Traveling with bikes...

[Roadtrip]

http://www.overstock.com/Sports-Toys/Hitch-Bike-Rack-Cover/2652692/product.html?cid=123620

I've been recently pondering this. I have a hitch mount rack for two bikes. I contemplated bringing the bikes with us on vacation, but an humid conditions both where I live and where I was headed made me think twice, plus half way here it rained HARD which would soaked the bikes for three hours.

I know there are also drive chain covers to just protect the chain and cassette.

Anyone else have similar issues. I'd like your advice!!

Shannon

[OakLeaf]

No direct experience with the bike covers, but having hauled a few motos in pickup trucks, and having seen a LOT of motos (and other things) on the road under tarps ... don't do it.

Any loose fabric on the outside of a vehicle will flap in the wind and take the paint and chrome right off whatever's underneath.

I'd go for the Lycra drivetrain cover you mentioned, in winter conditions when there's salt and cinder on the road ... maybe one of those handlebar/saddle bras that you see all the time, if you have a leather saddle and/or any type of natural bar tape ... otherwise just re-lube your drivetrain if you drive through rain. (Remember that your drivetrain won't be turning, so it'll just get a rinse, not the scrubbing it gets when you ride your bike in rain - it may not even need more lube.) Put a piece of tape over any openings in your frame.

[pinsonp2]

We have that exact cover for our bikes. It works great with our full size pick up, but we do use bungee cords to keep it from flapping. However, with our mid-size SUV (Buick Enclave), I would think with cars as well, it pretty much blocks your rear vision. If you come up with a way to take bikes on a long vacation and protect them from the elements, please share.

P2

[Blueberry]

If you come up with a way to take bikes on a long vacation and protect them from the elements, please share.

Honda Element (though I don't have one anymore for other reasons).

Folding bikes.

[TrekTheKaty]

Honda Element (though I don't have one anymore for other reasons).



Yep. Seriously considering purchasing a new car that allow the bikes to be kept inside and LOCKED! Dry would be nice too. And DH thought he was done when he bought the bike for my bday ;)

[Desert Tortoise]

DH and I used a similar cover for our mountain bikes on a road trip from So Arizona to Montana. It worked really well to protect from road debris, rain and snow at the campground. We didn't have any issues with flapping but if I remember correctly, the cover cinched at the bottom.

Glad it did because I would not have thought about the flapping Oak mentioned. Not a nice a lesson to learn the hard way.:eek: