MTB Transport.

MTB, Road, Cyclocross, Running, walking, Rowing, Weights / Cardio, Diet, training plans
Couchy
Posts: 2388
Joined: Sat Mar 14, 2020 2:56 pm
Has thanked: 326 times
Been thanked: 2173 times

MTB Transport.

Post by Couchy »

So how do you transport your bikes, for family use we have the trusty elgrand but for my work and my own mtb trips I have a transit courier van bought recently and now being converted to mtb transport.
First job was remove bulkhead and wash the rear out. Once that was done I grabbed one of the bikes, barn doors make it easy to rest bike on while front wheel is taken out, bike does fit with wheels on but I will be using space for other stuff so front out and in it goes.

ImageUntitled by Tony H, on Flickr

ImageUntitled by Tony H, on Flickr

Now I know it fits time to line the rear, first up sound deadening sheets on all the panels roof and floor. Ply floor laid back on top. After that 10mm self adhesive foam. Also all cavities and holes filled with insulation. Then the fun therapeutic bit carpet lining.

Image by Tony H, on Flickr

Still half to do, needs the floor covering too undecided yet what to put down. Will add some sort of storage for spares and tools and also space for stove and mashing gear 😁

There’s actually enough space for an overnight stay if needed using a camp bed, may come in handy during restrictions if we are allowed to travel.
User avatar
weeksy
Site Admin
Posts: 23439
Joined: Sat Mar 14, 2020 12:08 pm
Has thanked: 5455 times
Been thanked: 13103 times

Re: MTB Transport.

Post by weeksy »

Thule towbar rack on the Mondeo. Takes 3 bikes.

I'll be the first to admit I'd prefer a day van

Image
DSC_0167 by Steve Weeks - Flickr2BBcode LITE
Nordboy
Posts: 808
Joined: Mon Mar 16, 2020 4:04 pm
Location: S. Wales
Has thanked: 299 times
Been thanked: 565 times

Re: MTB Transport.

Post by Nordboy »

Rear seats of the 5 series down, emtb just about fits in, worst case, front wheel off. Even if it gets muddy I have a full boot liner that allows me to brush the dirt off. As i've only had the car a year, I think i'll stick with it. I have the hills within a mile so don't often need to transport it.

But I can only get one bike in, which could be an issue when lockdown finishes I guess?
Mussels
Posts: 4446
Joined: Mon Mar 16, 2020 9:02 pm
Has thanked: 839 times
Been thanked: 1242 times

Re: MTB Transport.

Post by Mussels »

I have a 4 bike towbar rack that works well but is a bit of a faff to fit. I bought it for going on holiday in the Transit, once we got there and the camping rubbish was unpacked the van would become the bike garage with the bike rack put inside to hold the bikes upright.
I still miss the van.
User avatar
MingtheMerciless
Posts: 3557
Joined: Wed Mar 18, 2020 7:42 am
Location: Scarfolk on Sea
Has thanked: 2948 times
Been thanked: 1884 times

Re: MTB Transport.

Post by MingtheMerciless »

Atera tow bar bike rack for two mtb's (though with some judicious packing I've also attached the road bike as well). Cracking bit of kit, doddle to fit and use, must be 10 years old, has had frequent use, multiple trips to Devon and Cornwall and loads of local trips, though I suspect its only got a few years left in the tow bar clamp. I had to get an extra clamp for Mrs M's Levo that attached to the rack hoop and linked to the front fork as the front wheel had a habit rotating out of its clamp.
"Of all the stories you told me, which ones were true and which ones weren't?"
"My dear Doctor, they're all true."
"Even the lies?"
"Especially the lies."
Le_Fromage_Grande
Posts: 11236
Joined: Mon Mar 16, 2020 6:40 pm
Location: The road of many manky motorcycles
Has thanked: 607 times
Been thanked: 4125 times

Re: MTB Transport.

Post by Le_Fromage_Grande »

Cheapy two bar bracket on the Mondeo, it's a three bike version so can cope with the weight of my emtb.

Similar to this

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/lif ... lsrc=3p.ds

Though I could use my motorcycle trailer quite easily
Honda Owner
Beancounter
Posts: 1009
Joined: Sat Mar 14, 2020 1:20 pm
Has thanked: 2870 times
Been thanked: 554 times

Re: MTB Transport.

Post by Beancounter »

Rear seats down with both wheels off and I can the bike into the Fiesta. With a little bit of jiggery I can two in there but the wheels are squeezed in and rubbing on the roof lining. I’d prefer a van but for the amount I’d use it for transporting the bikes it would be a waste of money. Could get a tow bar rack but the nose weight of my car means I’d only get two bikes on there so no real advantage over sticking them into the car.
User avatar
Ditchfinder
Posts: 1124
Joined: Thu Dec 24, 2020 8:55 am
Has thanked: 622 times
Been thanked: 693 times

Re: MTB Transport.

Post by Ditchfinder »

C-class estate, seats down, front wheels off 2 bikes in no problem
v8-powered
Posts: 2528
Joined: Mon Mar 16, 2020 7:37 pm
Location: Layer-de-la-Haye
Has thanked: 2249 times
Been thanked: 1243 times

Re: MTB Transport.

Post by v8-powered »

Common old roof bars - 4 MTBs on the roof down through France, no problem.
Saying no problem, it's OK for me as I'm tall but wife is far too short to even consider trying to get them on or off. Same with the kayaks.
User avatar
Mr Moofo
Posts: 4620
Joined: Sat Mar 14, 2020 1:41 pm
Location: Brightonish
Has thanked: 1829 times
Been thanked: 1469 times

Re: MTB Transport.

Post by Mr Moofo »

Seats down, front wheel off .... BMW x3
User avatar
formula400
Posts: 1734
Joined: Wed Apr 15, 2020 4:14 pm
Location: London
Has thanked: 444 times
Been thanked: 863 times

Re: MTB Transport.

Post by formula400 »

I got a roof rack for the car, so much nicer than having it in the back and making it dirty
CBR650r :mrgreen: