Quote Originally Posted by BigDLou
And I'm SO new.

How do you transport a bike? I have an SUV and people mention taking the front tire off so the bike will fit in the back, but how hard is that? Is it an ordeal every time?

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Many, especially expensive bikes have a "quick release" so it's not hard at all to take off the front tire but cheaper bikes may not. You will have to use a wrench to remove the wheel and put it back on. I drive an Ford Explorer Sport and my bike goes in on its side front wheel and all. Make sure you roll the rear wheel in first and then lay the bike down. May take some fussing but it should fit unless you have a compact SUV. Lots of good bike racks out there as well, but the purpose of an SUV is to be able to carry the bike INSIDE!
Make sure the bike shop shows you how to remove the wheel, fix a dropped chain etc. before you leave the store. Never ride without 1) a helmet, 2) water, 3) a spare tube and 4) a pump. You may not know how to change a flat but someone will if you have the equipment they can help you out.