5 Better Tips For Transporting Your Bike

[@the_blair_bike_project]

I fold the rear seat forward and store the bikes clean and dry and bug free. My kids get to ride on the roof and hang on to the rails which they love (I think) and develop incredible grip strength.

[@ronr.53400]

damnnn 😚

[@ALCRAN2010]

I did that. I was the kid. I survived. Fun as heck...

[@xperimeter]

You must be trolling for a Karen🤣

[@the_blair_bike_project]

@@xperimeter Karens don't join these types of channels. We're safe here

[@felishiadarling]

Hey, why not? We did that when I was a kid. Even rode in the back of trucks and had no seat belts etc. they even left us in the car while shopping. True story. 😎

[@nickhopper7316]

I didn't read through the comments, so someone might have mentioned this already... If you have a roof rack and you park in the garage, always put a chair in your parking spot. There isn't anything worse than pulling into your garage after a long ride and hearing that crunch! The chair forces you to get out of your car before pulling in all the way.

[@bpm9295]

yes. this.

[@____________________________.x]

That's a nice tip. I'd totally forget I was carrying a roof load after a long trip too

[@donnamarie9593]

Awesome idea!!!

[@thecurbsurfer3237]

You have to remind yourself throughout your drive. I always tap the roof of my car and shout, “ BIKES ON THE ROOF!” In 20 years I have been doing it, I haven’t had an issue.

[@thebigempty_5792]

YEP...the ex did that TWICE....I was not involved in any way except paying for it HAHA. It was NOT cheap.

[@ryankennard6626]

Straight out of high school, I spent a summer driving all over the USA in an old Datsun 210 ($500) with a $4k race bike (lot of money in the 90s) upside down and ratchet strapped to the roof.

[@jandoxbsbnx]

if u kept the datsun, it would be a collectible now and be worth over $100,000's

[@eddiea5076]

you can even cut the cost down on hitches by going to the junkyard. Type in the model of your car call and check if it has a hitch, you can either ask them to dismount it for you with all the hardware or you can bring your tools and dismount it yourself. it cost me $25.00 for a Subaru Forester hitch, free would only be a better deal than that. great video tips thank you

[@mattgies]

I follow the "buy once, cry once" philosophy. I got the Kuat NV 2.0 and couldn't be happier with it. And the hitch for my car was surprisingly cheap and easy to install.

[@thebigempty_5792]

best one on the market....I second that :D

[@theatomic430]

The poor man pays twice.

[@Matanumi]

@@theatomic430 a poor man pays more then twice dude

[@33ttpat10]

Did you install the hitch yourself? Sorry old thread I know haha

[@mattgies]

@@33ttpat10 Yes, I did. Had to drill two holes in the bottom of the trunk. Went off without a hitch (pun intended).

[@paulandrews7573]

A big drawback to roof racks is the one time you forget the bikes are up there and drive into a garage or a restaurant drive trhough and trash your bike, I had one customer that ripped of the roof his car (the bikes were ok). I worked in bike shops for 20 years, every shop has stories about this. GET A RECIEVER HITCH TRAY RACK!!!

[@stevek8829]

Just pretend you're a truck driver.

[@johnjacob688]

You have a higher chance of getting rear ended than driving under something low. I'll stick with roof racks.

[@ALCRAN2010]

This is like the u-haul truck vs short bridge videos

[@ralwoe]

@@stevek8829 Lot's of truckers forget their load heights and get stuck going through an underpass.

[@michaelroot2736]

When I got into MTBing I was on a serious budget, so for my 2006 Toyota Tacoma spending about $30 in lumber and hardware I built a bike rack that fits in the bed of my Tacoma without having to remove either wheels. The rack holds 2 bikes and they are very secure with one ratchet strap to tighten them in.

[@theymademepickaname1248]

What type of vehicle?

[@michaelroot2736]

@@theymademepickaname1248 2006 Toyota Tacoma

[@michaelb.8953]

I've been doing the inside the car transport option for years. It seems to work well for me and is just as quick if not quicker than the outside the car rack option. I bought one of those quick disconnect axles on Amazon and for the front wheel which takes seconds to disconnect then just separate the front tire from the bike. I have the back seats folded down on my Corolla and just load the bike into my trunk with the chain side up and then drop the front tire in on top of the bike and close the trunk, done with no need to remove the back tire with plenty of room left over for some groceries or whatever. To make things a little easier I leave the front brakes disconnected even while riding maybe not the smartest idea, but so far so good as I have plenty of braking power from the back brakes, but I rarely get going too much faster than 20 mph. Also if I have a car emergency with my bike in the trunk I have another form of transportation if needed to get help, but really it's a Toyota so never an issue.

[@kenvik-q5t]

I fold my step-thru and roll it into Vertically position plastic container (a proper size accordingly), then slide the container up on the foldable car dog ramp from Chewy into the trunk. This way our crossover trunk can handle two containers w/ two folders next to each other for transportation. Have a great pedaling.

