Removing both wheels for transport?

[brw0513]

Hi all.

I still haven't purchased an eMTB yet. And after taking a walk in a local state forest today to do some reconaisance , I think I'd enjoy technical climbs and fast decents maybe even more than the trails I had in mind!

But I will need to transport a bike to ride anywhere. And I'd much rather transport it inside my car than use a rack (on roof or tow ball).

But my short wheel base Mitsubishi Pajero will require both wheels to be removed.

Is anyone else doing this? No doubt the chain would be grubby. But is there any other reason not to remove the rear wheel?

 

[Fingerpuk]

I do it. Takes 5 minutes. I kept the box of cane in and fashioned a sort of v shaped piece of card to sit it in to protect the interior.

I keep thinking if buying a Berlingo for bikes carrying but parking is an issue.

 

[boBE]

I bought some vinyl flooring roll to put down in the cargo area to protect it from chain dirt.
Don't forget a small torque tool to tighten the wheel bolts, especially since you will be removing.installing then frequently. And two shims to keep the brake pads from extending too far.
Somewhat related: when I shopped for my current mini-suv the final test was that my bike had to fit. The sales droid said it was a first but went along with it as we put the bike in the back.

 

[Beekeeper]

Just about to do it.

2 ebikes
Wheels off
Pedals off
Seat posts out
Bubble wrap around both frames
Duvet wrapped around first bike. Second bike resting on top.
Bubble wrap around all wheels separately

will post photos when I do it.

 

[Gary]

parking is an issue.

There are companies that can provide lessons for a fee.

 

[Fingerpuk]

It’s ok I’ll just use the slightly raised bit of extra road to leave it on.

Found a Berlingo for £800 in ok condition. Reckon it’s on if insurance isn’t silly.

 

[Jackware]

I can get my large fat ebike easily into my Ford Focus hatch by taking the wheels off. I store the wheels in wheelbags (EVOC double wheel bags are perfect) to contain the mud and water and making them easier to handle.
A large plastic lined builders dust sheet is draped in the boot and over the reclined back seats, doors etc.
If I'm leaving the car at any point I also use the back seat securing hoops on the side to chain the bike to and cover it over with black sheet.

 

[brw0513]

Anyone removing the chain to help get the rear wheel out?

The Connex Links seem to get good reviews from the road going fraternity - may not be appropriate for eMTB use though:

Connex Link – the legendary tool-free locking system

Are you looking for a connector for your bike chain? With Connex Link, Snap On and the Spring Clip, we have just the right links on offer – including tool-free solutions

www.connexchain.com

 

[routrax]

I take the wheels off mine to fit in the back of my van. I put a big blue Ikea bag over the rear triangle and cranks to stop the oily bits causing problems and stick the rear wheel in another which covers the cassette. Works pretty well and the bags are about 75p.

 

[Kaelidoz]

If you drive alone, your bike will probably have enough room with only the front wheel off.

My size L fits in a twingo 2. In a very specific position, but still.

Usually you place the fork between the back of the front seat and the rear seat cushion. The rest of the bike is either on its side or up diagonally.

 

[Gary]

Anyone removing the chain to help get the rear wheel out?

Er... No.

it's really not difficult to remove the rear wheel from any bicycle without splitting the chain

 

[Beekeeper]

Anyone removing the chain to help get the rear wheel out?

The Connex Links seem to get good reviews from the road going fraternity - may not be appropriate for eMTB use though:

Connex Link – the legendary tool-free locking system

Are you looking for a connector for your bike chain? With Connex Link, Snap On and the Spring Clip, we have just the right links on offer – including tool-free solutions

www.connexchain.com

No need to remove the chain.
I often remove the back wheel when cleaning the bike. Trying to get it back in the first time was a nightmare but you soon get the hang of it and now I don’t even need to think about it.

 

[Jackware]

Anyone removing the chain to help get the rear wheel out?

