My wife and I purchased some bikes that we're picking up on Saturday (I'm excited!). I am wondering, however, whether or not they'll fit in the trunk. I have a relative with a truck who said they could help, but I'm not sure I'd need them. Also, my bike has an "XL" (21", I think) frame if that matters.
Yes, they should easily fit in a Prius. You may need to take off the front wheels. My method is: fold down the back seats lay 1st bike flat put a blanket over the first bike put 2nd on top of first Be sure to put the chain side up, chain grease is difficult to remove.
I've stored my 25'' road bike in the hatch. Lower the back seats, remove front wheel, put bike in back first, chain up; turn handle bars all the way right. You may want to stick a towel or something between the handle bar and frame to prevent chipping the top tube paint. Have a nice ride.
Yes, two bikes will fit nicely. You might want to lay down a tarp first to protect the upholstery, and use something between the bikes to keep them from scratching each other. A blanket will help, but I've also found cardboard, spare chunks of styrofoam, and panniers to be useful for this. One solution for keeping chain grease off the carpet is to use paraffin on the chain instead, though it's not very durable in the winter.
No. Most mountain and road bikes have quick release wheels but some cruiser and comfort bikes don't. What kind of bikes did you get?
i'd disagree with the above- yes a quick release is super easy to remove, but if they don't have a quick release, they have a bolt on each side. loosen it. (assuming you don't have a locking skewer) bring along an adjustable wrench (or a set of bike wrenches if ya got some) and it'll take you about 10 seconds to pop the front wheel off. 20 if it hasn't been taken off in a while.
We got a Novara Big Buzz and Forza (which we used our 20% off coupon on at REI). I can't see where it says if they have a quick release front thingie or locking skewer? Can you tell? Another dumb question, I know, but just to put this in perspective, I haven't owned a bike since middle school. Also, in your experience, do bikes fit beter if I tilt the passenger seat forward or does the geometry make it irrelevant? My wife and I will have to take two cars to pick them up anyway, since we have to worry about two carseats for the kids.
I've seen a long, recumbent tricycle go in the back of a Prius. The Prius is like the tent in an Arabian Nights story: looks tiny from the outside, but inside it's the size of a city.
If they are road bikes, putting them in the car is generally not a problem. However, if you're talking mountain bikes ...... that can get way too nasty. Here's my solution ... brad
