Transporting your bike safely and securely in your car is essential for cyclists who want to bring their bikes along on trips.
There are several methods to transport your bike by car. Choosing the right one can make a significant difference in convenience and safety. In this article, we will take a look at how to transport bicycle in car safely.
Best Bike Rack Options To Mount Your Bikes
One of the common ways to transport a bike is by using a bike rack. Bike racks are specially designed to hold bikes securely on different parts of your car.
There are different types of bike racks, each with their own pros and cons
Some bike rack manufacturers offer specialized racks designed specifically for certain car models or types. Whether you drive an SUV, sedan, or another vehicle, there are multiple options available.
Roof-Mounted Bike Rack
A roof-mounted bike rack is positioned on the top of the car, and is attached to the roof bars. Place the bike on the roof rack and use straps or clamps to secure it in place. Attach the bike frame firmly to the rack to prevent it from moving during transit.
Some racks require the front wheel of the cycle to be removed, while others can carry bikes with both wheels attached.
They offer more versatility in terms of bike carrying capacity, with many racks capable of carrying two bikes or more. If you need to transport more than one bike on a roof rack, make sure each bike is adequately spaced and secured to prevent any collisions or damages while driving.
Before installing a roof-mounted rack, ensure that it is compatible with your car model and won’t obstruct any critical components. Check the weight limit of the rack to ensure it can safely hold and carry your bikes.
Pros | Cons |
Not an obstacle during driving | Difficult to install and mount bikes |
All doors and trunks can be accessed | Increases height of cars, can cause difficulty at toll booths and car parking lots |
Rack does not have to be dismounted | Bikes are exposed to the elements |
Can carry multiple bikes | May increase fuel consumption due to wind resistance |
Trunk-mounted rack
A trunk-mounted rack attaches to the rear of the car. This rack can carry bikes easily and is good for short distances.
Pros | Cons |
Cheaper To Install | May obscure rear lights |
Easier to Mount Bikes | Not a secure option, |
Racks can be used for multiple cars | May damage paint on the car |
Can be observed while you’re driving | Reduces access to the trunk |
Towbar-Mounted Racks
Also known as the hitch rack, towbar-mounted racks are an alternative option. As the name suggests, these racks attach to the car’s towbar. There are multiple types of towbar racks.
Some allow the bike to be loaded in a wheel tray, while some bikes have to be hung in a cradle. These racks can carry multiple bikes at the same time.
Pros | Cons |
Simple Installation | Heavy and Bulky |
Easy to mount bikes | Expensive option |
Secure option | May not be compatible in some vehicles |
Most models allow access to the trunk | Extra space needed for parking and while driving |
Inside the Car
You can also transport bikes inside your car. You need to ensure that it is positioned securely to prevent damage to the bike or the car. This method may require some disassembly of the bike, unless it’s a smaller bicycle, such as a push bike.
In larger or medium-sized cars, you can fit the whole bike inside the vehicle by removing the back seats. To fit a bike in your car, you may need to remove the front wheel to create more space. In mini-sized cars, you may also need to remove the rear wheel. This step is essential to prevent the bike from obstructing the driver’s view or damaging the car’s interior.
Once the front wheel is removed, secure the bike upright to prevent it from moving around while driving. Use straps or other securing mechanisms to hold the bike in place.
Ensure that the bike is not blocking any windows, mirrors, or essential controls inside the car. Additionally, check that the bike is positioned securely to avoid any accidents or damage during the journey.
Truck Bed
If you have a truck, you can store your bike in the bed of your vehicle. However, it is important to secure the bicycle as it can get damaged.
You can secure the bike in your truck bed by way of soft straps or bungee cords. Ensure the front and rear of the bike are secured, and use an extra long strap.
There are several commercial truck bed bike holders, including the
Thule Bed Rider
Yakima Bedrock Tower
Innoracks Velo Gripper
Final Thoughts
As we have seen, there are several ways to transport your bicycles via car. You can store the cycles inside the car, in a truck bed, or attach it to you car via racks. You may have to remove one or both wheels in some cases.
The decision on where to keep your bike rests with you and depends on your budget, your car and your type of bike. Whichever you choose, the most important thing is your bike should remain safe, secure and avoid damage.