[@jeffrittenour8202]

My friend built a bike rack out of PVC pipe that sits in the back of his truck directly behind the cab. Fits 3 bikes perfectly. Just slide the front tires in and run a tie-down strap through the back tires. Still leaves plenty of room in the bed for everyone's gear between the back tires and bed. Best part is it can be built for around $30 or less and it lasts forever. Directions are readily available on youtube.

[@charliehornbeck4595]

I have long since moved on from the "put you bike in your car" phase, but one benefit that you missed is the extra security when you compare to other forms of bike transportation. Other than that it, was a great video like always!

[@DailyMTBRider]

So true that it keeps your bike a lot safer and that's always a plus!

[@RealMTBAddict]

Nobody is getting into my trunk. Trunk latch is disabled, so you need the key fob. Plus it's locked to a big padlock and cable to the trunk arm. Been my method for 10 years. People are all surprised when I pull my $5k Cotic BFe out of my car, looking better than all the other bikes.

[@BlackMan614]

I actually moved back to putting the bike in the car. I have a OEM mat which protects the back of the seats and only need to take the front wheel off. Super easy. Other car has a hitch mounted Tula rack... those things tend to fall apart after about 5 years of use. I've replaced straps, plastic mount pieces, etc. They also scratch the bike.

[@BudoDave76]

One Up Bike Racks are the best racks I've ever used! Easy to use, Won't rust and modular.

[@rwogmtb-ridingwitholdguy]

second that

[@HindsightFPV]

Absolutely! Wish I could have gotten one cheaper but at the same time totally understand the price.

[@bridger1579]

What about kuats?

[@garystrabala3681]

No one seems to have mentioned a minivan. Bike fits right in, secure as can be, no cost of a rack, and no chance of the bike falling off. I've had several over nearly 30 years and for me it's the best solution for bike transport. They've gone out of favor over the last few years however and for many they're not very sexy but for me their practicality outweighs any disadvantage.

[@steimystein4368]

The best way to haul a bike....

[@junezydek1532]

Nah......my last van had gouges in the paint on top of the bumper from lifting a bike in and hitting it with the sprocket. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't hoist it high enough to avoid that after a long, tiring ride. I use a platform hitch rack on my current van.

[@steimystein4368]

@June Zydek if I can lift band equipment (subwoofers, amps powered speakers) into my minivan, bikes are easy. Plus I'm old school... I restore and ride 90's mountain bikes. They are pretty light. I don't have anything over 25 pounds.

[@digri4677]

Best of the best option, safe, clean, no hassles!!!😘😘😘😘

[@Skunked68]

Gear side up to protect, inside a van, or even laying in a truck box, for winter biking, is great way to also keep salty road crud off for those of us unfortunately living with winter corrosive road salt. I did 9 miles at 0 degrees last polar vortex in Feb. I’m no spring chicken. 5 layers on, heavy insulated pack boots. Only the toes cried uncle. I’m thinking on hunters battery warming socks for this winter.

[@theopinson3851]

Biggest con of roof rack: you will eventually drive into your garage and destroy your bike. Tech tip: don’t use a roof rack.

[@newttella1043]

I tell people it's not "if" but "when" you will drive it into your garage.

[@cryx4]

@@newttella1043 it is an if - if you have a garage in the first place

[@newttella1043]

@@cryx4 If you ever use a drive thru window. If you ever park in a parkade. If you ever drive to front door to check into a hotel. If you ever drive on a street with low hanging branches. If you ride and travel with your bike enough, then it's a matter of "when".

[@OriginalGabriel]

Would get at least one customer a year bringing their garaged bike into the shop

[@mountainsteward7776]

This hits home! No pUn intended

[@eljaypost513]

I use the typical truck rack. When carrying multiple bikes, I use pool noodles and cut to pieces and slice them to attach to the frames in sections they may rub against each other (bikes) thus avoiding paint/frame/fork damage or car damage.

[@zzzingrol]

If using a roof mount rack, always do something to stop yourself from pulling into your garage after a long ride. It can become very expensive to hit the entrance with two $3000 bikes. It normally destroys the bikes, the house siding, and the car roof. Happened to a friend after a hard race.

[@jameskerr7828]

5:20 - I'm no aerodynamics expert, but I would have thought having bikes on the roof would create more wind resistance than bikes behind the car? Regardless of the direction the bike is mounted. 🤔

[@newttella1043]

I had to rewind the video to make sure he really said that. My old Honda Civic had a huge decrease in gas mileage. Even without the bike the rack would eat more gas.

[@visualpun650]

That is what I have heard for years.

[@JoeReillyDoesthings]

I’ve found if i shave my legs it cuts down on the wind resistance when i drive

[@MineGames131]

@@JoeReillyDoesthings Are you sticking your legs out of the door?

[@jameskerr7828]

@@JoeReillyDoesthings up here for thinking, down there for dancing! You are indeed a thinker.