The Connex Links seem to get good reviews from the road going fraternity - may not be appropriate for eMTB use though:

Connex Link – the legendary tool-free locking system

Are you looking for a connector for your bike chain? With Connex Link, Snap On and the Spring Clip, we have just the right links on offer – including tool-free solutions

www.connexchain.com

Selecting the highest gear (smallest cog on the cassette) before you stop will give you plenty of play in the derailleur to loosen the chain tension. Sram derailleurs have a small pin you engage after pushing the cage forward that locks the derailleur in a forward position to give you slack.

 

[Bacalao]

Anyone removing the chain to help get the rear wheel out?

The Connex Links seem to get good reviews from the road going fraternity - may not be appropriate for eMTB use though:

Connex Link – the legendary tool-free locking system

Are you looking for a connector for your bike chain? With Connex Link, Snap On and the Spring Clip, we have just the right links on offer – including tool-free solutions

www.connexchain.com

No need to take it off to remove the wheel as others have said, but FYI I do run the Connex chain with the link on my Levo. I wax the chain so the link makes that process a breeze. I’ve run the link on Road and acoustic mtbs for years with no problems.

 

[R120]

Its really no issue, just throw a tarp in the back of the car, take the wheels off (remembering to switch the clutch off on the rear derailleur) put the axles back in the bike so you dont loose them, chuck the bike in,, wheels on top of the bike and off you go. When you put the wheels back in to go ride ember to put the clutch back into the on position.

I have a couple of rubber garage floor matts that I put between the bike and the wheels. I also use these to protect the bike when I unload the bike, as you put them on the ground, flip the bike upside down onto the bars and saddle to put the wheels back on/off, so stops the bike getting damaged:

 

[p3eps]

Also maybe worth popping the transport blocks in the brakes incase you accidentally knock a lever when putting it in the car!

 

[Tooks]

I travel with my bike in the car rather than on a rack etc, prefer it for security and fuel economy reasons, especially since I got an electric car.

Just check you’ve got everything in the car before you set off or leave, I once left a wheel in the car park at Thetford forest. In fairness, it was dark when I was packing it away, but I remembered about half way home.

I had a sinking feeling driving back, but there it was in the headlights when I got back to the deserted car park!

 

[Bacalao]

I travel with my bike in the car rather than on a rack etc, prefer it for security and fuel economy reasons, especially since I got an electric car.

Just check you’ve got everything in the car before you set off or leave, I once left a wheel in the car park at Thetford forest. In fairness, it was dark when I was packing it away, but I remembered about half way home.

I had a sinking feeling driving back, but there it was in the headlights when I got back to the deserted car park!

Been there, done that! ? Fortunately same happy result.

 

[routrax]

Been there, done that! ? Fortunately same happy result.

I drove off and left a pair of 5:10s in a campsite in the Dolomites (they were under my van!), ended up having to buy new shoes at my next stop in Zermatt which probably cost more than a new wheel in a country with normal prices!

 

[Beekeeper]

2 EMTBs inside car for our Shropshire holiday.

 

[Jackware]

2 EMTBs inside car for our Shropshire holiday.

View attachment 67583 View attachment 67584

That's snug, where did the helmets, shoes, suitcases and beer go?

 

[steve_sordy]

I bought a groundsheet from one of the the outdoor shops (Go Outdoors I think). It was designed to go inside tents, cost about £10. It folds out from 4'x3' laid in the boot (where it lives permanently), to 4'x6' with the rear seats down and it is still double thickness. The next fold out is 8'x6'. I've had it for years. Essential bit of kit to keep the boot clean

 

[Beekeeper]

That's snug, where did the helmets, shoes, suitcases and beer go?

we brought 2 cars for the two week holiday but for day trips we can get both bikes plus ruck sacks into a Nissan Micra

 

[Embee]

2 wheels off Cube Stereo and will just fit in back of VW UP!. Wheels on top + small bike stand to help putting them on again at the other end, Bobs your uncle ?