General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Car/SUV for PAIR of STANDING Tri Bikes Rss Feed  
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2013-04-08 2:51 PM

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Subject: Car/SUV for PAIR of STANDING Tri Bikes

I am fortunate to have a wife as a tri training partner. We will move to Phoenix area this summer and hope to ramp up our training and drive to the newly accessible races in SW/West.

CHALLENGE: Though there is plenty of advice on fitting one bike, two road bikes, or laying down multiple tri bikes, I have not found definitive recommendations on...

TWO TRI bikes (front wheels off is fine)

STANDING

INSIDE

Non-minivan or truck.

 

THANK YOU for your help!



2013-04-08 3:02 PM
in reply to: #4691900

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Expert
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Greenville, SC
Subject: RE: Car/SUV for PAIR of STANDING Tri Bikes
saw a couple do this in a honda element at a race last year. didn't even have to take the wheels off, just rolled right in. i was jealous...
2013-04-08 3:05 PM
in reply to: #4691900

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Elite
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Cleveland
Subject: RE: Car/SUV for PAIR of STANDING Tri Bikes

How tall are your bikes?

 

2013-04-08 3:06 PM
in reply to: #4691900

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Expert
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Scottsdale, AZ
Subject: RE: Car/SUV for PAIR of STANDING Tri Bikes
I think you'll be fine with most larger sized SUVs.  I can fit two bikes standing, wheels off in my ML500 without issue even with the seat on my 56 left in place.  Pathfinders will work but on a larger bike you'll need to drop/remove the seat.
2013-04-08 6:29 PM
in reply to: #4691900

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Master
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North edge of nowhere
Subject: RE: Car/SUV for PAIR of STANDING Tri Bikes

I'm considering the Toyota Rav4 just for that. I went to a dealership with my Plasma 20 and a measuring tape to double-check. The salesman looked at me oddly before he realized what I was trying to accomplish.

I'm thinking of mounting a Delta Bike Hitch on either a 2x6 or one of Delta's Stableloader Bike Mounts with the bike facing backwards. Assuming I measured everything correctly, my bike should fit with just a tiny bit of room to spare fore and aft, and plenty of room to the side for my race box and suitcase. If I need more room for luggage I'll get a roof-mounted luggage carrier.

If a Rav4 will fit the bike standing up, I would think any other small SUV or crossover should be big enough also.

Afterthought: I'm only 5'8", so my bike isn't very tall. That's going to make a difference.



Edited by RBesecke 2013-04-08 6:30 PM
2013-04-08 6:49 PM
in reply to: #4691900

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Expert
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Subject: RE: Car/SUV for PAIR of STANDING Tri Bikes
I have a Honda Element, I'm 6'2" so the bikes all tall and my tri bike had bottle cages behind the saddle. I can get two bikes in with front wheels on and one back seat in the sitting position. Wife has a VW van and it takes bikes well too. Need to dip mine over to clear the rear hatch but once in they fit up right. Taking the front wheel off decrease the room needed a lot.


2013-04-08 7:05 PM
in reply to: #4691900

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Subject: RE: Car/SUV for PAIR of STANDING Tri Bikes
Only a fraction of society understands this thread--love it...  Some buy cars for looks, some for carry families (eg will car seats fit, strollers, etc...) and the most advanced of civilization buy them based upon their ability to transport bikes!
2013-04-08 7:13 PM
in reply to: #4691900

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Master
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Subject: RE: Car/SUV for PAIR of STANDING Tri Bikes

We just bought a 2014 Subaru Forester and I'm fairly certain we could get both bikes in there standing up without the front wheels.  Neither of us are super tall though, so if you are, it may not work.  The new models get good MPG and are extremely comfortable.  Most importantly for us, it will fit 3 80+ lb dogs in cargo area with the back seat up!

(People bring dogs to car dealers to 'fit' them too...)

2013-04-08 7:22 PM
in reply to: #4691900

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Subject: RE: Car/SUV for PAIR of STANDING Tri Bikes

Awesome post. Me and my wife just went through this. I had a Ford Escape 2008 model and my tri bike and her road bike fit just fine. Lay down one back seat and it was great.

We needed a new car a couple months ago and decided to trade both our cars in and get 2 SUVs so we can have two cars to get our bikes around. We ended up with a GMC Terrain and a Chevy Equinox. The bikes both fit in both cars now. However it is a more snug fit from up and down angle due to the back seats do not lay flat like they did in the Ford. However they still fit just fine. When we went for a test drive and looking for cars we brought my bike since it was the taller of the two. The sales guy looked at me nuts when I took it out to see if it would fit. He said if it doesn't we can lay it down or go to the next size up of car. I laughed and said NO, if the bike wont fit I move on, and my son says yep bike has to fit man so we can go to Ironman. funny stuff.

