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PGirl · 01-11-2010, 01:07 AM

I am new to biking via triathalons. I just got a road bike and I am looking into bike racks for my car (Saturn 2-door) as well as how to store my bike securely in my garage. I have been reading a lot about people stealing bikes off your car as well as out of your garage. Does anyone have an suggestions on secure bike racks for your car or secure bike storage/racks for your garage?

HandsomeRyan · 01-11-2010, 01:26 AM

If you are willing to install a trailer hitch (usually costs about $150) the Saris Thelma 2 is a great rack that will protect your cars paint from scratches. I installed a hitch on my wifes car with basic hand tools in the parking lot of our apartment; it isn't generally too hard. If a trailer hitch is not an option, the Saris Bones 2 is a good trunk mounted rack.

Locking your bike to an unmovable object with a U lock or thick chain will help but honestly- if someone wants your bike, they'll take it. Your best defense is not leaving your garage door open where someone can just walk in and take it.

synack · 01-11-2010, 12:15 PM

I keep my bike in my house.

**Industry_Hack** · 01-11-2010, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by synack

I keep my bike in my house.

Fail.

**TxCyclist** · 01-11-2010, 05:40 PM

How do you store your bikes in your garage right now? A ceiling hook?

**funetical** · 01-11-2010, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dean

How do you store your bikes in your garage right now? A ceiling hook?

That's what I use and I love them. Also the thought of it being a hassle for me to take down and near impossible if the jeep is in the garage makes it near impossible to potential thieves.

I don't know about your car. I have a rack on top of my jeep that I can strap things to.

camilo · 01-12-2010, 11:07 PM

Based on my 30+ years of experience messing around with bike racks on my cars, the ONLY way to go is to install a trailer hitch receiver and then buy one of the many options that hold the bike upright by the wheels (as opposed to hanging by the top tube). The ONLY way. My reason is based on what's best for the bike. There's several options, many have their favorites. Look at a few: Saris, Tule, Yakima at least and pick the one you like best that fits your price range. Some don't work with fenders if that's ever a concern (We have bikes w/ and w/o fenders so we have to have one that works with both). FWIW

As for security,, you then get a locking hitch pin to secure the rack to the hitch receiver and then secure the bikes to the rack using whatever method you prefer, depending on how hard core you need to be.

In the garage, I just can't imagine an garage that isn't at least as secure as a house. My house, for example, has many back windows which means it would be easier to break into than my garage. How does one break into a garage door anyway? Chain saw? If I were concerned at all (which I'm not), it wouldn't be rocket science: just secure your bike to something immovable in the garage with a break-proof chain or U-lock or such.

Georgewerr · 01-14-2010, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HandsomeRyan

If you are willing to install a trailer hitch (usually costs about $150) the Saris Thelma 2 is a great rack that will protect your cars paint from scratches. I installed a hitch on my wifes car with basic hand tools in the parking lot of our apartment; it isn't generally too hard. If a trailer hitch is not an option, the Saris Bones 2 is a good trunk mounted rack.

Locking your bike to an unmovable object with a U lock or thick chain will help but honestly- if someone wants your bike, they'll take it. Your best defense is not leaving your garage door open where someone can just walk in and take it.

I have the Saris Bones 3 It has scratched the trunk where the arms rest on the trunk.