Carrying a bicycle

[rochrunner]

On our '08 3 hatch, I can carry my bike in the back with the seats folded down (front wheel removed, of course). Anyone tried this in a '14? I would assume it's about the same but even on the '08 it's a tight fit.

 

[Young-nyc]

i got a bike rack..seems to fit fine..
don't want to dirty up the interior

 

[Chibana]

I bought that same Saris rack for my 2012 Focus hatchback. I don't trust it at higher speeds. I also don't like having to trust that no one will steel my bike if I'm parked somewhere, like grabbing lunch after one of my longer rides out of town. I also don't like it scratching up the paint. If I can fit it in the car, with the dark tinted windows, I'll be doing that.

 

[cjbigcog]

I have a moving blanket that I use when carrying my bike inside.

 

[Young-nyc]

I see how a bike rack can cause scratches to the exterior part of the car,
however I have yet to see any scratches caused by this rack, compared to my other bike racks.
I have also gotten full paint protection done on the bumper and trunk area, just in case.
As for eating...I rarely ride alone, and I always park my car by the window.

 

[Chibana]

I noticed scratches on my 2012 Focus.

I like the idea of a blanket. I'll have to remember that. I'll also have to find a cheap blanket!

 

[HOSSinNH]

I noticed scratches on my 2012 Focus.

I like the idea of a blanket. I'll have to remember that. I'll also have to find a cheap blanket!

I saw some moving blankets at the local harbor freight for cheap money. I'll have to pick one up as well. My Large Giant FS (26" wheels) fits in the hatch with front wheel off. Picking up a new 27.5 soon and once I saw how much room to spare there was with the old bike, I have no worries about the new bike with a bit longer wheelbase.

I'm keeping an eye out for the Mazda roof rack that should be available soon. The cutting or new black seal strips to reveal mountain points is concerning though. A hitch mount would be nice, but concerned about looks and how low it will hang.

 

[HOSSinNH]

Why don't you guys just get a class 1 trailer hitch and use a bike attachment? They are easy to put on, not that expensive, don't take up much room, and won't mess up your car. In addition, you can lock them up if you like. I already purchased the trailer hitch for other purposes. Just go to etrailer and take a look.

Thanks for the comment! That is another option I've looked into as well. Do you happen to have a photo of your car with the hitch? I was curious what it looked like back there.

 

[Chibana]

I've thought about that, but I don't particularly want a trailer hitch on the back of my car. I do plan to go this route for my wife's MKX, which has the trailer hitch already.