Options to haul bicycles in bed

[Neomonk21]

My daughter is starting to do really well riding her bicycle so I had to get one to keep up with her. I bought a cheap Ozark Trails M.2 Ridge at Walmart just to get me something semi-decent on the cheap side. It's been well over 20 years since I rode a bike so I'm a bit rusty.

The first issue I ran into was that the bike didn't fit in the back of my Gladiator. I removed the front tire and laid it down to get it home. I also have an issue with my tonneau cover not folding up the whole way so the last third of my bed is covered. I'm thinking of getting one of those mats that hang over the tailgate just to get me by for now. Ultimately, I'd love to build a pull out platform that I can install a bike mount in once I get my bed cap.

If possible, can you share how you haul your bicycles?

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[Bandit’s Lair]

You can always do the hitch mounted rack if you don’t want the bed cover open.

 

[maninblak]

https://1up-usa.com/product/quik-ra...VfN34aSEVMyXx-7J1JJ7la9S6-su6NdcaAvbdEALw_wcB

 

[Improper_1]

I do alot of road and light gravel cycling, and have a mojave with a tiger T1 tonneau cover. I would recommend:
#1) hitch mount - as it is easy to remove and put on another vehicle. it is also easy to load and unload the bike and you can keep the tonneau closed to keep goods in the bed dry. Only negative is it likely will interfere with parking sensors, and it adds length to the vehicle (mine is too long with a rack to fit in the garage). I would advise getting one with the "hoops" for the wheels as it is the most stable and won't have your bikes swinging around while driving, and avoids paint damage to your frames. Hollywood racks, swagman and curt make similar inexpensive models (< $300). you may also get lucky and fine a used Kuat or similar rack at discounted price. Ifr you dojn't like it, no harm, and just sell it

#2) I've seen people rig up bike fork mounts and attach them to the trail rail system or improvise and use a 2x4 or 2x6 mounted in the bed. The downside is it does take up your bed, and the wheel needs to come off and you need to climb into the bed each time.

#3) Taking the tire off and on and climbing in the bed gets old to me as I ride several times a week, so I got he billy bars low profile bed rack and a 1-up roof mount rack. I can still rollup the tiger T1 tonneau cover as the be rack does not interfere with the cover. I just plop the bike up there, clamp down on the wheels and am good to go. It was pricey, but I use it constantly and it is super easy. Plus I mount other things to the bed rack while off roading. Now I am thinking of a kayak, so I can just get some mounts for that bed rack probably.

I generally don't like the tailgate covers or the style of racks where the bikes hang, as there is more vibration and the bike frame paint gets scuffed over time.

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