Bicycles are not only useful means of transportation, but alsoloyal companions in everyday lifeand while traveling. With your bike you can go anywhere you want. However, there are situations when you need to transport the bike over a longer distance or when you want to travel a little faster. So what can you do? You can transport your bike either on or in the car. In this article we will introduce you to some of the best options for bicycle transport. None of them are perfect, and you have to choose the one that is less cumbersome for you.
Which bike racks are there?
The most popular way to transport a bike with a vehicle is to use a bike rack. The best thing about a bike rack is that you still have plenty of space in the car for luggage and passengers. The extensive range of bike racks offers the right model for every requirement. Make the choice that suits your personal preferences.
Bicycle roof rack
With this rack you can transport your bike on the roof of your car. It is an efficient solution for transporting multiple bicycles or heavy e-bikes. This way your bike is securely attached and there is no risk of it being scratched. Access to the trunk and interior is also unhindered.
How many bikes can you transport on the roof of your car? It depends on the bikes. But basically up to 4 bicycles fit well on the roof. If you want to transport 5 bikes, you may want to put one of them in the trunk.
Like any other option, this type of bike rack also has some disadvantages. First of all, lifting a bike and putting it on the roof rack is not easy. Therefore, it is convenient to have a small 3-step ladder handy.
With a bike on the roof, there are places you can't reach with a car, like the garage. Don't make the mistake of forgetting this while driving.
Another disadvantage is that yourCar uses more fuel. An ADAC check showed that consumption increases by 41 percent when two wheels ride on the roof.
Bicycle carrier for trailer hitch
The trailer hitch rack is a great type of bike rack that allows you to transport more than one bike without much stress. They are a bit pricey, but it's worth it. In contrast to the roof rack, you don't have to put in as much effort when installing it. Some models allow you to effortlessly access your trunk whenever you want. Although you can transport several bicycles on the towbar carrier, you should ensure that you do not exceed the maximum load limit.
This method is very safe and does not affect fuel economy as much as the roof rack. However, it also has its disadvantages:
- Your car must have a towbar.
- The carrier can be an easy target for thieves, so you need a better security system.
- A rear-end collision will damage the bicycles
- Storing these systems can be a hassle unless you purchase the foldable models.
Picture of the bike rackwww.pkwteile.de
Transporting bicycles without a trailer hitch
The tailgate supports, which can be clipped to the rear of the vehicle, are a real alternative for many station wagon owners. For example, in the picture above you can see the straps used to secure the bike. This is a good option for occasional rides when you don't need a permanent rack for your bike. The advantages are the cheaper starting price and the lighter loading.
However, bicycles and the carrier are not optimally protected against theft and damage. There is also a chance that the bikes will get damaged if they are not secured well to the rack. A rear rack also limits access to the trunk or tailgate of the car. If installed improperly, such a carrier can also scratch your car's paint.
How to transport your bike in the car
This isn't as easy as it sounds, but it's probably the safest method. Especially if you own a higher quality bike from one of the best bike brands, this is something you should consider. However, you can't just put your bike in the car. Most vehicles don't have enough space for an entire bike, and depending on how spacious your car is, you'll need to take a few technical precautions.
Transport bicycles in the trunk
The smaller your trunk, the more you have to dismantle. If you have a larger trunk, your bike will fit perfectly in there with the front wheel removed. If the trunk is smaller, you may need to remove both wheels. If the trunk is very small, you will also have to remove the saddle. On most bikes you can easily do this with an Allen wrench.
Note: Just because the trunk is large doesn't mean you only have to remove one wheel. Also think about all the other equipment and luggage you will need to store there. The most important thing is that your bike is in good condition at the end of your trip.
Transport the bike standing up in the car
What can you do if the bike doesn't fit in the trunk - or if there are devices that could scratch it there? You can still transport it in the back seat.
First, clean your bike. It doesn't have to be squeaky clean, but wipe down anything that might dirty your car. You may also want to remove the front wheel. Do not place the bike on the seat, but on the floor. Position it so that the left pedal rests on the seat to provide a bit of stability. Place a piece of fabric between the pedal and the seat to prevent stains, and also between the dropouts and the seat to prevent them from digging into the seat.
Transporting your bike in a car keeps it safe from thieves, but it can be dangerous for you and other people in the car. Make sure the bike is secured while riding to avoid serious damage in the event of an accident or a sharp turn.
And one more thing: Even if you tried to clean your bike, it can still leave stains on your vehicle. To avoid grease stains, it's best to use some kind of protective tarpaulin.
Which car suits your hobby best?
The size of the bike also plays a role in ensuring comfortable bike transport. Most racing bikes and time trial bikes as well as small to medium-sized mountain bikes can usually be transported in a compact car with the back seat folded down. For plus size bikes you need a suitable external bike rack.
Which car is the right one if you want to transport your bike more comfortably inside? Here are some of the best vehicle models for easy bike transport:
- Ford Focus ST
- Toyota Prius
- Tesla Modell S
- HondaFit
- Honda Jazz (mit Magic Seats)
- Honda Element
- Volkswagen Golf GTI
- Nissan Cube
- Volkswagen Jetta station wagon
- Mazda 3
- Ford Escape
- Land Rover Discovery SUV
- Skoda Superb Estate
- Mercedes E-Class Estate
- Ford Galaxy MPV
- Nissan X-Trail SUV
- Skoda Kodiaq