[@RVAMTB]

I have a 2018 Honda CR-V. I built my own bike stand for inside my car using a 3' 1x6 and 2 2x4s. I glued the 2 2x4s together and drilled a hole through them for my front wheel axle. The 2x4s are the same width as my front fork and rounded so I don't touch my brake caliper. I attached that 2x4 block to the 1x6. This allows me to stand my bike up securely in my car. Later, I built another with a similar design so I could have 2 bikes in the back. I added 2 hook/loops do they lock together and don't move around while driving. I had extra wood from another project, so the only cost was the hook/loop. The hook/loop thing is something you sometimes see in bathrooms as a locking mechanism.

[@gerrygadget]

Currently using a roof rack. I got a Kikkerland small folding step stool from Target. You can get a larger one, too. The extra foot of height makes a big difference, and the it hardly takes any space. I keep it in an InstaCrate (also folding!) with a towel, sunscreen, water bottles, rain jacket, and various bike supplies. Makes it easy to get going on bike day.

[@Jennifer-fk5xi]

You must be tall or strong enough to use this option man...

[@Coolchris158]

After a tough ride its always hard to put the bike back in the roof rack. I have a Tacoma with the 6ft bed. I used a cargo bar and a roof rack holder to fit my bike in the back of the truck. Since its a 27.5 size M I can actually keep the tailgate closed. With the tailgate pads security is an issue. I made a padded chain lock and lock the bikes to the bed of the truck.

[@phabeondominguez5971]

Oh man, even on a Medium size MTN bike going on a sedan? So then, what bike transport would you recommend? Car = 2002 IS300 Sedan

[@silverfoxx1062]

I used a roof bike rack (when I first retired and got into bicycling) because my Subaru Outback was already equipped with rails. Eventually, however, I tired of using a step ladder to get my bike onto the roof rack. And the kicker was that I strained my lower back a few times when putting the bike back onto the roof rack after long, tiring rides. I recently got a hitch installed and purchased a bike rack for it. This is definitely the way to go. Not inexpensive, but you’ll be much happier in the long run.

[@surfnyolly]

Thank you for posting this comment! I just got a trailer hitch and tray bike rack installed on my Forester and I’m having some buyers remorse. It was expensive. Maybe I would’ve been fine lifting my bike up to a roof rack....ugh I know I’d be a mess doing that! Really glad to see how much you like it too!

[@ralwoe]

And there's the chance of a slip while loading, causing damage to your vehicle.

[@johnbeckmeyer1696]

With a roof rack, you have to watch out for low-hanging tree branches and garage doors/public parking structures.

[@DeadsetYT]

Step 1: Get a friend with a ute! The end. Haha, Love ya work mate!!

[@DailyMTBRider]

Friends with good cars are always better than doing it yourself!

[@cheefussmith9380]

what's a ute?

[@DeadsetYT]

@@cheefussmith9380 I guess americans call them trucks. Aussies call them utes.

[@Thematty635]

Ute's are the answer! Very partial to a nice hilux, Triton, or raptor 😂

[@DeadsetYT]

@@Thematty635 Yeah my mates got a Hilux. Does the trick. :D

[@perryvath7617]

Why do you dangle the front wheel over the tailgate instead of putting the whole bike in the truck’s bed? A truck is make to haul stuff isn’t it?

[@DHFlip18]

I like your video, great insight. I've been riding DH for over 20 years and have owned 1 Thule bike rack (hitch style with two poles) and still remember paying $156 for it. I have never had a problem with it and given a choice between all the rack options today, I'd buy the same one again. Every time I think about getting a new rack, I keep going back to the overall convenience of my old one. Here's my opinion on why: Today's racks are big and heavy: those tray racks are convenient to load bikes onto but are very large and heavy to store. My friends end up keeping their racks on the car permanently. I can easily store my in a closet, under my bed or couch. It's lightweight and has a small footprint while still being able to transport 4 DH bikes. I've actually managed to transport 5. The two bar design also allows me to safely secure my bikes without a lock by simply pinning the rack up to a wall or pole. You'd have to cut the poles in order to steal the bikes. Tray style racks have a cable which secures the bike in place but it's easier to cut. The rack itself is very convenient though. I can use my rack to transport snowboards by putting the poles thru the bindings too. He's my opinion on the rest of your video: 1. Taking the wheels on and off isn't that difficult, just a few bolts and maybe 5 minutes. 2. Why spend a ton of money on a bike travel bag that you'll have to wash the inside of when you can easily use an old blanket, bedsheet or a cheap tarp inside you car. 3. Those bike rack hanging adaptors do not fit downhill bikes because of the top crown. Though they are convenient for other bikes. 4. Rooftop mounts can be a great option for low vehicles, but it has several disadvantages: (a) higher off the ground means heavy lifting after a ride, you may be very tired (b) may be difficult if you're injured, especially broken collar bone or dislocated shoulder (c) risk damaging car if you slip or lose balance: a pedal scratching the roof can really suck (d) high clearance issues, especially if you forget you have bikes. Silly, but it's happened. I thoroughly enjoyed your video and think you offered some really good tips and you have valid points. Thanks for making a great video!

