Bike Carrying Options

[stinger11]

Hey,

First post, long time lurker. I am just waiting for a loan to come through and I'm going to go pick up my Si (coupe probably haven't decided for sure but like the looks better). Anyways I need to find a way to haul my bike to practices and races (i do Triathlons). So was wondering if there are particular systems that work well or just refuse to work well for the 07 coupe design. I currently am using a trunk mount and its ok but it scratches the paint (luckily I don't care as the car I'm driving now is a POS) but I don't want that to happen to my brand new Si ! So roof racks or trunk racks are fine, but as far as roof racks go I'm just concerned it will interfere with the sunroof. Thanks for any help you all can offer!

[wing_gundam]

Hi and welcome!

Well I would point you to the thread about hitches, but as far as I know, the SI isn't supposed to have a hitch. I think your option is then roof racks. If you have a tri bike than it probably weights 5lbs or less anyways which is easy to put on top. I don't know what's available for the coupe but you should look @ Thule. http://www.thuleracks.com

It looks like Thule has a product for the coupe as well: http://www.thuleracks.com/thulecan/fg_vehicle.asp


In terms of moon roof interfearence. its fine. The racks go on the side of you car until you have a bike over it. Putting the roof completely open shouldn't be a problem and since the tilt of going back is so slight, there shouldn't be a clearence problem with that either.


Edit: I keep getting thrown to the Canadian site, not a big deal for me, but google Thule and you should get to the US site.

[8thgenuser]

I put the back seat down and take off the front wheel of my bike. I've been able to fit at least two bikes, a 19 in. full suspension mountain bike and a 63cm road bike (I haven't tried any more than that) inside my car. Toting the bike inside the car = less drag = better fuel economy (than having a virtual sail on your car).

[stinger11]

Originally Posted by wing_gundam

Hi and welcome!

Well I would point you to the thread about hitches, but as far as I know, the SI isn't supposed to have a hitch.

Yeah that thought had crossed my mind as well but that seems like heresy to do that to a Si. I was thinking more of the ones that just latched onto the trunk lid.

@8thgenuser - ever have any problems with it scratching the bumper on the way out? and how space you have left back there with just one bike?

[8thgenuser]

Originally Posted by stinger11

Yeah that thought had crossed my mind as well but that seems like heresy to do that to a Si. I was thinking more of the ones that just latched onto the trunk lid.

@8thgenuser - ever have any problems with it scratching the bumper on the way out? and how space you have left back there with just one bike?

I think I forgot to mention I have a 4-door EX. Come to think of it, I usually take the back wheel off as well. Well, I still have plenty of room for knick-knacks like a bag for a change of clothes, a floor pump, a toolbox, water, hydration backpack, cycling shoes, arm guards, knee/shin guards, and more! Basically, there's still plenty of room for your biking needs. With the two frames in my car, I had to stick a wheel or two in the cabin of the car.

I haven't scratched my rear bumper just yet *knocks on wood*. I know it'll happen sooner or later. Even with a bike rack or a hitch rack, you're not totally safe from scratches from loading/unloading your bike.

[wing_gundam]

Originally Posted by 8thgenuser

I think I forgot to mention I have a 4-door EX. Come to think of it, I usually take the back wheel off as well. Well, I still have plenty of room for knick-knacks like a bag for a change of clothes, a floor pump, a toolbox, water, hydration backpack, cycling shoes, arm guards, knee/shin guards, and more! Basically, there's still plenty of room for your biking needs. With the two frames in my car, I had to stick a wheel or two in the cabin of the car.

I haven't scratched my rear bumper just yet *knocks on wood*. I know it'll happen sooner or later. Even with a bike rack or a hitch rack, you're not totally safe from scratches from loading/unloading your bike.

I'll definately have to try this method soon!


8th, do you take the wheels off the mountain bike too?

[8thgenuser]

Yes, both wheels off. Thank god for quick release hubs!

[CraigH]

If you want a hitch bike rack, check out my post in the hitch thread here:
http://www.8thcivic.com/forums/showt...665#post685665

[8thgenuser]

From the above link:

Originally Posted by CraigH

So far we had a 1.25" Hidden Hitch installed on it, and last night bought a 'Swagman Cross Country 'XC' 2 Bike 1.25" Receiver' from MEC. (Before that I was using an old top tube mount style rack that a friend gave me.)

Pics of the Hidden Hitch on a Coupe (2 door).
hitch possibility?

Pics of the Hidden Hitch on a Sedan (4 door).
hitch possibility?

Pics of a Sedan (4 door) with a top tube style bike rack.
hitch possibility?

Pic of the Swagman 1.25" receiver rack (it isn't shown on the Swagman site for some reason).
http://www.bikerackshops.com/SG64625.html

The Thule/Yakima/Saris racks are probably higher quality than the Swagman, but they are also 3 times the cost up here in Canada.

Rear View


Side View


Trunk Open, with only 1 bike it would open without problem.
Might also be able to shift inner bike to clear.
You can still access the trunk to get stuff as is.


Folded.


Removed for Storage.

I think I'll have to get a licence plate holder to mount to the rack as it really hides it, I know the police in the Vancouver area have been handing out tickets for bike racks that hide plates.

Yeah, that looks great! It sure beats putting your dirty bike inside your car after a day of downhilling!

[CraigH]

Originally Posted by 8thgenuser

From the above link:
Yeah, that looks great! It sure beats putting your dirty bike inside your car after a day of downhilling!

You're welcome!

[wing_gundam]

Can you post some pics of the hitch bar on your car without the hitch? maybe one from ground level?

[tommyroo]

Originally Posted by 8thgenuser

I put the back seat down and take off the front wheel of my bike. I've been able to fit at least two bikes, a 19 in. full suspension mountain bike and a 63cm road bike (I haven't tried any more than that) inside my car. Toting the bike inside the car = less drag = better fuel economy (than having a virtual sail on your car).

That's what I do as well. My car is never clean so a little dirt never bothers me.

[Jonner]

By the way, for you guys shopping around for bike racks I highly suggest checking at the reviews here:

http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/bike_rack/

Lots of good information on personal reviews of various roof, trunk, and hitch mount racks.