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Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum:
Bikes on MiniVan?

campguy71

Apr 14, 05 7:25

Post #1 of 8 (533 views)

Bikes on MiniVan?	Can't Post

Best and Cheapest way to transport 2 bikes on MiniVan?

Ed in IL

Apr 14, 05 7:34

Post #2 of 8 (521 views)

Re: Bikes on MiniVan? [campguy71] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Inside the van or hitch rack.

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cerveloguy

Apr 14, 05 7:37

Post #3 of 8 (511 views)

Re: Bikes on MiniVan? [campguy71] [In reply to]	Can't Post

You can purchase one of these external bike racks that attach to the rear hatch door of the minivan. The are not expensive and will carry two bikes. I have one but have never used it since we always put the bikes inside the minivan.

STP

Apr 14, 05 7:40

Post #4 of 8 (506 views)

Re: Bikes on MiniVan? [campguy71] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Here's a Thule rack that attaches to the factory roof rack. It's pricy though ($159) and you'll need one for each bike.

http://www.orsracksdirect.com/thule-889.html#

campguy71

Apr 14, 05 7:47

Post #5 of 8 (497 views)

Re: Bikes on MiniVan? [Ed in IL] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Outside of the van.

596

Apr 14, 05 7:49

Post #6 of 8 (490 views)

Re: Bikes on MiniVan? [campguy71] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Be careful mounting bikes outside of vehicles. Insurance will not cover damage to bikes on the outside of your car/vehicle without a "rider" on your policy!! I now transport all my bikes inside my Caddy!!
Paul
http://casasedona.com
AAA 4-Diamond Bed and breakfast Inn
As seen on the "Travel Channel"
2008 "1,000 Places to See Before You Die"

Ed in IL

Apr 14, 05 7:58

Post #7 of 8 (482 views)

Re: Bikes on MiniVan? [campguy71] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I found a hitchrack at nashbar.com last year for $120 that carried 4 bikes. Its a sfotride rack. I think it was a closeout.

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dbh1

Apr 15, 05 18:28

Post #8 of 8 (415 views)

Re: Bikes on MiniVan? [campguy71] [In reply to]	Can't Post

If your minivan has a roof rack (with crossbars, not just the side rails), Performance has a rack that mounts to the existing rack and holds two bikes. It's called the XPORT Factory Rack Kit, and it's on sale for $140. Fork mount in the front, a nice ratcheting strap to hold down the rear tire. I've used one for the last 3 years with no trouble.

If your minivan has a trailer hitch, you can usually find a deal on some sort of hitch rack. They're easier to load than a roof rack (don't have to lift the bike up as high), but they can make it a pain to get into the back of the van while you're using them. Also easier for your bikes to get damaged in parking lots. You also need to find some place to store the rack when you're not using it as it gets in the way (I just leave the roof rack on the van all the time).

I've never owned one of the racks that hangs/clamps onto the hatch, but after helping install them on other people's vehicles, I don't think I would trust my bike on them for any length of time or distance. Even when tightened down as much as possible, they shift around a little bit, which tends to loosen the straps.