[@Alex-rr2zu]

I have a pickup with a regular bed. Bought a bar that fits between the sides of the beds that allows you to lock in front fork after removing wheel. I’ve carried three bikes easily. No fear of falling off or being damaged driving into garage! Was pretty cheap,about $90 and easily removed.

[@downtoridemtb]

Tailgate pad tip: use a section of a pool noodle on your fork lowers for some extra padding and to push your stanchions away from making contact with the pad.

[@MiloLife]

This. This a lot! Hard lesson learned on my last bike was the tailgate rubbing on the frame all the way down to the aluminum. My bike was very secure, backroads are choppy and will F up your frame.

[@jonnysnakes5417]

Erm van. Done No hassle, bike aint getting stolen when u pull up for a coffee n in the uk the roads get gritted with salt in winter n the spray off the road seriously messes with ur bikes brakes n fork seals

[@jameskerr7828]

Agreed. VW Transporter FTW!

[@kathyt7134]

It was a hassle at first to situate my traditional strappy bike rack. However, I was able to get it down to a pretty easy system of putting on and off, tightening and loosening only two straps to install and remove. I use three of the excess strap lengths to tie around the wheels and frame to stabilize. Not too difficult and the bike doesn't budge!

[@sarahkathleen6752]

Basically once you've gotten the rack fitted to your vehicle the first time you don't really need to adjust it again (unless it becomes loose). So it makes installing it really fast after the first few times.

[@The_RC_Dude]

I also have a tip of my own: If you use straps to hold you bike in place, put frame tape there! Trust me, do it. I have found out that they will leave big scratches!

[@Msasha2727]

I needed this! I scratched the crap out of my one bike frame! I’m getting a new bike and I was worried about that!

[@lastsonofkrypton36]

The tailgate pad is by the winner. I use a Raceface design because it has the elevated cushions on each side of the bike. I never even fasten the straps, and our bikes have never fallen over. It takes 5 seconds to load/unload a bike. Plus we can easily fit 4 or 5 bikes in there when extra people want to go. It's not even close, get the pad.

[@dragnridr05]

For my truck, I just lay a blanket over the tailgate and put my bike in my bed with the front wheel sideways outside the tailgate. And I use a tie down strap to hold it down and it goes nowhere. Plus a blanket is easy to clean.

[@DailyMTBRider]

Blankets are cheap and easy options for trucks - but I will say a tailgate pad (or the latchit rack) make it much easier to carry more bikes and keep your bike safe!

[@ChadLudlow]

@@DailyMTBRider agreed. i had 2 bikes in my truck bed and i wasn't really too keen on driving on the highway because the lateral forces could cause them to skid on top of each other.

[@stinger7369]

I have a moving blanket

[@dragnridr05]

@@ChadLudlow If you use a tie down strap and wrap the strap around the lower part of the frame once then on to the next bike the same way and make them snug, but not overly tight, they won't slide at all. Plus with the weight of the bikes tied down to the bed with the strap, the blanket won't go anywhere. Just don't use a knitted or crocheted blanket.

[@isaacberschauer9322]

Dude this editing is just.... **italian cook gesture** delicious

[@chrisk8376]

Roof rack option - get a moki door step, I bought one and it's a game changer. Easy to stow and full access to the roof!!!

[@latchitrack2463]

Thanks for the review. We are glad you are digging the Latchit Rack!

[@DailyMTBRider]

You guys really do make a great product! Thanks for passing it along!

[@latchitrack2463]

@@DailyMTBRider Of course, we will have to collab again!

[@bobbyhempel1513]

Looks good; I'll have to make one as I can't afford to buy one.

[@kwaktak]

This video couldn’t have come at a better time. I just traded in my kid carrier turned cargo hauler minivan for a Honda Pilot. If you can stuff a bike in a CR-V I should have no problem until I get a trailer hitch receiver installed. Thx for the link BTW; we already paid UHAUL once for our other car. Never again. 🙏🏼 ✌🏼

[@luperamos7307]

Just saw your comment and was hopping for a recommendation. Have a family of 5 and my kids are coming to an age that I can take them mountain biking. I saw that you had a minivan before and then went for the Pilot. I'm wondering what type of car you would recommend to transport 5 bikes. They always say minivans are so much larger than midsize SUVs, but I think that the hitch on a minivan might be too low.

[@MarkMTB]

don't forget some manufacturers don't recommend clamping carbon frames in anyway.

[@DailyMTBRider]

Great reminder Mark! Folks should always be sure not to damage their bike!

[@RealMTBAddict]

Nobody should use a carbon bike, shit's terrible for the environment.

[@christiandruan]

Lol I’ve never heard something so stupid. If you want to complain about pollution then blame the giant mega corporations that pretend like they care about the environment Iike Amazon.

