Bike racks - gas mileage

[Catrin]

I have a Mitsibushi Lancer (2008). I hate taking my front wheel of of the Trek. It has this "new and improved" Quick Clicks skewer that is spring loaded and a royal PTA to get the wheel on/off the bike. I actually cannot do this without turning my bike upside down (on a blanket or carpet only).

I know an avid cyclist who has been doing his own work on his bike for all of his adult life and HE has problems with it. Yes I am venting What I need to do is to get a new skewer for that front wheel - one assumes that a more traditional Shimano skewer would take care of the problem and that there is nothing special about my wheel that requires the "new and improved" skewer. I don't recommend it, and after 3 months it is no easier getting the wheel on/off than when I first brought the bike home.

This is why I am considering putting it on the rack for my trip - though I won't decide until tomorrow night. I have not yet seen those straps loosen at all, and I trust the rack itself. If I had to do it over again, however, I would have gotten a hitch installed and use a hitch rack.

I REALLY hope that Surly doesn't use this "new and improved" skewer...

[rubywagon]

I have a Mitsibushi Lancer (2008). I hate taking my front wheel of of the Trek. It has this "new and improved" Quick Clicks skewer that is spring loaded and a royal PTA to get the wheel on/off the bike. I actually cannot do this without turning my bike upside down (on a blanket or carpet only).

I had that on the Trek I just sold and HATED it. HATED IT. Every single time, it resulted in my cursing and getting so frustrated!

[indysteel]

I would replace the skewers before your trip if you can. It doesn't sound like it would be easy to fix a flat if you had to deal with that skewer. Getting my front wheel on and off takes about a minute.

[HillSlugger]

I've never had a problem with long distance drives with my Saris Bones, but I do take at least a 2mpg hit.

[withm]

Your bike is a lot tougher than you think. I would never give it a moment of thought to put it on the rack if that's what you need to do. The effect on your mileage will be miniscule on the grand scheme of things. Really, if it costs you an extra $5.00 in gasoline, so what? I have hauled multiple bikes on a cheap $60 Allen rack on long distance trips of up to 900 miles one way. Never a problem. Last summer I took a brand new bike on the rack 800 miles one way, and it poured down rain the entire trip. I wasn't happy about it, but the car was too full to carry the bike inside.

I would suggest however that you run a bungy cord from the rack, through the front wheel, frame, and rear wheel, and back to the rack to prevent wheels spinning, and vibrating loose.

I'd spend more time riding my bike and less time thinking about it.

[Catrin]

Thanks for everyone's thoughts. I didn't know what real effect that the loaded rack might have on my gas mileage - but I don't think it will take too hard of a hit. Just wondering what everyone's experiences has been on this. I've no problem loading my bike up - but with the recent rise in gas prices around here it was worth the question

[Melalvai]

I notice a difference with the bike rack on the Ford Escort, and more of a difference if there is a bicycle on the bike rack. I don't recall exact numbers but not horrible, just noticeable. Our Saris Bones has never slipped. I do make sure all the straps are buckled because the bikes will bounce around otherwise. Have fun on your trip!