Bicycles can be easily transported by car as long as you use the right bicycle transport systems.
Cycling is popular. But the bike tour doesn't always start at home. Often the first thing to do is drive the car. If you want to take your bike with you on holiday or to a distant destination, you have to bring it in, on or on the vehicle. There are different possibilities for this.
Fast on and fast on the way
One option for transporting bicycles is a rear carrier. Most are designed for two bikes, but there are also variants for more bikes. The bikes can usually be easily fixed here, the air resistance only increases slightly. However, the systems are comparatively expensive. The most common are rear carriers for mounting on the trailer hitch. Anyone who decides on such a variant should keep an eye on the vertical load. Disadvantages are a more confusing rear and also longer vehicle and the poorer accessibility of the trunk. Many carriers therefore offer a folding function that basically allows access to the trunk.
If you prefer rear transport but don't have a trailer hitch, you can also attach the carrier to the tailgate - but this is not possible with all vehicles. Before purchasing, you should definitely read the operating instructions. Clumsy installation can result in scratches on the paintwork. More wind noise and trunk access, which is often complicated, are other disadvantages.
Pay attention to the support load
When transporting the mostly heavier e-bikes, you have to take a few special features into account. You can quickly reach 50 kilograms or more with just two pedelecs. Therefore, care should be taken not to exceed the support load of the coupling. In addition to the bicycles themselves, the weight of the carrier must also be taken into account when calculating the load. In addition, the load limits of the wearer should always be observed. A number of bicycle racks specially designed for the transport of e-bikes are now available. For weight and safety reasons, the batteries should be transported inside the vehicle; they are best stored in padded sleeves or shipping boxes.
If you are traveling with a rear bicycle carrier and the corresponding cargo, you should always take the larger dimensions into account. Increases in length and width can cause problems, especially when manoeuvring. In some situations, it can be helpful if the front passenger directs you to a parking space from the outside. Especially when traveling abroad, it may be necessary to install a red and white warning sign for a rear bicycle carrier.
Only for strong men
Bicycles can also be transported on the roof or in the trunk. Roof bike racks require roof rails. In addition, a relatively large amount of force is required when assembling and fitting the wheels. The biggest advantage is the high loading capacity of up to four wheels. Basically, when transporting on the roof, you have to make sure that the roof load including the carrier system is not exceeded. The aerodynamics of the car deteriorate significantly with this solution, which increases fuel consumption. The driver must also take into account the changed vehicle height.
If the bikes are stored in the trunk, these restrictions do not apply. Station wagons, vans or SUVs are often suitable for taking bikes with you in the luggage compartment. The front wheel usually has to be removed to do this. There are special attachment systems in the accessories that allow up to three bikes to be accommodated upright and securely fixed next to each other. The advantage: the effort required for loading remains low, and the vehicle aerodynamics are not negatively affected. In addition, the wheels are protected against wind, weather and theft. However, the rear seats usually have to be folded down and are therefore no longer usable for passengers. There is also little space left for luggage. In this respect, this solution is particularly interesting for singles or couples.
