I have a fairly decent (~$2000) Bianchi road bike that I used to transport with a Thule rack on top of my GTI. Of course, that killed fuel efficiency. I was wondering ... how do you guys secure your bike in the back of your Prius? I really don't want to disassemble the thing entirely, and I certainly don't want any grease stains from the chain or cassette, either. Any input is appreciated!
If you tear it down, you can put it in the rear hatch with the seats up. if you would rather fold the seats and not tear the bike down then you need to make sure gear side is up. Honestly, it doesn't move much. mine just sits there. no grease and no damage to either the car or the bike.
My Dean goes inside with the seats down and a towel draped over the greasier parts. I also put the fork on the mat that I use to stand on while changing to protect the flat folded seats. It works pretty well, although I've had to spot treat with some orange degreaser a couple times.
I put towels on the carpet, and just lay my Specialized Allez right down, gear side up. I have gotten a few tire marks on the seat backs, so a towel over the bike tires will protect that. Piece of cake. No tie down needed. The under floor bin in the trunk is good for shoes, gloves, etc, though my helmet won't fit there. It is so much better than a rack for only one bike. I've heard you can do two inside, but you'd probably need to remove some wheels to do that.
I lay a big plastic tarp down first, which protects against grease and mud. Instead of using oil on the chain, I boil it in paraffin every so often. The bike is far cleaner, and I don't get so filthy when I fix a flat.
As part of my daily commute I transport my Trek 5200 inside the Prius. Rear seats folded down, metal bar removed and left at home. Rear seats and rear deck covered with a large vinyl heavy duty SUV liner. Bicycle placed and retrieved through rear liftback, chain up. No modifications (such as removing front wheel) on bicycle. Helmet, shoes, water bottle, gloves, jacket placed in small alcove at rear. Works great! No mess.
I just put the my friend's bike inside with the seats folded. A tarp or large garbage bag will do. Makes cleaning up the dust/leaves/sand much easier as you just carefully remove the bag and throw the dust outside.
I just did this for the first time yesterday. I put a plastic tarp down in the back, and I had to take the front wheel off the bicycle to get it in. It wouldn't go in with it attached. I have a Trek 7500--a hybrid bike in a hybrid car. B)
My advice is to go to the local Uhaul, pay about $125 for a 1 1/2 inch receiver trailer hitch + $25 or so to install it (takes about 10 minutes) and then get a rear rack. I bought a 4 bike carrier rack on sale at Performance Bike - their brand for around $70. All said - about $200-225 for a nice setup that allows you to carry more than one bike (I know, I know, don't load 4 on the hitch due to the tongue weight). This way you can still carry passengers or cargo and keep the bike from ruining the interior. I have not noticed a difference in gas mileage. Good luck, Eric
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(denvereric @ Apr 4 2007, 11:37 PM) [snapback]418084[/snapback]</div> Thanks, Eric -- and welcome aboard! I have thought about the hitch bike rack, and am surprised that you don't notice a drastic mileage drop. Even if there was a drop, I don't think I would care that much. Anyone else go this route?
