Mountain Bikers, what kind of a setup do you have? [Archive]

p nut

05-07-2007, 10:10 AM

Looks like this section gets almost ZERO traffic. :shake:

Anyway, I'm looking for some ideas to carry my mountain bike in my 4Runner. I don't like those roof mounts, because sometimes I go through the woods, and don't want the bikes to get caught on anything. Maybe some kind of quick release mounts like I've seen on some Tacoma's? Or maybe the trailer hitch carriers? Anyone have +'s or -'s with either systems? Sometimes, I need to carry 2 or 3 bikes, so keep that in mind.

Thanks.

MTL_4runner

05-07-2007, 10:28 AM

I use a Yakima hitch mounted carrier which allows me up to 4 bikes at once. The big drawback to that style is only if you have a very radical frame which has no traditional top tube. I've had to carry a few friend's bikes like that and often we just threw them in the rear of the truck with the wheels off and the rest went on the hitch mount carrier. You'll also notice a big difference in gas mileage too from using a hitch mount style vs a roof rack system.

This is what I have and it works fine for what I use it for:
http://dsp.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pG01-2550552dt.jpg

habanero

05-07-2007, 01:58 PM

I use a sportworks modular hitch which can hold up to 4 bikes (I have 3 on mine). I had trouble with the end of it dragging on steep driveways mostly, but not since flipping the hitch. It folds up out of the way when not in use, though you then can't open your tailgate. I just open the window to get stuff out. Down, tailgate clears it just fine.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/smcr/137-3789_IMG.jpg

If you do have a 'weird' shaped bike they make a thing you attach that acts as a top tube to work with racks like MTL_4runner's.

DNAhilux

05-07-2007, 02:51 PM

Heres what i did. I just added a second one on the back of the passenger seat. I used the metal seat crossbar to bolt into. I have the bolt running through the crossbar and then a nylock nut, then the bolt passes through the carpet and to the fork mount. The rear tire is then supported by a black thick rubber bungee to the stock tie downs..its solid, and protected by elements and the alarm. Sometimes i even lock it down. If you need more pics let me know and ill snap some on my next outing. This will i guess only work for up to 2 people since the rear seat are down. but you could get three bikes in there. Since the bike shop gave me 2 used thule fork mounts for free, it cost me 3 bucks in bolts..works for me!

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e266/4RunnerDNA/CIMG1307.jpg
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e266/4RunnerDNA/CIMG1306.jpg

ecchamberlin

05-07-2007, 09:08 PM

that is a great idea that I may use. top mount is risky to say the lease and with a lifted Runner not that easy to get to.

This is my current rocky mounts tray
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a240/ecchamberlin/P1010029-1.jpg
bolts to factory roof rails. Solid but inside would be better

Marc P

05-07-2007, 09:15 PM

I have a Thule hitch mount...an older version of this...

http://static.backcountry.com/images/items/large/THU0183/S4.jpg

I never use it anymore

p nut

05-07-2007, 10:11 PM

This is the bike that I've got right now:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/shinpaul/IMG_1021.jpg

DNAhilux -- Can you post some more pics of the mount? That's the route that I will probably go. If not, I'll go with Habanero's set up. BTW, Habanero, nice bike. I had a 98 GF Big Sur that I biked the crap out of. Too bad it got stolen...

Thanks everyone for the pics. Please feel free to post more setups.

ecchamberlin

05-08-2007, 05:04 AM

DNA
how did you get the bolts through the seat backer? Did you have to take the fabric and padding off to get to it?

MTL_4runner

05-08-2007, 06:53 AM

The bike setups reminded me of 3 different friends who had roof top bike carriers and all on SUVs. Each had some obstacle that damaged the bike, the truck or both. The first was driving a 1st gen 4runner and a giant tree branch hanging over the street took the bike clean off the top at about 40 MPH....it came off so fast I it broke the roof rack off but spared the truck (few deep scratches). The next was a guy maybe going 2-3 MPH at most, but forgot the bike on top as he backed his fullsize Chevy Blazer into the garage....bike suffered MAJOR damage and again deep scratches on the roof. The last one was a Dodge Durango where the guy drove into his garage with with the bike on top and hit with enough force to cave in the roof of the vehicle and total the bike. I wish I had pics to show you guys. The moral of the story is that roof racks are big time dangerous on SUVs.....which is why I tried to learn from their mistakes and went the hitch mounted route.

garrett

05-08-2007, 07:23 AM

nice setup DNA! definitely post more pics if you have them...