My bike is a size 54 Felt. Good luck. Take the bike with you. Hell most people think us triathletes are crazy anyways.

2013-04-08 7:41 PM
in reply to: #4691900


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Subject: RE: Car/SUV for PAIR of STANDING Tri Bikes
Mini hijack...so how does everyone keep the bike stable while standing upright?  Maybe a dumb question, but I've never even thought about this since I'm usually traveling with just one bike layed flat.
2013-04-08 8:06 PM
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Subject: RE: Car/SUV for PAIR of STANDING Tri Bikes

two tri bikes fit in my Nissan Murano (but on my 56 frame i have to drop the seat).

I mount the front forks on two standard mounts I drilled into a 3ft x 2x4 that just lays in the back of the car. no more support needed.



2013-04-08 8:43 PM
in reply to: #4691900

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Veteran
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Deep South, Georgia
Subject: RE: Car/SUV for PAIR of STANDING Tri Bikes
I can get two bikes, front wheels off,  easily in either of my SUV's.  The Tahoe is a little taller, but the Nissan Armada is much deeper.  Both of these is with the 2nd row seating folded down of course.
2013-04-08 8:48 PM
in reply to: #4691900

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Veteran
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indiana
Subject: RE: Car/SUV for PAIR of STANDING Tri Bikes
Excursion. V10. Will pull anything, haul a small army. And transport any number of bikes. Including my 56cm slice with front wheel off.
2013-04-08 8:57 PM
in reply to: #4691900

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Pro
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Twin Cities
Subject: RE: Car/SUV for PAIR of STANDING Tri Bikes
Our highlander easily fits both of our bikes standing. We can get 3+ with creative arranging (front wheel only removed),
2013-04-09 2:12 AM
in reply to: #4691900

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Expert
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Houston, TX
Subject: RE: Car/SUV for PAIR of STANDING Tri Bikes
I did this several years ago with a Nissan Xterra. Made my own rack with a piece of small metal C shaped tubing with two Yakima blockheads. It slid right into the existing cargo retaining tie down spots. Bungie cord the front wheels to the side of the frame and you are done. Pretty darn easy.
2013-04-09 5:17 AM
in reply to: #4692277

Master
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Subject: RE: Car/SUV for PAIR of STANDING Tri Bikes

cpzone - 2013-04-08 5:41 PM Mini hijack...so how does everyone keep the bike stable while standing upright?  Maybe a dumb question, but I've never even thought about this since I'm usually traveling with just one bike layed flat.

Get a pack of bungie cords and you can loop them around the frame and hook somewhere on the door / inside of the vehicle.



2013-04-09 5:49 AM
in reply to: #4691900


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Subject: RE: Car/SUV for PAIR of STANDING Tri Bikes

I know it lacks imagination but I also have a Honda Element.  So handy.  When I am done just roll it in there.  I have also added a trailer hitch and a swagman bike carrier so I can carry up to 4 bikes and 3 people or some combination of that and gear and I can sleep in it if need be.  I have tried to get rid of the Element several different times but everytime I go to look at cars they lack the versatility of an Element.  I am pretty sure I will keep the E until the wheels fall off.

2013-04-09 6:46 AM
in reply to: #4691900

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Payson, AZ
Subject: RE: Car/SUV for PAIR of STANDING Tri Bikes
Truck with a cab.  Works like a charm and I never care how dirty my bike is (mountain bike also goes back there), and I can fit 4 in there easily.  My bike is tiny so I don't even take wheels off. 
2013-04-09 8:04 AM
in reply to: #4692277

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Expert
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Broadlands
Subject: RE: Car/SUV for PAIR of STANDING Tri Bikes

cpzone - 2013-04-08 8:41 PM Mini hijack...so how does everyone keep the bike stable while standing upright?  Maybe a dumb question, but I've never even thought about this since I'm usually traveling with just one bike layed flat.

Bungee cords, but not done too tight, I wrap my bikes frames with towels then use a bungee cord.  (Top tip if you're doing this, try not to use the Egyption cotton towels that are now apparently "very expensive bike rags") :-)

I drive a Land Rover Discovery, rear seats down I can fit more than two bikes in standing up without taking the wheels off, I ride a 58cm frame with rear mounted bottle cages and still have loads of room.

2013-04-09 8:28 AM
in reply to: #4692247

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Deep in the Heart of Texas
Subject: RE: Car/SUV for PAIR of STANDING Tri Bikes

Running Q - 2013-04-08 7:05 PM Only a fraction of society understands this thread--love it...  Some buy cars for looks, some for carry families (eg will car seats fit, strollers, etc...) and the most advanced of civilization buy them based upon their ability to transport bikes!

I find myself admiring the strangest vehicles nowadays - mostly due to the ability to hold bikes, gear, and act as easy changing rooms.

I can really see the utility of a Nissan NV Passenger Van or a Mercedes Sprinter Passenger Van.

2013-04-09 8:53 AM
in reply to: #4691900

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Elite
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N Carolina
Subject: RE: Car/SUV for PAIR of STANDING Tri Bikes
Chevy Suburban.  Two bikes completely assembled will fit in the back and still have the 2nd row seat available for passengers.  Put the bikes in rear wheel first and interlock the aerobars for support.  No bungees needed.  Awesome vehicle!!!


2013-04-09 9:39 AM
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Subject: RE: Car/SUV for PAIR of STANDING Tri Bikes

Honda Fit.

I have a 2008 Honda Fit Sport and I can get 2 bikes in there standing up, just have to take the front wheels off. The rear seats fold completely flat in about 5 seconds. You basically have a small cargo van in there. There is plenty of room for gear and everything you need for 2 people. I have done this many times with tri bikes and mountain bikes. The biggest benefit is gas mileage. You get incredibly good gas mileage with this vehicle. Great reliability, great gas mileage, and cheap to own. A win all around.

2013-04-09 12:14 PM
in reply to: #4692920

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Master
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Crab Cake City
Subject: RE: Car/SUV for PAIR of STANDING Tri Bikes
DeVinci13 - 2013-04-09 10:39 AM

Honda Fit.

I have a 2008 Honda Fit Sport and I can get 2 bikes in there standing up, just have to take the front wheels off. The rear seats fold completely flat in about 5 seconds. You basically have a small cargo van in there. There is plenty of room for gear and everything you need for 2 people. I have done this many times with tri bikes and mountain bikes. The biggest benefit is gas mileage. You get incredibly good gas mileage with this vehicle. Great reliability, great gas mileage, and cheap to own. A win all around.

Just curious as to the size of the bikes you put in the Honda Fit. My Fiance has one and I cannot get my Speed Concenpt in their standing Up, its a size L. When I do get it in the car, I have to move the front passenger seat all the way forward to get it in laying down. If you had a pic or two you would be willing to share, I would greatly appreciate it so I can try something knew to get my bike in her car better.

2013-04-09 2:33 PM
in reply to: #4691900

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Expert
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Plano, National Capital Region
Subject: RE: Car/SUV for PAIR of STANDING Tri Bikes

I went through this last year.  You will have more options if you are willing to drop or remove the seat/seatpost. If you don't want to touch your seatpost options will be much more limited.

I have a 2013 Ford Explorer Limited and it fits a smaller bike (5'2" rider) with just removing front wheel.  However, my bikes need to have the seatpost removed (I'm 6'0") in addition to the front wheel.  You will of course have to fold both rows of rear seats flat.  I keep a Ritchey break-away torque wrench in the car just for removing and putting the seatposts back on (and they have a nice mark on them so I know how high to set it up).  There is also enough room to put some luggage, transition bags, a small cooler, spare wheels in there.  I can even be a bit creative and even leave one of the rear seats up to allow for a 3rd passenger.  Also uses regular unleaded and gets around 20 mpg. Nice interior and sound system is decent.

I use a Saris rack but some people just get some wood and screw the fork mounts into it.

The older Tahoe/Suburban worked fine (I had a 1996 at one point) without touching the seatposts but the newer ones don't have as much vertical clearance.

The next vehicle I'm eyeing is probably a Land Rover LR4. Looks tall enough so I don't have to mess with the seat (I hate taking the seatpost off my favorite roadbike as it has some shims). 

When I was looking, the new Nissan Pathfinder also worked well.



Edited by m2tx 2013-04-09 2:34 PM
2013-04-09 8:40 PM
in reply to: #4691900


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Subject: RE: Car/SUV for PAIR of STANDING Tri Bikes
Today's SUVs = jacked up station wagons with bad fuel economy

Minivans rule!
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