[@RealMTBAddict]

@@christiandruan You didn't know carbon fiber can't be recycled? I'm saying making mountains of carbon fiber waste is not worth the weight saving.

[@camerondavis7291]

@@RealMTBAddict the real thing you should've pointed out was having a car that uses fossil fuels

[@BCpov]

How many random cars did you film to make this video? 😁

[@DailyMTBRider]

Haha just a couple at the local pump track!

[@Kaspurr84]

I have a 2019 Honda Fit. The way I carry my 29er now is basically like the 2nd in-car option shown here, I fold down the rear seat flat behind my driver seat. Still allows 1 rear passenger, I remove the front wheel and I made out of a strip of wood and a boost 15x110 fork mount a way to securely keep the bike up right. I got it down to a pretty quick process. I also put a shipping blanket on the floor under the bike. Been doing it a year and it works for me. EDIT: oh ya and the dropper is used every time otherwise it would be a pain as the seat needs to be down to clear the tailgate entry

[@DailyMTBRider]

I had a fit and they fit bikes super well!

[@joaofcascao]

Yeah, I just use some heavy duty trash bags on the floor. Cost effective, stores easily in the car and if you get heavy duty ones you can just clean and reuse them

[@cdwag23]

Sounds like major pain in the ass, and horrible for the interior. Why not throw a 1.25 hitch on there.

[@Kaspurr84]

@@cdwag23 zero damage to the interior is taking place, the seats fold flat and I have the floor lined. Literally all I’m doing is pushing the dropper post bottom and flipping the front wheel quick release. I’d rather my $9000 bike be at least a little more secure than on the back of a car that’s 2” off the ground, just personal preference I guess. Also added safety for driving too as the bike would cover up most of the tail light visibility

[@darrellwirch7230]

Could a Honda Fit hold two bikes inside (maybe with Rocky Mounts)?

[@bbtube11]

Also those roof rack style mounts that fit on top of the bed of a truck, they look pretty cool and leave the entire bed under it for storage.

[@luperamos7307]

What car would you recommend for a family of 5 to transport 5 bikes?

[@hitary1]

I came from riding dirtbikes before mtb, for those with trucks, why not just stand them up with tie downs? 0 pressure points, 20$ on straps, full bed space, and no damages to bike or truck.

[@superspecky4eyes]

Get a Seasucker/Vacuum mount bike rack, they fit any car, they're rock solid and you can install/remove it in seconds.

[@Andrew-ye4fl]

Agree! Have one and loving it. No issues and those things stick to the car ridiculously tight!

[@Twitch0331]

Best hitch rack on the market: Kuat NV 2.0 I have tried so many different racks, roof, trunk, and hitch, but nothing comes close to the simplicity, reliability, security, and sexiness of my current Kuat. I just love it. It's the first rack I've owned that I have absolutely no complaints about.

[@m0nkku]

I use Thule VeloCompact 3, you can lock the rack to your car with key and all the bikes to the rack so you can go to shop and all the bikes still be there when you come back or you can take multiple bikes to a trail and lock the bikes that you don´t use. Also is sturdy enough for ebikes and it also designed so that it wont damage carbon frames.

[@CoinRollSearcher]

I use a rack that goes into the bed of my truck and the bike mounts from the fork thru axle. Works great!👍

[@bridger1579]

Like a rocky mount?

[@robbiefisher1]

You can go custom as well, design what you need and make it yourself. I went with a $60 cargo hitch (camping gear, cooler holder) a few modifications and it works great. Also nice that it can be used for other things other then just holding a bike.

[@KimLong-nh7mj]

We have the cargo Carrier but don't know what to add to it so it will hold our bikes up right. Any hints would be helpful what did you use?

[@Ron-pd9ku]

I have a pick up truck and have two ways of carrying the bike's I made a wood cutting horse and put axel cleats on it Take off the front wheel mount the bike on the clear put the front wheel in the bed and you could lock them all together if you need too also have the hitch rack holds 3 bike's nicely also Lock's nicely Thank for the video and your time to put it out

[@nickojohnodtujan2795]

Another most important thing when putting your bike inside the car (when wheels are off) is to put rotor dummies to avoid the pads from sticking to each other. Great content BTW.

[@mitchellkolinsky7341]

This might be nitpicking but I find those bike rack mounting bars tend to scratch the spacers under your stem.

[@DailyMTBRider]

Not nitpicky at all my friend! They can scratch up your bike a bit - but no more than a cheap rack!

[@mitchellkolinsky7341]

Agreed

[@darrenmorin3084]

I use one but I use two rags or cut pool noodles to protect my bike... Works great!

[@letsallgetalong5499]

Or just put insulation tape round spacers and seat post?

[@TheButlerNZ]

4:20 And MY biggest tip with car mount hangers... PAY ATTENTION TO WHERE THE LOWEST WHEEL SITS... Years ago we went ton a 150k drive to a national downhill event. The bike was fitted with the lower wheel (front) sitting behind the exhaust. The result... We cooked a new 26 x 3.0 which has never been an easy tyre to replace.. especially when 150k from home on a weekend. .. and by cooked... it literally burned through the sidewall of the tyre.

