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Will Bikes Fit in the Trunk?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by boulder_bum, Mar 24, 2009.

  1. boulder_bum

    boulder_bum Senior Member

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    My wife and I purchased some bikes that we're picking up on Saturday (I'm excited!).

    I am wondering, however, whether or not they'll fit in the trunk. I have a relative with a truck who said they could help, but I'm not sure I'd need them.

    Also, my bike has an "XL" (21", I think) frame if that matters.
     
    #1 boulder_bum, Mar 24, 2009
  2. JSH

    JSH Senior Member

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    Yes, they should easily fit in a Prius. You may need to take off the front wheels.

    My method is:
    • fold down the back seats
    • lay 1st bike flat
    • put a blanket over the first bike
    • put 2nd on top of first

    Be sure to put the chain side up, chain grease is difficult to remove.
     
    #2 JSH, Mar 24, 2009
  3. RonH

    RonH Member

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    I've stored my 25'' road bike in the hatch. Lower the back seats, remove front wheel, put bike in back first, chain up; turn handle bars all the way right. You may want to stick a towel or something between the handle bar and frame to prevent chipping the top tube paint.

    Have a nice ride.
     
    #3 RonH, Mar 24, 2009
  4. hyo silver

    hyo silver Awaaaaay

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    Yes, two bikes will fit nicely. You might want to lay down a tarp first to protect the upholstery, and use something between the bikes to keep them from scratching each other. A blanket will help, but I've also found cardboard, spare chunks of styrofoam, and panniers to be useful for this.

    One solution for keeping chain grease off the carpet is to use paraffin on the chain instead, though it's not very durable in the winter.
     
    #4 hyo silver, Mar 24, 2009
    srellim234 likes this.
  5. boulder_bum

    boulder_bum Senior Member

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    Thanks, guys!

    Quick dumb question: do all bikes have an easy to remove front wheel?
     
    #5 boulder_bum, Mar 24, 2009
  6. JSH

    JSH Senior Member

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    No. Most mountain and road bikes have quick release wheels but some cruiser and comfort bikes don't. What kind of bikes did you get?
     
    #6 JSH, Mar 24, 2009
  7. thedutchtouch

    thedutchtouch prius is my SUV

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    i'd disagree with the above- yes a quick release is super easy to remove, but if they don't have a quick release, they have a bolt on each side. loosen it. (assuming you don't have a locking skewer)

    bring along an adjustable wrench (or a set of bike wrenches if ya got some) and it'll take you about 10 seconds to pop the front wheel off. 20 if it hasn't been taken off in a while.
     
    #7 thedutchtouch, Mar 24, 2009
  8. boulder_bum

    boulder_bum Senior Member

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    We got a Novara Big Buzz and Forza (which we used our 20% off coupon on at REI).

    I can't see where it says if they have a quick release front thingie or locking skewer? Can you tell? Another dumb question, I know, but just to put this in perspective, I haven't owned a bike since middle school.

    Also, in your experience, do bikes fit beter if I tilt the passenger seat forward or does the geometry make it irrelevant? My wife and I will have to take two cars to pick them up anyway, since we have to worry about two carseats for the kids.
     
    #8 boulder_bum, Mar 24, 2009
  9. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    From john1701a.com


    [​IMG]
     
    #9 Tideland Prius, Mar 24, 2009
  10. thedutchtouch

    thedutchtouch prius is my SUV

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    both of your bikes come with quick release front wheel hubs.
     
    #10 thedutchtouch, Mar 24, 2009
  11. boulder_bum

    boulder_bum Senior Member

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    Thanks, all!
     
    #11 boulder_bum, Mar 24, 2009
  12. daniel

    daniel Cat Lovers Against the Bomb

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    I've seen a long, recumbent tricycle go in the back of a Prius. The Prius is like the tent in an Arabian Nights story: looks tiny from the outside, but inside it's the size of a city.
     
    #12 daniel, Mar 25, 2009
  13. bac

    bac Active Member

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    If they are road bikes, putting them in the car is generally not a problem. However, if you're talking mountain bikes ...... that can get way too nasty. :(

    Here's my solution

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]


    ... brad
     
    #13 bac, Mar 25, 2009
  14. jeanfull02

    jeanfull02 New Member

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    ----USA----
    [​IMG]

    bikes come to different size and incase your bike won't fit in, this is a great alternative.
     
    #14 jeanfull02, Jan 18, 2018
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