Thread: just got a MTB how to transport?

When you insert a screw driver or blade into the pads to lever them open there is a risk that you'll damage the brake pad material. There are plastic wedges you can get, usually your local bike shop will give them to you for nothing and they can be used for transport or leverage.

There a a million different designs of racks and just as many theories, but I wouldn't lay it flat on your roof rack, too much potential for damage/chafing. Get the best you can afford it will save you upgrading when you go to carbon (think big)

Another option I guess would be, both wheels off, upside down on the back seat which also gives you an excuse not to invite some people along cause you only have room for one passenger.

I can fit two road bikes with the front wheels removed in the back of my series III SWB, with a folded down front facing dickie seat running across the top of the wheel arches. I suggest you try the bike in the back and make sure it doesn't fit, you may be surprised. I didn't think I would fit one let alone two bikes into mine.
Failing that, there are rear carriers on the market that swing open to allow the back door to open.
Cheers, Mick.

If I could carry two whole bikes and 3 sets of wheels in the back of a Renault 8 when I was racing then you can fit it in the back of a Defender.

I got a 2 bike carrier from anaconda for $60 and strapped it to the spare tire.

the bike does fit in the defender yes, but not once you fill the car with the camping gear

Leroy

Had hydro discs since 2000 and never had an issue using fork mounted racks, ever.

(we can all see I've just set myself up for a monumental fail here, can't we! )

I think the big issue with fork mounted racks was that people were putting twisting forces on the fork dropouts by not removing it squarely years ago. I know Fox recommended not using these type of racks purely because of operator error rather than the forks not being able to hold the bike upright on them.

I use a towbar mounted wheel try rack (an atera strada I brought over from the UK) as it'll generally hold any shape of bike, slides away from the car without unmounting and is carbon friendly

some photos of the bike on the carrier.

not a fan of the weight on the tire but was really my only option for my budget at this point in time.

Leroy

Originally Posted by R Miller

I try to never remove my wheels unless I'm changing a tyre.

That's insane! Removing both front (for travel) and rear (for trainer) is easy! Just be careful(ish). The pads are easy to put back in, as stated above, you can get a plastic piece which once the pads are inserted you can press them against to re-place them.

I've had more spoke and chain problems then pad problems in my few years of riding.

OP: as for fitting in the back. Pretty sure even with a fridge you can twist it in. A bit of careful manhadling has never hurt mine.