Cars and bike racks

[RussSeaton]

I am not sure if putting the bike inside the car is an option for a Corolla.

One bike, easy.  Corolla has the rear seat that folds down.  You only have to take the front wheel off and can fit the whole bike into the trunk with the rear seat folded down and the rear wheel still in the frame.  If you don't fold down the rear seat, then you need to take both wheels off to get the frame into the trunk.  Putting the bike in the trunk is my preferred method for hauling the bike over any bike rack.  But when you get two bikes and more than two people and lots of gear, bike rack on the trunk makes sense.

[FredHiltz]

Another data point: our Prius hatchback has held two people, two road bikes lying flat with front wheels off, and luggage for a two-week supported trip & visit to family comfortably. Inserting that second bike did take two people.

Fred

[patrickstoneking]

I for one absolutely hate having my bike in the car.  I ride all year long and half the time the bike is wet, covered in mud or other road grime, etc.  I like to keep all that junk outside of the car if possible.  However, I live in an extremely low crime area so I do not fear leaving my bike locked to the rack outside of my car.

[Pat Lamb]

Another data point: our Prius hatchback has held two people, two road bikes lying flat with front wheels off, and luggage for a two-week supported trip & visit to family comfortably. Inserting that second bike did take two people.

Fred,

I need some help visualizing this.  Two bikes, OK.  (I can usually manage one with the front wheel left on.)  But where did you carry the luggage?

Pat

[FredHiltz]

We start with an old Army blanket covering the back floor. Rear seats folded flat, of course. Front wheels off the bikes. One bike goes in left pedal down and handlebars first, pushed against the port side of the car. Another blanket, then the second bike left pedal down and tail-end first. This leaves 12" - 18" on the starboard side for two large suitcases and numerous holes here and there for helmets, backpacks, and other small items. The front wheels top off the load.

If we plan to leave the bikes in the car on an overnight stop, we cover the whole thing with a cheap black velour blanket. Seen from outside the tinted windows, the load disappears completely.

I still have the view--such as it is--through the back window. HTH

Fred

[Pat Lamb]

Fred, thanks for the details.  I've been successful for local trips (got caught by the wife at the cafe during a thunderstorm) leaving the front wheel on with one bike, but that requires turning the front wheel and the saddle ends up resting above the rear car wheel next to the window.  I'll have to try taking the front wheel off next time.

[johnsondasw]

I am not sure if putting the bike inside the car is an option for a Corolla.

You can get a bike inside any car if you don't have to worry about carrying other pesky people.  Inside is always my preference.

I just got home from a 2500 mile trip and carried the bike in the Corolla along with climbing and hiking gear, etc.-- works great with the back seats down.  I take the front wheel off.  I always prefer to keep the bike in the car.  All exterior bike racks reduce gas mileage and the roof ones are the worst, costing you about 5 MPG which is a big deal to me. 

[paddleboy17]

I am not sure if putting the bike inside the car is an option for a Corolla.

My wifes says I am ADD...

The original poster has a Tercel and NOT a Corolla.  I just remembered small Toyota.

[johnsondasw]

I had a small Tercel until about 3 years ago.  I still put the bike inside the car by taking off front and back wheels and putting it in the back seat.  And this was on a little 2-door.  I had to put a sheet down first to reduce the amount of grease on the seats.

[richy]

A Saris Bones seems like a great choice for you, it's a quality trunk bike rack and you can secure your bikes with an inexpensive locking cable. I have an in-depth review of the best Saris Bones to get on my website (check sig).

[johnsondasw]

I am not sure if putting the bike inside the car is an option for a Corolla.

You can get a bike inside any car if you don't have to worry about carrying other pesky people.  Inside is always my preference.

True, I even fit my 60 cm large bike inside the back seat of a 2 door Tercel.  I had to take off both wheels.  I now use a Corolla and put the back seats down and take off only the front wheel and the bike goes in easily.  I carry it, and climbing packs and gear, all over the place.   

[staehpj1]

I for one absolutely hate having my bike in the car.  I ride all year long and half the time the bike is wet, covered in mud or other road grime, etc.  I like to keep all that junk outside of the car if possible.  However, I live in an extremely low crime area so I do not fear leaving my bike locked to the rack outside of my car.

I prefer to carry bikes on the roof for ease of loading, but on the dirt issue...  my bike would probably get dirtier in the car than on the roof.  My dog and I trail run and drive to and from the trails 5 days a week.  On the very rare occasions that I bother to clean it out I almost need a shovel