There are four legal places to carry the bicycle in the car: the roof, the back, the interior and a trailer. However, they cannot be worn in any way. Each method has a conditions to be met so that they don't give us a fine or we end up damaging the bike or the car.
Next we will indicate what are the methods to anchor the bicycle to your vehicle. In addition to telling you what are the advantages and disadvantages of each. Then you yourself can make a decision to transport your bike. We of course have it clear.
bike rack on the roof
This is the way that those who already have roof bars on their car usually opt for. The advantages of these bike racks are that they free up space inside the trunk and the tailgate does not lock.
However, it affects the aerodynamics of the car more and can be a problem for access to height-limited environments. Especially if the bike is carried with both wheels on. The methods to anchor them to the ceiling are:
- With rail and arm: the two wheels are placed on the rail, while the arm holds the bicycle so that it remains upright. If you opt for this method, be careful not to scratch the frame by putting a protection between it and the hitch. A rag cutout, foam sheet, or similar fabric will suffice.
- With rail and fork hitch: for this roof bike rack it is necessary to remove the front wheel to leave the fork free. The rear wheel is attached in a similar way to the previous method. Its advantage is that the total height of the car plus the bike is less, so there would be fewer problems getting into some places.
- with the bike upside down: a system difficult to find today. Although it was very quick to put on and take off, it could end up damaging some parts of the bike. Being hooked to the handlebar and saddle, the inertia could affect some parts of these components.
A Pair of good examples of this type of bicycle transport are those of Thule o CAM. Both have a good track record of satisfied customers and are easy to set up and take down.
Rear bike rack
If the bicycles are placed in the rear of the car, the aerodynamics are less affected. Something recommended for long trips. However, some issues must be respected to avoid fines: the first is that, as you are extending the length of the vehicle, you must use a V20 type signal. It is a square with diagonal red and white stripes that costs around 20 euros. The second is that the bicycle should not protrude over the sides of the car, so you may have to remove a wheel. The third is that you must not cover the lights or license plate. If you do, you must place another one in a visible place. The two methods of carrying the bike on the rear are:
- gate bike rack: is attached to the tailgate. It is usually cheap to get one, but it has the drawback that it makes it difficult to access the trunk. If you opt for one of this type, remember that you should not cover the license plate, so in many cars you will have to opt for one of those that have the bicycles higher inclined with respect to the ground.
- ball bike rack: for this type you have to have the tow ball installed. Make sure it comes with a license plate slot and lights. It is more expensive, plus you will have to get an extra license plate for your car.
As examples of tailgate bike rack we have the of Go BikerThat of Homcom and of Flauraud. Their prices are very cheap and they allow you to transport bicycles with great comfort and safety. Its drawback is that it complicates access to the trunk or directly prevents it, if it is not disassembled beforehand.
As for ball bike rack, those of Auto Companion and those of Westfalia Automotive. Another very simple and safe way of transporting bicycles, but in which you have to invest a little more money. With this type you can access the trunk, because they usually include a function to fold the bicycles.
Inside the car
If it fits in the trunk without folding down the seats, you won't have to worry about a thing. But if this is not your case, keep in mind that you can be fined when you do not do well. The legislation is not entirely clear in this case, but in principle you can take the bicycle inside the car as long as do not impede the movement of the occupants and take it well anchored to some fixed part vehicle.
In addition to this, make sure that no other package is free which could be dangerous in the event of an accident. For example, if you have to remove a wheel from the bicycle, also anchor it to a fixed place in the car. You should do the same with other objects in the trunk, which would be loose inside the passenger compartment in a crash.
Is not more cover oily parts of the bike so as not to stain the interior of the car. With a few plastic bags would be enough. Especially if you have to remove the rear wheel, leaving the sprockets and chain more likely to touch something.
in a trailer
There is also the option of carrying the bikes on a trailer. Although not the best option unless you are going to carry so many bikes that would not be possible otherwise. In addition, you must circulate slower and you must add the difficulties of maneuvering with it, even if it is less than 750 kg, which is allowed for the driving license type B. Take a look at the article How to drive with a trailer if you go with it and you are not familiar with the process.
Either way, the bikes must be well fastened in the trailer. Otherwise, they could be thrown and cause an accident. You can use for example lashing straps like those of BB Sport or those of industry planet.
Regulations for transporting bicycles
- Ball and gate bike racks increase the length of the set, so you must add signs type V20. They are cheap and serve to signal that the vehicle is longer than it may seem. those of Bottari o toolmotion They are good and have a good price. To secure them well, it is advisable to use elastic tensors such as those of Magna.
- Respect the maximum weight supported by the bike racks you use. Follow the instructions precisely to fix them properly.
- If the bike rack you use covers the license plate and taillights, you will have to put a extra license plate and add lights extra. Hence, those that are attached to the tow balls have lights and a space to put said license plate. If you want to get one quickly, you can order them, for example, from gonplac.
- The bicycles must not exceed the width of the vehicle. Therefore, depending on how your car is, you may have to remove a wheel from your bicycles. What is a simple and fast process in most current models.
- If you take them inside the car they should not interfere with the driver's vision and be well attached so that they do not cause damage in the event of an accident.