How to Transport a Bike Without a Rack-5 Easy Ways

There are multiple reasons why you would want to transport your bike. It could be that you’re moving out or going on a trip where you may need the equipment to ride.

While a bike rack on your car is the ultimate solution, did you ever wonder how to transport a bike without a rack?

It might seem like a complicated task, but the reality is the opposite. It’s pretty straightforward to carry your bike from one place to another, even when there’s no rack.

And the best part? There are multiple ways that you can follow for this purpose.

So let’s not waste more time and directly get into our comprehensive how to transport a bike without a rack guide.

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How to Transport a Bike Without a Rack?

The above-mentioned method is one of the easiest ways to transport your vehicle as the shipping company handles the entire transit.

But what if you want to transport your vehicle yourself in your personal car?

Well, this is also an easier alternative if you have the bike rack installed on your car. You just need to secure the bike properly into the rack, and you’re good to go.

However, not everyone has access to this add-on. But do you know how to transport a bike without a rack?

This lack calls for the need for an innovative idea that allows bike transportation even in the absence of a rack.

So let’s not waste more time and get started with our guide on ‘how to transport a bike without a rack’.

We will discuss three major ways to do so. In case one doesn’t work, you can easily attempt the other one.

Method #1: Transporting Road Bike in Car

It’s obvious that you’d think about putting your bike inside the car if there’s no rack.

But this is not easier as you need to take care of multiple things considering the limited space in the vehicle’s back seat.

So let’s know how to transport a bike without a rack by putting it inside the car.

Here are some factors of consideration:

In case you have a large-sized bike that doesn’t seem to fit inside your car, the best thing you can do is remove some of its parts. While mirrors and handlebars go without saying, we are talking about the wheels here. The wheels can then be stored in a secure bag, and you can easily place them in your car’s trunk.
Make sure you fold your car’s rear seat. This action can spare a lot of space for you to place the bike inside securely.
Now comes the major part where you need to act a bit strategically. Placing the bike inside the car is no easy feat as a minor mistake can damage both your bike and car. Therefore, it’s crucial you place the bike in such a way that its drive side faces upward. With this, the bike’s weight will be distributed equally.
While placing the bike inside, you must also ensure its pedal is at the 12 o’clock position to ensure it stays stable throughout the journey. It’s also important to tie down the bike securely with straps for added security.

Method #2: Transporting Road Bike Through the Car Roof

If the space in your car’s back seat is limited, you can try this alternative instead. Here’s how to transport a bike without a rack by securing it on your vehicle’s roof.

Place a clean blanket on the car’s roof ensuring it covers the entire area of bicycle placement. This step is crucial to prevent dents on your car.
You’ll first need to disassemble the bike’s front wheel so it can easily be placed on the top. The basic rule is to secure the bicycle in such a way that its handlebars face upward.
Now, you must secure the bike with a durable strap to avoid any accidental occurrences.

Some of the additional tips that you may consider include:

Make sure you place the bike in the roof’s midsection. Or else it would block the windshield region leading to uncomfortable driving.
If you’re using a ratchet strap to secure the bike, place the webbing into the spook’s middle side slot.
Don’t limit the strapping to your car’s windows. Instead, make sure it covers the door as well for additional security of the bike.

Method #3: Transporting Road Bike by Placing it Inside the Car’s Trunk

Nevertheless، you can also place the bike into your car’s trunk. But how to transport a bike without a rack by putting it inside the car’s trunk? You just need to disassemble the parts so that it’s small enough to be placed inside.

For the disassembled parts, you can place them in a box and bubble wrap or foam the components for safe transit. The same goes for the bike itself.

Related: Are Trunk Mounted Bike Racks Safe? Find out here

Shipping a Mountain Bike Cost

The cost to transport bike from one city to another varies according to the method you choose. Here’s a breakdown that can help:

Transport Bike without Rack

If you are shipping the bike by placing it inside your car, the overall expense will depend upon the fuel cost. This in turn varies according to the distance you need to cover.

The more the distance from one point to another, the higher costs you’ll have to bear.

Moreover, there’d be some additional charges for the add-ons like straps, bubble wrap, etc.

Similarly, you might also need to pay the professional in case you’re taking any assistance for disassembling the bike parts.

Transport Bike via a Shipping Company

The shipping quotes of every company differ; therefore we suggest you compare the prices before you finalize a deal with one.

On average, you need to spend $40 to $300 if you want to transport the bike domestically.

Similarly, international shipping would cost you around $100 to $400. Both include insurance too.

The final rates will be decided by the company you choose, depending upon the package’s weight and dimensions along with distance and the shipping method.

Can I Transport My Bike by Train?

We hope you are now clear on how to transport a bike without a rack. But what if you don’t own a car? Renting one can be an efficient solution, but you’d surely not want to spend hundreds of bucks on this purpose, especially when a cheaper alternative is available i.e., via a train.

Yes, you can definitely transport your bike by train, and here’s a comprehensive guide on how to do so:

Taking Folding Bike on Train

If you own a folding bike, you’d have a plus point while shipping it through the train.

It’s because most companies allow you to carry the folded bike on board and store it in the usual luggage rack.

However, make sure you check with their maximum weight requirements or else you might not be allowed to ship the bike.

The best part is that the company wouldn’t usually charge you an additional amount for this, so it is definitely a cost-saving option.

Taking Disassembled Bike on Train

Other than that, you can disassemble your bike parts and store every component along with the main body in a travel bag or case.

Again, you need to take care of the weight and length requirements. In case of exceeding this, you may need to make a reservation beforehand.

Taking a Fully Assembled Bike on Train

If your bike can’t be disassembled or folded, you might face issues with transporting it via a train.

It depends upon the company you’re traveling with, as some may allow you to ship the bike without any booking or extra costs.

While a few may demand reservation and additional fees. Similarly, there are many train companies that don’t allow this at all because they might lack the proper carriage for storing your bike securely.

Bike-Carrying Backpacks For Transporting Bikes

You can find bike-carrying backpacks having specialized compartments for each bike part.

They also comprise straps that securely hold the bike in place. Moreover, you can comfortably wear them, thanks to the soft padding.

Since these backpacks distribute weight evenly, you don’t have to worry about instability as well.

Many cyclists use them while carrying their bikes on public transportation or walking over shorter distances.

In fact, you can also store helmets, water bottles, and bike tools in such a backpack as there is enough space.

The size and designs of bike backpacks vary so you can easily choose the one that suits your style and preferences.

Conclusion

So here you have it: how to transport a bike without a rack. We hope the methods we mentioned in this article will help you move the bike from one place to another securely.

All our ways of how to transport a bike without a rack are easy so you can conveniently transport your bike without this accessory.

Simply choose a suitable shipping company to handle the job. Or you can also opt for a train journey.

Meanwhile, you can also store it in your car’s backside, trunk, or over the roof. However, there are some things that you must consider while doing so!

FAQs

Can you carry a bike on your back to transport it from one place to another?

It is not practical to carry a bike on your back due to its heavy weight. Doing so may strain your spine, leading to several health issues and severe pain.

How can I transport a bike on a truck?

You can disassemble the bike by removing its parts like wheels, pedals, and handlebars to store inside the truck. Or transport it by installing a rack.

Is moving bike to another state expensive?

It’s hard to determine whether it is expensive or not, as the overall cost depends on several factors. These include distance, shipping method, or any additional services.