Travelling with your bike doesn’t have to be a pain in the arse, from devoted cyclists putting in the miles to adventurous family road trips to trail parks for a change of scenery. But what’s the best way to carry your bike on- or in – your car? We focus on some options and consider the pros and cons for each.
Wondering how to transport a bike without a rack?
Inside the vehicle
Fitting a bike inside your car can be done in almost any car. This is the most affordable – and for many – most convenient solution, if your car is big enough, loading your bikes inside is secure.
However, to implement this option effectively, it is vital to consider the type of car you plan to use. For example, SUVs are versatile vehicles that offer the spacious benefit of an interior large enough to be used to carry multiple passengers which can also be used to transport bicycles. They come with higher ground clearance, and driving is more comfortable.
Most SUVs will take a bike with the front wheel moved and you should have enough space to squeeze a couple of bikes into most small hatchbacks.
On the other hand, If you have a subcompact car, it might not be very convenient – it might run into difficulties. When storing your bike in a smaller space, remove the front wheel or if you’re fortunate to take both off this will help maximize the space available. If executed well, you should be able to shove one or two additional bikes into a small hatchback.
Pay attention to the dimensions of your bike before you decide where to put it and make sure the place where you want to keep your bike is big enough. Put something soft between the bike and the car, a tarpaulin is worthwhile to prevent the interior from any damage or dirt occurring.
Using seat straps, you can strap the bike with them. Just make sure to secure it enough to avoid the bike rocking back and forth ensuring it stays upright through the journey.
If you’re able to accomplish this option, then rule out the other option below.
Here are the pros and cons of putting your bike inside a vehicle.
Pros
- Secure – because the bike is stored inside the vehicle, it provides better safety and prevents the likelihood of theft than if fitted to a bike rack
- Protection – Since it is stored inside, it shouldn’t be affected by the weather and climate
Cons
- Dirt and damage to the interior – When carrying the bike inside of your vehicle, you reduce the ability to carry more people and a bike could get the interior of your vehicle dirty
- Can be a hassle to fit – shoving your bike into the compacted car can be difficult to execute and requires great organisation.
- Before disclosing different ways to transport your bike; it is important to consider how you plan to use your rack, which will help to choose one that matches your needs
How Far will be travelling?
The bike rack option will vary depending on the distance. For shorter trips (< 5km); It shouldn’t be a problem. Going on a road trip? Then, a bike rack option where bikes are placed on the roof of the car wouldn’t be recommended. As things go during long road trips, people may forget their bike is on the roof while entering a tunnel.
Where to?
while travelling through congested traffic/cities, you must contemplate the likelihood of another vehicle bumping into the back of your car.
How Frequent?
If you’re utilizing it on a daily basis or few occasions during the week, you should choose an option where it can easily be accessed without hassle.
Will you carry multiple bikes? Only seek bike racks that will accommodate multiple bikes.
how heavy are they?
Bikes weighing more than (40lbs) isn’t ideal to hang on the roof of a car. This could damage your roof.
Rear Mounted Rack
A rear-mounted rack is by far an affordable bike rack – easy to use on many cars. This is attached to the back of the vehicle. It can carry up to 4 bikes safely and securely, however, this varies depending on the type of rear rack you choose so, check the product description before making a purchase. Perfect choice for families
to stack their bikes ahead of a long road trip.
Pros
- Can be used for multiple bikes
- Easy to load on and off
- Inexpensive to buy than other options
Cons
- Limited access to the boot – you most likely won’t be able to access your trunk from the outside while your bikes are mounted.
- Obscure rear lights and number plates – This is important since tail lights provide a safety aspect of the vehicle which allows other drivers to appropriately gauge the size and shape of the car in the dark.
Roof Rack
This is mounted on the roof of the car. This is a popular option often compatible with most cars, however, due to height restrictions, it may be suited for smaller cars compared to bigger cars in height (SUVs). Depending on the model, some can carry up to 4 bikes however, we’d urge you to reconsider loading the whole family pack as it could damage the roof due to overloading the rack. Secondly, I would personally avoid this option if you have a convertible car.
Bear in mind, it is recommended for short trips as it is easy to forget that your bike is on top of your car, especially when passing a low-hanging tree.
