Road bike transport

[alia176]

Hey guys,

This is seriously a dumb question but I need to figure out a solution. I'd like to transport my road bike from my house to other places for bike rides. The first half mile from my house is a dirt road and when I transport the bike on a bike carrier (attached to the tire swing), the chain is picking up all sorts of fine dirt. I now throw the bike inside but would like to keep using the bike carrier.

What is the solution for this? Perhaps this isn't a big deal and I'm over thinking it? I'm not a MTB'er so I am not versed on the "dirt" thing

Thanks.

 

[liljlandon]

I like dirt, its a softer landing.

I would say either wrap it in an old rag or don't worry about it. Its just dirt and as long as you clean your bike regularly, it would be no different then your chain getting dirty while riding IMO.

 

[2mbb]

I use wax-based chain lube such as white lighting. It is not oily and does not pick up dirt as much. This may not solve the problem but might help.

or what about something like this: http://www.cdisports.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=98&products_id=249

 

[yukon]

Well, You could put it on the roof? A Yakima Front loader would be a good choice if you have stock cross bars. I don't like fork mounts, you have to take the wheels off, and that's a pain.

Other than that, possible clean and lube your chain right before you ride, so you get all the dirt off from the trip to the road? Instead of cleaning at the house and getting it all dirty.

What kind of lube do you use? The wax based lubes will do much better with dirt, but something like a "wet lube" (an MTB term, I don't know what the right way to say non waxed based would be) Will attract and hold dirt, but will last longer on a ride.

 

[yukon]

In reference to the chain guard, its not a bad idea, but I would probably take a picture of it to submit to the "pictures taken while driving" thread if I saw it.

 

[wxm]

Hey guys,

This is seriously a dumb question but I need to figure out a solution. I'd like to transport my road bike from my house to other places for bike rides. The first half mile from my house is a dirt road and when I transport the bike on a bike carrier (attached to the tire swing), the chain is picking up all sorts of fine dirt. I now throw the bike inside but would like to keep using the bike carrier.

What is the solution for this? Perhaps this isn't a big deal and I'm over thinking it? I'm not a MTB'er so I am not versed on the "dirt" thing

Thanks.

How about this? Anchor down the rack with bungee cords. $20 solution; work well for both road/mountain bikes...

 

[alia176]

Thanks for the ideas fellas.

I use Tri-lube on the chain so it probably is a "wet" lube.

As far as ideas on putting the bike elsewhere, I'm fine with the spare tire bike carrier for now. Slapping on top of the thule roof bars that are currently at 7' height is not a realm of possibility due to the PITA factor.

The chain guard is an interesting concept, sorta like a chain koozy (spell).

 

[yukon]

Another idea is getting a chain with a quick link (sram chains come with them) and just taking the chain off when you drive out? Kind of a pain, but probably easier than putting bike in car. And better results that even a chain guard thing would have.