Transporting your Bike
Once you've made your purchase, you'll need a way to transport your bike to the different riding areas. This is another category in which you can spend as much money as you'd like - but it might not cost you a thing either.
Many people already own a pick-up truck and simply throw their bike in the back. All you'll need is a ramp and a good set of tie-down straps and you're ready to go. Some people try to cut costs by using a wooden ramp but those bad boys can be heavy and cumbersome. A better choise is one made of lighweight aluminum that is foldable so you can take it with you. Look to spend about $100.
You might want to consider a hitch-mounted carrier. These units mount to your trailer hitch receiver and typically carry only one bike. Some units load the bike using a ramp (that can be stored on the carrier) while others use a hydraulic lifting system to raise the bike once it's in place. The ramp units cost around $200 while the lift units cost around $400.
Small utility trailers can work great for transporting bikes. Again, the only think you'll need is a good set of tie-downs. If you don't already own a utility trailer, purchasing one might be a good idea if you'll have other uses for it. A good (smaller) utility trailer can be found for laround $500. Depending on the design, you may or may not need a ramp.
You can also consider trailers designed exclusively for bike transportation. These trailers typically have a number of rails on which the bikes are loaded and travel. Many of these trailers are tiltable so there is no need to purchase a ramp. Check out the specifics though because on some models, all rails tilt at the same time. A better design is where each rail tilts independently of the others. I purchased my trailer used for $350 so I'd expect to pay $500 or more for a new one.
The top of the line would be a factory rig. Short of that, I'd look for an enclosed trailer. These babies are nice for protecting your gear from the elements and from the thieves. You'll need to figure out how many bikes and how much gear you'll be transporting before deciding on the trailer size. Also, purchase a trailer with a fold-down back door that acts as a ramp (rather than one with the doors that open outwards). A reasonably priced (small) enclosed trailer will set you back about $3,000 or so.
Return to Main Menu