Transporting bike sans rack?

[SR.GRINGO]

Mud,

I am going to make a huge move 2,253 miles to be exact. Using a Mercedes Sprinter Van to move household goods, and our 100. When we get to the U.S. we will change the sprinter for a 6x12 Uhaul trailer that will be stuffed.

What do you guys think about strapping my bike to the factory roof rack of the 100? I would bring it inside at night.



Sent from my phon

 

[lrowe_csp]

Shouldn't be a problem, use packing blanket underneath, or closed cell foam exercise pad. You may get some higher intensity bug strikes on your bike than you are used to- or maybe not, depending on how fast you normally go downhill on your bike . Just can't forget the bike is up there and go under low hanging drive thru fast food sign or parking garage- to prevent that I strongly recommend a paper or cardboard dashboard sign "bike on top", because at the end of the long travel day, you will have forgotten that bike is up top:whoops:.

 

[phsycle]

You've got a nice bike that probably cost $4k. I think you can treat it to a $130 rack.

http://www.orsracksdirect.com/yakima-forklift-bike-rack.html

Comes with a lock. I'd strap a Huffy to a roof, but my Niner will always get 1st class treatment.

 

[mechanixhorseman]

Depending on how much your carrying, I'd just suggest taking off the front wheel, dropping the seat and putting it inside the cargo area parallel to the tailgate. Mine usually rides like that leaning up against a pelican case and bungee'd down to the third row mounts. I'm not a fan of strapping a 4-5 thousand dollar bike to the top of my truck for a variety of reasons.

 

[SR.GRINGO]

Depending on how much your carrying, I'd just suggest taking off the front wheel, dropping the seat and putting it inside the cargo area parallel to the tailgate. Mine usually rides like that leaning up against a pelican case and bungee'd down to the third row mounts. I'm not a fan of strapping a 4-5 thousand dollar bike to the top of my truck for a variety of reasons.

You guys make a good point...I do not have access to a rack until I hit the U.S.

Hopefully it fits with inside with just the front wheel removed....the bike is huge.

I like the cardboard idea on the first post!

Sent from my phon

 

[SR.GRINGO]

I tried putting the bike in back parallel to back hatch. This sucker is huge.

From the front fork to the rear tire the bike measures 59-3/4 inches

The widest part of the Cruiser in back measures in at 57.5 inches.

The Cruiser is going to be stuffed...but maybe I can fit it length wise inside. From the floor to the bottom of the seat post measures at 33 inches.

You guys made a good point about the roof!

 

[SmoothLC]

Ya, you can take the front wheel off, get a $23 Yakima Blockhead, attach it to a 2x4, and attach the bike to it to keep it stable.

May have to move your seat post down a bit. But you can keep your bike inside for added security.

 

[cardyjones]

Pm me and I will chat w/ you about how is retrofitted my hundy to efficiently carry two bikes over 8k miles safely and quietly