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We are yet to exhaust all hire car companies but so far have found none that will put a bike rack on a car. We are flying to Europe (Milan, Italy) in Aug/Sep and will need to put the bike on/in the car. Does anyone have any good ideas? Or can you recommend a hire car company that you have used that had bike racks.
I had this problem a couple of years ago, most companies don't like you putting a bike rack on hire cars. So in the end, we just crammed the bikes in the boot!!
I would go for this option too. Get a suv, hatchback or stationwagon to transport the bikes in. Be aware that they will steal the bikes of the car the moment that you loose the car out of sight. It's much safer to put them in the car.
I think minivans are available to rent as well.
These kinds of cars are outrageously expensive to rent in Italy!!!
Friends of mine rented a car with a big trunk and shoved in their bikes (and hardshell bike cases).
Minivans are indeed expensive and unusual in Europe (smart people), so don't count on that. But many cars are big enough and you can move the seats around. Plan to bring a tarp/sheet to protect the fabrics from grease stains.
Visit Fiat or Opel's European web sites and try to figure out a car that would about fit your needs. Then you call the rental line and tell them you'd like a car in the likes of _____ because you have lots of bulky luggage. They will be able to find an equivalent for you...
Good luck!!
It may not help this time, but this is another reason to consider a travel bike. I used to have a bike friday and now have an s/s coupled bike. Each bike either folds, or unscrews so it can easily fit a normal vehicle. Another option you may consider is bringing a bike rack from home that folds up to fit in your checked luggage. While you wouldn't want to leave your bikes unattended on a bike rack, it may be cheaper/easier than having to rent a much more expensive and rare vehicle.