Travel with your bike

YOU CAN TAKE IT WITH YOU.

Travelling with your bike is easier than ever

before. Whether you travel by car, ride the

rails or take to the friendly skies, your bike

can come along for the ride.

 

DRIVING WITH YOUR BIKE

Bicycle carrier systems come in a broad range of styles to fit virtually every type of vehicle. When selecting a system, consider these factors:

• The size of your vehicle.

• The number, size and weight of your bikes – Sure, you can fit more bikes on the roof of a car, but do you really want to lift them all up there?

• Where your vehicle is stored – Will it fit in the garage with the rack attached and/or the bikes up top?

• Mobility – Do you need to frequently remove the rack or swap it between vehicles?

• Budget – Carrier systems vary in price, based upon features and style. Once you confirm your requirements, check out the different types of carriers available:

• Any unprotected bike-to-bike or bike-to-vehicle contact can result in damage. Pad and secure anything your rack can’t keep separated.

• Lock your bikes to the carrier, and the carrier to the vehicle. The piece of mind is worth the added expense. When carrying a bike inside your vehicle, cover it. What thieves can’t see, they are less likely to steal.

• Strip the bike of any accessories before loading it onto the car. Panniers, cycle computers, water bottles and pumps are safer in the car than blowing in the wind.

• Many racks allow the front wheel to swing. To avoid damage to other bikes and the car secure their wheel with a strap or bungee.

ROOF RACKS

Good for all sizes of bicycles, including tandems. Keeps bikes secured, without contacting each other or your vehicle.

REAR RACKS

Relatively easy to install and remove, and can be shared between vehicles. Very affordable.

TOWBAR RACKS

Good for heavier loads due to sturdiness and low mounting height. Most brands allow for ample separation of bikes. Easy to install and remove.

 

BUSES AND TRAINS

The experience of taking your bike on a bus or train will vary greatly from area to area, or type of bus or train.

Check ahead to find out which method will work best for your trip.

• Be flexible when taking your bike onto a bus or train. Whether you like it or not, you ARE taking up valuable space, so be as courteous and accommodating as possible.

• Consider a folding bike if you frequently travel. Many of today’s folding models weigh slightly more than the standard variety, and travel in carriers the size of a suitcase.

• Carry a lock at all times when traveling with your bike, even if the only place you’ll lock the bike is in your hotel room.

• Remember the pump and tools.

 

FLYING WITH YOUR BIKE

Whether your bike travels in a specialty hard or soft case, or even a cardboard box, flying with a bike is all about secure packing and light weight. Keeping your bike secure protects it from friction related damage. Keeping it light makes transport to and from the airport more manageable, and may cut down on airline charges. Airline bike carriers differ in size, weight and price. Advantages of a larger carrier include reduced bike dismantling and increased storage space. This equates to less contact between bike parts and wheels within the case. Disadvantages of large cases include portability in your own vehicle or a taxi at your destination, and the potential for overall weight to exceed airline limits. Smaller cases may require more time and effort to pack, but can be worthwhile at the airline check-in counter, or when your cab driver shows up in a tiny hatchback.