can use a bike floor stand to keep the bike upright and stable.
Most cars offer enough interior space to fit bikes inside hatchbacks, sedans and small cars. But you may need to disassemble either one wheel or both to utilise the space available. you choose to either store your bicycle in the trunk or backseat.
Can you fit a bike without taking it apart?
For the most part, an average bike should be able to fit a bike without taking it apart especially if you own an SUV or other larger vehicles. However, smaller vehicles may encounter difficulties fitting a bike without taking it apart.
Nevertheless, either the size of the bike or the size of the car will ultimately determine whether it is suitable. A larger bike frame is harder to fit in your car. If you plan to fit your bike fit without taking it apart, then It’s much easier to store your bike in the back seat rather than the trunk.
How to fit in a car in the rear seat area
Clean the bike
Try to get rid of any grease on the bike before putting it inside. Using wet wipes or pressure wash, wipe off any dirt on the frame and the tires so you don’t get any mud on your upholstery.
Prioritize space
Before you can put the bikes into the back seat, make room for any needless items which might interfere with your bikes such as bags, luggage etc. Make sure it is stored appropriately – this may take serious organisation.
Remove the wheels off
If you have a car bigger enough to fit your bike without taking it apart that’s perfectly fine. Most Vans and SUVs offer enough space inside so you won’t have to remove the wheels.
Expect for most cars, you would want to take the Front wheels off. This will accommodate more space. If you need additional space, then you can remove both wheels.
Drop the rear seat back
If your car has a back seat that is capable to go down, you’ll want to do so. This allows easier access through the trunk into the back seats. You may rest your bike flat by dropping the rear seat down.
Bike Drive facing Upwards
Before laying your bike, make sure you put the bike drive side facing towards the top of the roof. This is critical to ensure the weight of the bike is not resting on the bike cassette which may potentially cause damage.
Gently slide the bike in
Be aware that the chain ring and the chain don’t attach to either side of the car. Using an old rug to cover the bike which stops dirt from getting elsewhere.
Protect your loved ones
While driving your bike is likely to rock back and forth. Therefore It’s essential to make sure that your bike is securely fastened and won’t move around during the journey. You can do this, by using the seat belt to wrap your bike frame around. In the event of a crash, you can be assured that your bike is safe from damage.
Alternatively, open the driver-side passenger, and arrange the bike in an upside-down position. While inside the vehicle, Tunk the bicycle in between the rear passenger leg room – this is where you would put your feet.
However, this approach limits the number of passengers you can carry in the car.
Can I fit multiple (two) bikes in the car?
Yes, it is possible to fit more than one bike in a car. If you plan on doing so, then it’s fine to stack the frame on top of one another. Despite that, you more bikes you intend to fit the car more difficult it becomes. This requires great organisation skills to ensure your bike is fairly safe and secured.
Make sure to use padding in between so they don’t damage one another.Additionally, It is beneficial to remove both wheels on each bike, this will optimize the space available.
When should I buy a bike hack?
Still, finding it difficult? Avoid trying to force your bikes inside the car, if it doesn’t fit or isn’t stored in a correct manner which may harm the bikes, under this circumstance, would be a perfect time to consider a bike rack
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a bike fit into a Honda Civic?
Most definitely, an average bicycle can fit inside a Honda Civic. In order to do so, you must remove both wheels from the bike. Either lower or fold the rear seat in the Honda Civic. Afterwards, as you place the bike inside the car make sure it is laying flat. The bike will be positioned somewhat in the back seat and half in the trunk of the Civic. Lastly, rest the wheels you remove earlier, on top of the bike also laying flat. By doing you’ll be able to successfully fit your bike without a problem.
While on the subject, you can use the same approach to fit a bike into a Honda Accord
Can I fit a bike into Toyota Corolla?
Yes, it is possible. You’ll need to remove one of the wheels or you can remove both wheels which will make it easier to fit. You can store the wheels in the trunk of the corolla
The biggest challenge is putting the bike into the back seat. The Corolla trunk is not large enough to occupated space for most bicycles.
The alternative solution is to put the bike in the backseat and adjust the handlebars to make it fit. It should take a few attempts, but you’ll figure it out.
Using the same approach, a bike should fit into a Toyota Camry. Unlike Toyota Corrola, the Camary offers more space therefore you should be able to squeeze inside much easier.