How do you fit a bicycle in a compact car?

Aaron Inverse · Post by **Aaron Inverse** » Sat Aug 06, 2005 7:15 pm

I'm heading up to Burning Man for the first time this year. I've wanted to go ever since I came to Reno for college, but Burning Man takes place at the same time as the first week of classes at UNR. Now I've finally got my degrees and a job and a week's vacation, so I'm making it happen.

Anyway, I want to bring a bike to get around, but I'm planning on driving up in my compact car and it's very hard to fit a full-sized bicycle in the back. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I'm thinking of buying one that comes disassembled in a kit and putting it together when I get there. I might also look into a folding bike, though they're more expensive and the wheels are smaller.

Martiansky · Post by **Martiansky** » Sat Aug 06, 2005 7:20 pm

I suggest...take the wheels off, put the seat down as far as you can, handlebars off or turned to the side and possibly the pedals off too.
Depending on what kind of bike you have of course.....it won't take too long to put it back together provided you have all the nuts and bolts you've loosened! Loose parts can go in a ziplock bag attached to the bike and pedals as well.

Hope this helps!

Kinetic IV · Post by **Kinetic IV** » Sat Aug 06, 2005 7:29 pm

Have you considered a simple trunk rack? Maybe something like this:
http://tinyurl.com/8k3kv

I have a Yakima rack system on top of my car for bikes and kayaks but I still use my trunk rack. They can handle the weight of 3 bikes with ease and with the straps I've put it on everything from a Honda Civic hatchback on up to a Crown Vic. And I know someone that has one on a Mini Cooper...you don't get much smaller than that. With one of these you can bring a full size bike (or 3) and not spend valuable on playa time building a kit or dealing with the complexities of a folding bike in the harsh playa environment.

I hope this helps give you some ideas. And congrats on being able to make it to the playa this year!

fetching · Post by **fetching** » Sat Aug 06, 2005 11:36 pm

the style bike rack that kinetic posted are great. I carried 2 bikes on the back of my VW Rabbit on a 2000 mile road trip with no problems. just really make sure the bikes are attached well and not dangling loose, a few bungy cords will take care of that.

Chai Guy · Post by **Chai Guy** » Sun Aug 07, 2005 12:43 am

I bought a trunk style bike rack almost brand new for $5.00 at a garage sale last year. Worked great. (Yes bungee the wheels and everything before you go!).

spectabillis · Post by **spectabillis** » Sun Aug 07, 2005 2:07 am

hacksaw

ed: works for bodies

geekster · Post by **geekster** » Sun Aug 07, 2005 2:13 am

it's very hard to fit a full-sized bicycle in the back. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Take out the elephant and put in the bike.

Kinetic IV · Post by **Kinetic IV** » Sun Aug 07, 2005 7:34 am

Keep the hacksaw, I prefer a sawzall reciprocating saw. One of the most indispensable powertools ever devised.
(And I only use a Milwaukee Sawzall. It was the original, created back in 1951 and still the best today!)

RegRad · Post by **RegRad** » Sun Aug 07, 2005 8:03 am

I have a New Milwaukee Sawzall that I bought at a ponshop for only $25.
You are right KIV.... They are the best!!

Aaron Inverse · Post by **Aaron Inverse** » Sun Aug 07, 2005 10:16 am

Those trunk-mounted bike racks look like the best option, thanks for the tip! I've seen people carrying bikes on those before, but I thought it was something that had to be specially installed on the car.

Now I can just get a normal full-sized bike and strap it to the back. That'll be much easier than trying to get it inside the car. There's something about the geometry of my car's door frames that is completely incompatible with the topology of a bicycle. I know there's enough volume for a bicycle to fit back there, but actually trying to get it there is a struggle.

It would probably also be better for the car's upholstery not to have the bike right on it.

Oh, and now I can fit in that elephant.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Mon Aug 08, 2005 12:07 pm

And remember to put up the sails after you get teh ship in the bottle.