A couple questions about bike carriers and transporting bikes in general:

1. Right now we use our minivan and carry the bikes inside the van. It's good because they don't get wet, etc, but they're not fastened in very securely. Anyone have a way (or a rack or something) that keeps bikes in place inside a vehicle?

2. If we decide to go for an exterior carrier, would you suggest car top or rear mount? Is putting something on top of a van just asking for trouble for those of us who shop in the petite section? (Or would if we ever went shopping?)

Thanks for any ideas - and thanks for the motivation you all give me! It got chilly & rainy here this weekend, and it was your good energy that got me out the door for a fabulous, if chilly, ride yesterday.