The most convenient way to carry your equipment from one location to another is using a bike rack. If you’re going on a long trip and want to bring your bicycle along, a bicycle rack is a great option.
However, how can you move a bike without a rack if you don’t want to spend money or time hunting for the right rack for your travel needs?
Even if you don’t have a rack, there are a few options for transporting your bicycle. It entails storing it in your trunk, mounting it on the top of your car’s roof, and putting it inside your car. Continue reading this article for more information.
Method 1: Transporting a bike inside a car
Using a car to transport bikes is the best option, especially when going large distances. However, because of the restricted space in a car, you cannot simply dump your equipment inside. It is also critical to ensure the safety of your bike and car. If you’re satisfied that your car has adequate room for your bike, you can go ahead and do the following:
Step 1: Wash your bike.
The cleanliness of your equipment should always be your top priority. Dirt and mud can be removed from the bike’s surface with wet wipes and brushes. Make sure there is no remaining manure that could fall off when driving on the road. Remove any unwanted particles from the tires, frames, and handlebars.
Step 2: Remove the bike wheel.
You can remove the front wheel if your bike is too big for the car. You can make more room for the rest of the equipment by removing one of the wheels. Wheel bags can be used and stored in the trunk. Make sure the back wheel is cog-side down to prevent the spokes from interfering with the gears on your bike.
Step 3: Fold the back seat.
The second step is to fold down the back seats. The equipment will not take up much room if the back seat is folded down.
Step 4: Keep the chain on the smallest ring at all times.
You should keep the bike chain on the smallest ring to avoid grease and oil from getting on your car’s surface. As a result, the possibilities of grease coming into contact with your car’s surface are reduced. A clean towel can also be placed beneath the pedal to prevent dirt from falling off and entering the vehicle’s interior.
Step 5. Place the bike in the trunk of the car.
You may now put the bicycle inside the vehicle after disassembling some sections and making it a little smaller. To distribute the weight of the load properly, the bicycle gears must be facing. Make sure the bike’s overall weight isn’t entirely supported by its gears. If you overlook this crucial step, you risk damaging your bike, particularly the gear.
Step 6: Securely fasten your bicycle with a knot or bungee.
You must lock your bike in the car because it will move around a lot while the automobile is on the road. This stage can be completed with the help of a bungee cord, which will protect both your car and your bicycle.
Method 2: Carrying a bike on the roof of a car
If there isn’t enough place inside the car for your bike, you can choose to transport it on the roof without a rack.
Step 1: Take apart the front wheel.
Some parts of your bike, particularly the front wheel, must be disassembled. You may transport a bike without a rack in this manner, with the handlebars facing upward. Place a clean blanket on the area where the bike will be installed. This will protect your automobile against dents and scrapes while it is in motion.
Step 2: Obtain a strong and long-lasting rope or strap
When loading your bike onto the roof of your car, it’s critical to use a strong strap. To avoid blocking your car’s back windshield, situate the bike in the middle of the roof. After that, use straps to secure the bike to the roof with the appropriate amount of tension.
Method 3: Storing the bike in the car trunk
If you have the time to construct and disassemble a bike, you may also store it in the trunk of your car. All of the bike’s components must be disengaged and placed in a box. Choose a box that is the right size to fit in the trunk of your automobile.
Method 4: Using a multi-sports trailer to transport a bike:
A multi-sports trailer is a suitable option for transporting a bike. There is enough space inside to transport not just one, but multiple bikes. A hitch receiver and lock should also be installed on the trailer, as it is difficult to keep track of your belongings in the back.
Conclusion
Each technique has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. You will save money by transporting your bike without a bike rack, but it may be dangerous for onlookers and inconvenient for others in the car/truck with you. An easier choice is to simply purchase a nice bike rack.
Tips
Here are some suggestions for properly transporting mountain bikes on a lengthy road trip:
1. If possible, load all of the bikes into the vehicle.
2. A good bike rack is well worth the money. A tray-style hitch rack is what I recommend.
3. To avoid bike damage, make sure that a single bike doesn’t come into contact with another bike or anything.
4. No bicycles carrying on the roof without any foam or any support.
5. Always lock your bike and be extra cautious when stopping for the night.
6. Keep a close eye on the weather forecast and plan your travels around rain- and snow-free windows.
7. If it’s snowing or raining, try to keep your bike as dry as possible.
8. When you arrive at your destination, wipe and lube your bike.
FAQs
Is a bike rack required to carry my bike?
It is dependent on your financial situation. If you are concerned that your bike will get scratched or destroyed, which is a very real danger, you should invest in a bike rack.
Is it possible to damage a bike by transporting it without a rack?
There is a possibility that it will be harmed. However, if safeguards are followed, the chances of these problems occurring are greatly decreased. This is also dependent on the distance your bike is being transported. Without a bike rack, a long-distance trip could be more destructive and, if not done correctly, can easily go wrong.
Is it possible to damage the bike by hanging it from the wheels?
Bikes frequently put more pressure on the wheels because the vehicle’s whole weight is concentrated in one location. Many people, however, still hang their bikes from the wheels because they may not have enough space to store them elsewhere. If you don’t have any other option, make sure the bike is hanging down lower at the frame so that it’s easy to take down. If you’re moving a lot of bikes at once, alternate the front and back wheels so the handlebars don’t collide.
What is the best way to secure a bike rack on a car?
Many cars feature a tow hook soldered to the frame at the rear of the vehicle. After threading a cable lock through the frame and rear wheel of the car and beneath the frame, attach the ends on the metal hook. If the cable is too lengthy, thread it to the front wheel.
Is it possible to put a bike in a car without dismantling it?
You can fit a bike with wheels into it, so the answer is YES. Even a bicycle with 29-inch wheels will fit without the need to remove the wheels. Just make sure that all of the seats are in place.
Do bike racks cause harm to your vehicle?
If the bikes are not properly secured, a trunk-mounted bike rack can cause damage to your vehicle. If your bike’s front wheel moves, it can easily scrape against the paint while you’re driving. Over time, this will almost certainly result in scratches and paint fading.