Pros
- Quick and easy to load
- Secure and stable
- The Interior of your car remains available freeing up space for passengers and equipment
- Can Access car boot
- Roof Rack doesn’t obscure car lights or number plate
Cons
- Not very aerodynamic efficient – when drag increases so do an increase in fuel consumption
- Height restriction – your bike can no longer fit through low overhangs namely car parks, tunnels, and bridges – don’t drive underneath a low overhang with bikes on the roof.
- Not suitable for convertible cars
Tow mounted
A desirable solution for families, the Tow bars bike rack is an incredible piece of equipment that secures the car and provides very stable and easy access to your bikes.\
It is typically attached to a hitch on the back of the vehicle. Like the rear-mounted rack, it is located from the back of the car, yet the tow-mounted rack is easier to load multiple than the rear-mounted rack.
Some modern tow point-mounted carriers, for example, fold for slightly easier storage or have adopted firm yet minimalist designs, even though they can be relatively heavy when not in use.
Similarly, it was previously impossible to access the boot once the bikes were installed on a tow point-mounted rack. Still, many modern carriers now tilt as one — even with bikes installed — allowing you to access the boot. A major inconvenience is that it requires a tow bar or tow ball.
These aren’t cheap to have fitted, nevertheless, if your car already has one then it can be attached right away.
Pros
- Very safe and secure.
- Quick and easy to load bikes
- Many modern versions tilt forward so you can access the boot
- Can carry up to five bikes depending on the model (Always check product description)
Cons
- Expensive to buy
- May be hard to store when not in use
- May prevent access to the boot
- Bikes can poke out either side, so be aware of increased vehicle width
- Requires a tow bar
Vacuum Mount’s
The latest innovation, the Vacuum Mount by Seasucker creates a secure hold on the surface of the vehicle – achieved by using high-strength vacuum cups allowing the bike to attach and stand firm whilst the vehicle is in motion – whilst hitting top speed!
It can be installed within seconds with minimal work, saving you time compared lengthy ordeal of securing your bike to the rack.
Removal is just as easy as fitting and quicker than other options. Can be mounted on almost any car and anywhere on the car. In most cases, traditional-style bike racks can’t be fitted to a car Therefore, many cyclists select this option to fulfil their troubles.
Being X3 lighter than most bike racks, only weighing 6lbs unlike other 50lbs bike racks – they fit in backpacks, suitcases displaying the travel-friendly benefit.
Pros
- Can fit on any car
- Adjustable fitting – Attaches different surfaces of the car (metal, glass or fibreglass)
- Very lightweight
Cons
- Pricey – Despite the high-quality design, it doesn’t come in cheap
- Limited to one bicycle
- Not suitable for heavy bikes – Bikes weighing more than 20kg
Trunk bed
This option is great for those considering using a pick-up truck. Simply strap it to the tailgate of your truck and hang the bikes over. Loading and unloading take literally seconds, the bikes are rock solid on the move and it looks super cool when you arrive at the trailhead. Just be careful about security when parking since it can be stolen within a matter of seconds!
Keeping your bike damage-free, by using the Evoc Tailgate pad. This is popular for most, as it protects both the pick-up trunk and the bike from scratches. Giving you peace of mind while driving. On the flip side, bikes are stored in trunks, which will leave you vulnerable to theft.
Pros
- Super convenient and easy to access
Cons
- Exclusive to pick-up trunks only
- Lack of security – vulnerable to theft because it can be easily taken
Tips on how to secure a bike in a car
Bike weight
First, check the weight of your bike. It should not exceed the bike rack’s weight capacity. Your bike mustn’t exceed its capacity, as this could lead to damage to the bike.
The weight capacity varies from bike rack to bike rack. If you are not sure about the weight capacity of your bike rack, contact the manufacturer to find out or review the product description.
Next, make sure that the rack is installed properly. If it is not secured properly, it can damage your car and fall while you are driving. If your rack was not installed at the time of purchase, ask a professional to do it – You don’t want that awkward moment where your expensive bike falls off whilst on the highway.
Always lock your bike
Although bike racks have a good level of security, you might need to implement extra security. Theft can occur at any given moment regards you’re at a gas station or a parking lot – therefore it is better to be safe than SORRY!
Watch out for the weather
If you are driving long distances, park in the shade or cover the bike with a tarp to protect it from sun damage and radiation. Secondly, Cover the sensitive elements of your bike – this will prevent any possible damage to the bike.
Drive responsibility
As per usual follow the legal safety requirements – make sure to drive in the right lane, and do not drive too fast.