What is the preferrred way...

I normally put my bike on a hitch rack on the back of my car, but after charity rides, bike shop rides, etc., I am not necessarily comfortable with just hanging up my bike and walking away for some socializing after the ride. I think if I fold down the back seat (and maybe remove the front wheel) the bike should fit in the back of my car. Is it better to put the bike in front first or back first. I know I should put it in chain side up. What do all of you do who transport your bikes in the back of the car. Thanks.

Whatever gets it into the car safely. ;)

It depends on the car and how much maneuvering space you have. Before I got my bike rack, I'd put my bike into my parents' minivan rear wheel first. It made getting it out a lot easier.

I have a hitch rack and have a cable lock that I use to secure two bikes to the rack and a lock securing the rack to the hitch. Of course thus won't nessasariy keep someone from stealing a saddle, or an wheel that's not tied into the lock, but IMHO better then stuffing inside the car. You could break something and someone can still see what you have and if they deem it worthy of the effort of breaking into the car. I was able to take one U-lock and two 4' heavy duty cables to secure the bikes to the hitch prior to getting the cable lock and felt pretty secure. Wouldn't leave bike that way all night or something, but for some socializing or an after ride meal, I think would keep you safe. So long as it's not a really bad place where people walk around with bolt cutters :eek:

I always carry mine in my trunk, I usually put it in rear wheel first, drivetrain up (and front wheel off). Then I can carefully maneuver the bars into the trunk since they go in last.

I put mine inside the car. Rear seats fold down, bike goes in rear wheel first, drive side up. It's easier for me to handle that way.

If we're going to be gone from the car for a while, I cover the bike with a blanket or leave it locked to a rack and load it later. We had a car broken into a few years ago, so now I'm paranoid.

I've been rear-ended every year I've lived in my current city, and I don't think I could bring myself to use a rear-mount bike rack. A hit from an uninsured driver could get expensive in a hurry.

I have it down to a science, since I have to drive part of my commute. Take the front wheel off, and put on the seat. Load the bike in from driver's side of the car, back wheel first. Put the drivetrain side pedal straight up before rolling in.

Edit, this is for getting the bike in a 4 door sedan, without folding seats.

I have the "poor girl's bike rack" in the back of my Honda CRV. If I fold the rear seats down and take off the front wheel, I can put the shifters of the bike in the crack of the seat and the fork is off the floor. Then I put the seatbelt around the seat post for a little extra lateral stability. I can fit two bikes in the back like this with no movement from either and no damage to the bike. Pretty handy! :)

(I got this tip from someone online when I was reading up on racks. Thanks to that person!)

@redrhodie, I wonder if your technique would work in my car. I've got a 2000 Volvo S70 and I don't think the entire rear seats fold down. I bought it "pre-owned" so I guess I should re-read the owner's manual re seat fold down.
I have a rear rack that attaches to the trunk, but would prefer something more weather resistant.

Lots of different approaches here. No doubt if one doesn't work with my car, another one will. Thank you for your input.

My seats fold down. I put the bike in, rear wheel first, drivetrain up. I usually have to open up the rear driver's side door, as well as putting it in from the trunk, to help maneuver it in from that angle, as although it easily fits in the space, even with the wheel on, it often gets twisted in a position that makes it difficult to slide in. I have to be really careful with the bars. I've ruined both bar tape and part of the hoods this way.
I didn't do any large group rides this year, where I had to drive to the ride, so I've only put my bike in my car maybe 4 times since March.

My bike lays flat in the back of my car with the rear seats folded down.

But no matter what kind of space you have, unless you're putting it in a rear door with someone to catch the bike on the other side, you'll need to put it in rear wheel first, for the simple reason that once you let go of the handlebars, the front end will flop. So the bars need to be the last thing you let go of.

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Originally Posted by amb

I have the "poor girl's bike rack" in the back of my Honda CRV. If I fold the rear seats down and take off the front wheel, I can put the shifters of the bike in the crack of the seat and the fork is off the floor. Then I put the seatbelt around the seat post for a little extra lateral stability. I can fit two bikes in the back like this with no movement from either and no damage to the bike. Pretty handy! :)

(I got this tip from someone online when I was reading up on racks. Thanks to that person!)

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+1. This is how I do it. You fit up to three bike in the back of the CR-V and STILL have room for a passenger back there (in a seat, with a seatbelt, no less).

Is it a sedan? Yet another method... Figured this out when traveling with two bikes and luggage in a rental. Both tires off, towel on the back seat, and just set the frame on the seat. You can use the seatbelt to secure it if you need. It'll take up both back seats. A second bike can go in same way on the floor in the back. Then find a spot to put the tires.