[@russellburton2135]

In New Zealand we call a trailer hitch receiver a tow bar. A bar used to tow stuff. Things a bit more simple in our neck of the woods.

[@vincentcasados146]

Also “TOW BAR” in U.S.

[@hobblyjig]

I just dropped way too much money on a Quickrstuff mach2 rack and I'm so excited. After many many years of spending way too much time loading and unloading bikes I decided to go all the way.

[@Matt-oz1hw]

If you have a pickup, just put the bike it the bed. Works for us.

[@mrvwbug4423]

That has its limits. Big enduro bikes may not fit in a short bed. Especially if you're trying to fit the bike under a tonneau cover.

[@Matt-oz1hw]

@@mrvwbug4423 My truck bed is 6 feet long and my bike is like 6.2, still fits

[@Matt-oz1hw]

@@mrvwbug4423 but true

[@perryvath7617]

My personal favorite. Why would anyone dangle the front wheel over the tailgate?

[@ALCRAN2010]

@@perryvath7617 , I would lmao if I ever see some pickup dude dangling the front tire of a Harley Davidson over the tailgate.... Point is, all motorcycles are transported proper, so can bikes.

[@zeroboyrick1717]

Thanks for mentioning velcro and how it fails overtime. It's a down and dirty "cheap" way to affix things but you are screwed when it wears out. Now you get to re-engineer something that will work, it won't be pretty most of the time.

[@johnsonjay60]

Dealing with this dilemma as we speak, yesterday my girl got a kia sportage the roof is flat,no receiver. Thanks for the info. Think I'm gunna hit up the trailer company and get a hitch I wanted roof rack but looking at 800-1000 atleast for a decent one,need two bikes racked. Thanks again!

[@DailyMTBRider]

No problem Jay! And you're on the right track with a receiver - go look on craigslist for a cheaper rack!

[@mattjax1330]

I would say a good bike rack is the best investment you can make I bought a Thule bike rack that carried the bike by the wheels and just was not impressed with the quality not to mention the arms that clamped over the wheels rubbed down the paint on different parts of my bike and the rack broke in a year and a half. I went with a one up USA rack and even tho they are a little more definitely worth it build quality is amazing and it holds your bike by just the tires so no damage to the bike. Also it is the easiest rack ever to get bikes on and off and has a great anti rattle system would highly recommend

[@johnsonjay60]

@@DailyMTBRider thanks alot Josh thats exactly what I'm gunna do :)

[@johnsonjay60]

@@mattjax1330 i have the thule race on my car :) trunk mount

[@johnsonjay60]

@@mattjax1330 damn thule is usually nice. Over 500$ trunk mount lol been good so far.

[@dre9704]

For a car with a high roof there are car door steps that attaches to the latch for the door it makes it into a step. Has made putting bikes on the roof easier

[@williamstucker551]

I bought two RockyMounts HM Bolt-On thru-axle bike racks and mounted them to my truck bed at the back of my bed. I spaced them so I can fit two bikes back there. The cool thing is that with the RockyMounts you have the option for 12x100mm, 15x100mm, Boost 15x110mm, and 20x110mm thru-axle. So I have one set up for my gravel and one set up for my trail bike. After driving around to and from the trail there is absolutely zero play or sway. Just a suggestion for anyone with a truck.

[@matthewjacobson252]

I'm sure not many people have heard of this, but I use a rack named Seasucker.....they are awesome! They suction to the roof of your car or they also make one that suctions to a trucks' rear window! Yes, they are expensive, but totally worth it!

[@garthtimmins2852]

An alternative to a tailgate pad is to get a mover's blanket from Harbor Freight and hang that over the tailgate. Still protects your bike and the tailgate, but it's a lot cheaper. I think mine was about 10 bucks. Also, most truck beds have tie down points. If you need to stop at Maverick on the way home, you can run a cable lock through the tie down and around the frame of the bike to lock it in.

[@petecunningham47]

For years I had a VW Buss with no trailer hitch. I found a rack that attached to the TOP of the rear hatch with 2 sets of hooks where the handle bars were hooked in (the hooks had a latch) and the bike was suspended from the handle bars vertically with the seat resting on the lower part of the hatch. This really worked great! I even transported a tandem this way (hung from the rear handlebars)! Although it stuck way up in the air. I've never seen this rack since.

[@downundermtb4744]

I carry a milk crate with me when loading my bike on the roof,I can also throw gear in it specially muddy wet gear..

[@oweltaxz8874]

Roof racks are good until the time you forget you have a bike up there and go under a low clearance bridge or parking and end up damaging both bike and car

[@Brutus14th]

Starts at 1:03

[@BackyardShredder]

if you use a tail gate rack use all mountain style protection on your down tube; because the rack will remove your paint overtime.

[@latchitrack2463]

Exactly, we have seen it so much.

[@LT684]

Just saw this and I didn't think to check for a cross-bar for my bike rack (hitch-style). Great suggestion!

[@alexbromfield4162]

Also when it comes to putting your bike in your car, if you live somewhere that gets hot, your tires will go flat if you keep it in there for more than a few days. I’m not sure if this happens with tubeless, but with my tubes, they popped in Florida. 2 flat replacements so far, so now storing outside.

[@ChadDrewery]

I use my truck tailgate, but with a $7 furniture blanket from Walmart. Thinner than the expensive canvas covers, WAY less expensive, and doesn't put pressure on my forks because it's so much thinner. Bonus! If you need to do maintenance in the car park, throw the blanket on the ground to keep your seat and bars off if the gravel or asphalt when flipping it upside down for service. Win!

[@MoSportsUSA]

My two cents, I also have a Honda CRV (2012) and find the easiest, cheapest way for me to transport a bike is to fold forward the rear seats, throw a moving pad (mistakenly forgotten by hired professionals) on the floor, and lay the bike on top. Moving pads can also be purchased at Harbor Freight or Walmart for nominal cost (generally $10-20 depending on size). If security is a concern, another pad can be laid on top or a large pad folded over..

[@MishaDaBear]

A friend of mine had his trunk lid break off with a strap on with 3 bikes on it. I am 100% hitch rack user. A cheaper approach could be to use a cargo hitch rack to carry bikes harbor freight and Princess Auto have cheap cargo racks. Another consideration is a trailer to carry bikes!

[@jacksonvance5469]

I used Etrailer for a hitch receiver and bought a used Yakima 4 bike holder thing. For my truck I got a Dakine tailgate cover. The Velcro is still perfect after one year and it only has one hole from constant muddy bikes.

[@mogeking56]

I put a trailer hitch receiver on a Honda CR-Z and it works great carrying my E cell bike everywhere

[@HS-iy5rn]

I use Thule Insta-Gator inside my Toyota Tundra bed and it works great. It also looks super cool while transporting the bike.

[@stevek8829]

A nice option for SUV or PU truck is a fork mount substitute axle or two or three. You take the front wheel off and hook the through axle or drop out hook up to them. You might mount them right to the bed or if a SUV to a base plate of wood or metal. In an SUV being inside lets you do something after ride without making your bikes too easy to steal.

[@deisen123]

Do not buy a roof rack unless you want to slam your bike into your or someone else’s garage. Sooner or later you’ll go for a big ride and forget it’s up there. A friend of mine knows someone who peeled their roof off when they smashed into a parking garage.

[@philjones4903]

I just found your channel on UTube. Lesson though I had a KUAT bike rack on the back of my Tesla X and a lady hit my car doing 40 mph. The body shop said the rack saved the car. Instead of 10k it would have been 20 or 25k. Thanks KUAT

[@antanis]

roof racks are unanimously worse for gas mileage than trunk or hitch racks.

[@rtwebbjr]

E-Trailer is the way to go. I have a traditional bike rack as well, setting up all the straps is a pain in the neck

[@RealMTBAddict]

I keep my bike in my car with the back seat folded down, locked inside with a strong padlock and trunk latch disabled from inside. It stays there full time. Not worried about dirt, it all dries up and can be vacuumed. Tool box fits right next to the wheel, perfect fit. No need to change it. 👍

[@juliaraymond2407]

I use a Thule rear mounted bike rack, and it couldn't be easier and quicker to install or remove... I can have mine from hanging in the garage, to installed on my Subaru outback in less than 2 minutes... quick and easy, and it holds the bike well also... and, putting the bike on or taking off is easy and quick, very secure and solid, as well as rotating the arms to down for when I'm not carrying a bike and keeping the rack on the car... I love it. I highly recommend.

[@hoppy760]

Seems like that last rack works the same as a tailgate. Just put a piece of foam between the fork and tailgate.

[@Harvey017]

I use the Kuat NV 2.0 hitch mounted bike rack when transporting multiple bikes, wouldn’t transport my pricey cargo any other way. But when I need to move around a single bike I use the Thule Insta Gator Pro in my pick up truck bed, easy and simple solution. Both are amazing products.

[@apkelly01]

When you've a hatchback and you put the rack on, and I noticed in your video this happened, the padding sits above your window wiper. On my vehicle, when I reverse, my wiper comes on automatically. So I could break my wiper. My car is a Peugeot Rifter and is 1.9m high...way too high for me. I now use the TooEnjoy lift assist for my kayak and now bike....fantastic piece of kit 😊

[@bigeyejim]

This is a great review. I have been through most of these. Road Gear hatch rack. I am still using my 1989 Yakima (USA) tower bars, that have bbeen converted to 5 different cars over the years. LOL. We have a Dodge Grand Caravan, and now that the fam is older, we can park 3 bikes in back with the way bback seats folded into the floor. Plus a 4 bike Thule on the back. Looking to upgrade to a better carrier for the hitch now. Cheers!