DNAhilux

05-08-2007, 07:29 AM

I plan on going for a ride tonight after work, so Ill snap some pics of the setup plus the actual bolting/mounting.
EDITO: Too tired today after work so i didnt go, im going tomorrow though, so pics will be up tomorrow night.

DNAhilux

05-09-2007, 07:39 PM

OK, so heres going to be a series of pics:
First I unclipped the carpet, and accessed the seat cross member (be careful as the edges of this is right sharp, you get big papercuts!) So i put the bike on the fork mount and figured out where it should go to allow it to fit length wise and width wise for the doors. marked the holes. Drilled through it. Now it is a good idea to put a solid piece of metal underneath the crossmember when drilling so when you get through the drill does not puncture the seat. Once drilled pass the bolt up and then use nylock nuts to secure it. I then added a piece of aluminum to add stability which i covered in hockey tape to ensure no noise (I have self-diagnosed OCD) With that done get some thick grease and dab it on the bolt heads. Then take the seat back and align with clip holes and press down on the bolts and you will be left with grease marks on the seat back cardboard so you know where to drill through.
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e266/4RunnerDNA/CIMG1315.jpg
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e266/4RunnerDNA/CIMG1316.jpg

DNAhilux

05-09-2007, 07:40 PM

So then you just pass it through and then put on the fork mount.
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e266/4RunnerDNA/CIMG1313.jpg
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e266/4RunnerDNA/CIMG1312.jpg

DNAhilux

05-09-2007, 07:43 PM

For the rear tire I just use a bungee to the stock tie down. Your bike will not move at all..i tuck my front tire between the bike and the side panel,If you move the pedal back the tire fits nice and snug. Also the headrest makes a perfect helmet holder.
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e266/4RunnerDNA/CIMG1309.jpg
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e266/4RunnerDNA/CIMG1310.jpg
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e266/4RunnerDNA/CIMG1311.jpg
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e266/4RunnerDNA/CIMG1318.jpg

DNAhilux

05-09-2007, 07:50 PM

So I staggered the two mounts to allow two bikes to go in without having to worry about the bars coming into conflict. So far I have had a 17 and an 18 frame in together and no problems anywhere, especially since there are variations between bikes. It also works out great that the cross member is diagonal for when you shift the bike to secure the rear tire.
Now for my long term goal I am goin to get a piece of metal and bore holes and tack weld on nuts. I will then slip this under the cross member and bolt this to the crossmember and therefore I can quick release the quick release setup without having bolts sticking up. But I just wanted to get this done asap so i could ride.
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e266/4RunnerDNA/CIMG1322.jpg
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e266/4RunnerDNA/CIMG1321.jpg

xcmountain80

05-09-2007, 08:44 PM

I use the Yakima bighorn 4 and various yakima roof trays.

Aaron

paddlenbike

05-10-2007, 09:32 AM

For day-to-day use, a setup like DNA's is best. (Speaking of which, his write-up and photos were very helpful.) DNA's setup is secure. I often stop and have grab lunch after long rides, which means the bike is unattended in a parking lot somewhere. His setup is always there--no need to install the proper roof attachment or dig the hitch rack out of the garage.

I was using a Yakima Viper roof attachment until I lifted the 4Runner and getting the bike up there became a major PITA. But, I still use the roof rack when the interior is full of camping gear and people. So basically, I prefer keeping the bike inside, but then use the roof rack when space is at a premium.

TroysToy

05-10-2007, 03:51 PM

xcmountain80

05-10-2007, 06:57 PM

I agree with paddlenbike, if you can keep your bike inside that is the best. When the two dogs, the 6 year old, and wife want to go :camping: that is when the roof is nice. I totally dig DNA's set-up, and with a quick way to remove it, it would be even better.

Yeah you guys must not get very dirty when riding. My bike is usually covered in God knows what, and Im certainly not putting it in my nice clean leather clad 4Runner.

TroysToy

05-10-2007, 07:30 PM

Yea I've been on some of those trips. I don't mind mine on top cuz I am tall and don't have a huge problem getting my bike up there. My problem is I can't have my sprocketrockets on and park in the garage. It would be nice to have all of the rack setups for different trips.

xcmountain80

05-10-2007, 08:03 PM

Thats why I use the roof trays and the rear Yakima rack that holds 4 bikes, I use it most because it is easy.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e31/xcmountain/P4302060.jpg
Aaron

DNAhilux

05-10-2007, 08:09 PM

haha, im usually covered in mud and have no problems puttin it in the back,,i usually just hit a creek before i make it the runner and ride through it to rinse it off..haha,,for the seats im usually muddy and sweaty but thats what leather is fore..easy cleaning

ecchamberlin

05-11-2007, 05:03 AM

Out here in the desert mud is not usually a problem. But if I still lived out East the would be a huge issue.

