least damaging bike rack?

[jedovaty]

I`ve started getting into cycling, and I want to take my road bike places to meet with friends to go ride, but my bike will not fit into my trunk or back seat even dismantled (I have a mid-sized sedan).



My parents and brother have bike racks that strap across the trunk, however, both of these scratch up the car, allow the bike to scratch up the car, and also scratch up the bicycle. I went to a few local cycle shops, and all offerings were pretty much the same - the ideal ones look like the ones which slide into a rear-tow piece, but my car doesn`t have that (not an suv I guess).



Any recommendations?

[imported_dirtdiggler]

Can you install a receiver hitch ? I can get my roadbike in my 07 MB C230 trunk with no problem w/o the seats folded down. Just remove the seatpost and wheels. Insert the bike with the handle bars crossed up and first into the trunk, just be carefull of the rear derailleur. Should lay flat, then use an old blanket to cover the bike and place the seatpost and wheelset on top.



dirt diggler

[jedovaty]

I don`t think I can install a receiver hitch, not sure I`d want to do that, either, unless it can be removed without trace of it being there. Maybe a roof rack? Hmmm.



My car`s a 1994 MB e500, seats don`t move down and I have a permanent "center console" in the back. Maybe I can try removing the seats. I`ve found it very challenging to remove the rear wheel on my road bike, I`m not very good with mechanical things like that.

[jedovaty]

Any other thoughts?

[Scottwax]

No such thing unless you get a trailer hitch.