[@nunyabiznazz2210]

I have one of the cheap strap on racks. It's not that difficult to deal with as long as you are using it on the same vehicle. Another plus is it's small lightweight and will fit in my backpack so I can ride with it in there to my destination and then mount it to a vehicle if need be. I have actually used this method to transport multiple cars from place to place by driving to the destination with my bike, removing the rack, putting it in my backpack and riding back to get the other car. (No second driver needed).

[@ubreakitirepairit3569]

If a bike is going to be put in a car with the seats down, make sure to put the side of the bike with the chain facing upwards. Solution for spinning tires on a truck mounted carrier, is simply to take the extra slack on the straps and tie them to the tires and or the frame. This also serves as a failsafe for anyone driving behind you, in the event your bike was to come loose out of the holders.

[@theatomic430]

Great helpful video. But I don't get how putting bikes on top of the car is more aerodynamic than putting them behind. Putting them behind *perhaps* the tire ends maybe stick out a little, maybe, but most of the bike is behind the mass of the car. Putting them on top then the whole bike is getting wind drag. Plus putting them on top don't the bikes get all full of bugs or slammed with rain?

[@rufusthomas3067]

In the UK, the winter gritted roads will make a mess of your bike if they are exposed outside. I'm looking at buying an estate car to fit my bike in with as little hassle as possible!

[@samslocombe5402]

There’s only one really good option: The rear hitch rack.

[@Aereto]

There is one other alternative, though it is exclusive to commuter purpose built bikes: go for compact foldables that fit a small car, and only if those bikes do not use chain drives because of mentioned chain and gear lubricants.

[@mtoohill]

I thought a pick up is the best option, just throw it in the back. Use a bungee cord to hold it in place.

[@davidlammermeier4884]

Kuat hitch bike rack Serpa 2 is best. Hands down

[@AdamC5013]

LOVE my Kuat Transfer Triple rack! Was hard to pay for but well worth it

[@karens1967]

Those Allen racks are great. I used one for almost 15 years on my little Nissan Stanza. I found it easy to use.

[@jimsteel7483]

I use a folded beach towel instead of a tailgate pad on my Ridgeline, and hold the back wheel down with the folded tonneau cover and run a bungee cord across the frame.

[@Svenmpa]

Roof rack all day. Having your bike at the back of your car can often get that bike really dirty. Having it on top though, never really an issue with dirt.

[@perryvath7617]

I’ve crashed enough times where it was hard to put my bike in back of truck or on a tray-mount; can’t imagine lifting it all the way to the roof.

[@michaelpitts3285]

Allen sports makes a rack that you can get at Walmart for like $40 and it works well for me on 3 different cars. A Jeep Cherokee, Kia Soul, and Ford Ecosport. i can put it on in about a minute and have my bike ready to go in about 90 seconds. it also has plastic holders with straps for the top tube..

[@elijahosters7087]

Recommend the raceface tailgate pad.

[@geothon]

I have a Volvo Station Wagon. I do not have any problems :) One bike- just fold the rear seats down and throw it inside. 2 bikes- Thule hitch rack or roof rack.

[@williamstellmann]

I recently got a hitch rack after being frustrated with my tailgate pad. The velcro would always wear out and it once caused my bike to flip out onto the road, luckily my bike was only scratched and needed a new shifting cable.

[@latchitrack2463]

We feel your pain there. So many riders we see had that happen when they switched over.

[@Defender78]

6:01 when it comes to using a stepstool for putting the bike on a roof rack, take his advice and definitely use a purpose built stepping device, Do not, repeat, please do not under any circumstances be cheap like this guy I know and try to use an * upside down milk crate* to step onto. They can and will slip on pavement and even wet grass.. trust me, someone I know… told me about this

[@billjordan3639]

Leave the milk in the crate for stability

[@machyne82]

1up USA or Kuat. Definitely the way to go

[@antoniotorres2307]

I picked up a second hand Saris trunk bike rack. Way simpler to install than many other bike racks that I've seen.

[@nickojohnodtujan2795]

Recon racks are by far the best hitch type bike rack that I came across.

[@lordlucan7655]

Great Video .. i have tried most options over the years . When younger i just loaded my bikes into the car , seats folded . Then come kids and space is of the essence . Nowadays i swear by my tow hitch mounted bike rack . This allows me to keep all the interiour space and still transport up to 3 bikes . The racks also come with lights and number plate so there is no risk of getting stopped by police . They are better than On Roof options because the bikes are more stable in winds and cornering / braking and are also visible to the driver . How many people have i seen going under low headroom and forget the bikes ... The initial cost is high ( tow hitch plus rack ) yes but most people pay more for a telephone nowadays . The cost must be counted over a long period of safety and ease , rather than the initial outlay . Keep Riding and enjoy ...

[@ralwoe]

Plus, you can also use your hitch to tow a trailer.

[@marklouieadame]

Backwheel off and just bring old clean rag and you are good to go. Roof rack plus standing stool are also good.