As much as I tried to get my wife into biking it just never took for her. So a single mount inside will work for me because I only need to haul one bike and my interior spare tire would keep me from doing 2.

xcmountain80

05-11-2007, 08:09 AM

Cool cool to each his own , I do have a friend not on any forums but owns a 4Runner and he uses 2 fork mounts attached to a 2x4.

Aaron

Paul H.

06-10-2007, 02:38 PM

I have a hitch mount from performance. Word of warning, take it off if you are not using it. If you get rearended with one on, it will cause alot more damage to your tailgate than without. I found out the hard way.

ecchamberlin

06-10-2007, 09:24 PM

never thought about that. I bet that would fold right up into the rear sheet metal.

adn3000

06-10-2007, 09:44 PM

I have the Rocky Mounts Noose bike tray attached to my factory rack and am very happy with it. It can be a pain getting a bike to the roof but no more so than trying to stuff it in the back. Extremely stable even in 70 plus mph winds. They come in some great colors too. Locks are also available. This seems to be the best deal.

http://www.rackattack.com/product-pages/rockymounts-0670-noose-sl-black.asp

ecchamberlin

06-10-2007, 09:50 PM

I have the same Rocky Mounts set up. My steel front plate is rusting really bad though. Are you having the same problem with yours? It is the plate that bolts to the roof rack rail with the slight downward bend in the front.

adn3000

06-10-2007, 09:58 PM

Yes the front plate on mine is also rusting pretty bad. I figure i'll steel wool it and hit it with some rustoleum soon. Other than that, it's been solid.

neliconcept

06-11-2007, 07:01 PM

habanero

06-11-2007, 07:53 PM

i hate having to put my bike on the roof rack, i have a CBI tire carrier and i wonder if my bike would fit between the bar and my tailgate with that

i may try doing this. since my hitch is used for the tire carrier
Or look into seeing if one of those tire carrier hitch racks like the one on my old Bronco II....Yakima Treadhead or something like that....fits. Cool thing about it is you can still use it even without a tire.

neliconcept

06-11-2007, 09:07 PM

garrett

06-13-2007, 07:40 PM

ecchamberlin

06-13-2007, 08:24 PM

It seems like it would be really solid. I am just laying mine inside right now and it does not move at all.

garrett

06-15-2007, 07:36 PM

everyone in this thread... show off your bike in the garage section of this forum!

Kaydon

07-11-2007, 08:39 PM

Here's the Specialized Hardrock. Hardtail. Nothing fancy, does me fine on the trail though. This was when I got it a year ish ago.. It's got some miles on it and the reflectors are gone.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n199/Shame2Fame/Hardrock%20Sport%20MTB/Hardrock.jpg

Room was an addition to the house and was never finished, so it's storage. :D

But, as far as rack goes.. It either goes in the bed, or on my dads home made rig.. Just some square tube cut in half for the wheels to sit and square tube in the middle for a brace wrapped in foam to prevent scratches and such.. I'll get a pic of it tomorrow and toss it in here.

Peter

07-12-2007, 11:06 AM

I see there aren't many Tacoma owners with this concern.
I saw this mod on TOF a few years ago and thought I'd use it for my truck. I like have the bikes sit up and not sprawled around in the rear.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/TacomaDood/Jade/100904bikeloadmodsmall.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/TacomaDood/Jade/100904bikesloadedrearsmall.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/TacomaDood/Jade/100904bikesloadedsmall.jpg

TroysToy

07-23-2007, 10:16 AM

Since I showed the dark side of myself in the road bike section, I guess I should show my real self here! :D

Cannondale Super V500

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x312/trobecki/TroysStuff009.jpg

DNAhilux

07-24-2007, 08:12 AM

DNA-

how solid is the bike mounted to the back of the rear seat? I really like that setup but i dont want my bike rocking side to side while driving... does yours have much movement?

i think i may do the opposite of you and put the fork mount near the tailgate. i feel like the floor of the trunk is a better mounting surface, and it would also be easier to load a bike in backwards.

there is no movement at all. It is very solid and i have been on roads where if it was going to move, it would have then. Yes i considered the other way, but by using the seat frame (which is plenty) and then bungeeing the rear tire to the stock rear cargo tie down the bikes stand angled and you have a huge amount of accessible room in the cargo area. Rear tire in first was more of a PITA when i was doing mock setups and the handlebars get in the way more back there