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[…] more bikes Live to ride, ride to live. ← Stoked on Transition Bikes Spank Spike Pedals vs Superstar Nano Tech Flats […]
[…] ride more bikes Live to ride, ride to live. ← Spank Spike Pedals vs Superstar Nano Tech Flats […]
[…] own way. I tried my luck on the dirt jump line – I still have plenty of adapting to do to my Transition Double! Jess took the opportunity to work on her drops, while Carl chucked a no-effort […]
[…] my Transition TR450 parts are slowly coming together, I thought it was time to start clear taping my […]
[…] take off the grips, slide the brake levers off of the bars and change them over. When I bought my Trek Session 8 here in Whistler last season, this was indeed the case. Avid Elixir CR lever installed incorrectly […]
[…] have a clue – just like I didn’t when I first heard about it. Between this and my clear taping cranks post I’m beginning to sound like a pretty pedantic bike owner aren’t I!? This entry […]
[…] this year we purchased half of the Transition Bikes warehouse. I really wanted to build a TR450 for 2011, and I also really liked the idea of a short travel […]
[…] this year we purchased half of the Transition Bikes warehouse. I really wanted to build a TR450 for 2011, and I also really liked the idea of a short travel dual suspension for general fun times, […]
[…] the idea of a short travel dual suspension for general fun times, the obvious solution being a Transition Double. It was only fair that my wife saw her part of the deal […]
[…] to the POW gloves I bought recently I did have to do a little tidy up on some of the cuts of the fabric. Maybe I pay […]
I love your website/blog so far i check it daily,
just wondering how you can get on a grassroots program like you did with spank components?
thanks,
Florian
Thanks Florian!
The thing we have to remember is that the people working for these brands are every day people like you and me, and the reason that most of them are in the industry is because of their passion for bikes.
Riding ability is one thing, but good communication and the honest intentions of helping to support their business is key. If you believe in a brand, then it’s easy to be able to represent that brand. Since I’m a MTB Instructor for the Whistler Bike Park, people are really interested in the parts that I run on my bike.
Long story short, if there is a brand that you believe in, contact them and tell them why how can help them.
Good luck!
[…] received my parts from Spank Bikes yesterday as part of their Grassroots Program. I’ve been (not so) patiently waiting on these for a while now, so when my friend let me […]
looks sick mate! gonna be a very cool build of a tr450! keep us updated on how they all go im keen to see how the rims hold up.
Thanks Florian! I actually just posted up some photos in the post “My 2011 Transition TR450“. Will definitely post up about the rims in the near future.
[…] Earlier in the year I received a complete Transition TR450 and, given the ridiculous amount of snow that we’ve had in Whistler, I took the months off of the bike to swap some parts so I’d have it built just how I wanted. […]
[…] up, I’ll replace it with a nice flashy blue Chris King unit. A few months ago I posted “2011 Transition TR450 Parts List“, and as you can see the spec has changed a little from what I first […]
[…] bike thanks to Spank Bikes for sorting me out with these bars (and everything else!). For more information on the Spank Spike 777 Evo handlebars or other Spank Bikes products, check […]
I’m not much of a Mountain Biker, but I really love your site. I’m going to be sure to tune in regularly and use it as a way to get more up to date on what’s happening in the world of MTBing. Keep up the great work Jase.
Darryl
No worries Darryl – it’s just all about mountain biking for me as you’ll see over the next few months. So long as it has two wheels (or in some cases three) and a pair of pedals, I love it!
Thanks for commenting!
I had the Spike bar some time ago, but stupid me cut them down too narrow. I was pretty impressed with look and feel, I just wish I hadn’t chopped it 🙁
[…] shoes with a very hard rubber sole really are terrible to ride on every other bike I own, but on my Transition TR450 with the Spank Spike flat pedals, grip is a non-issue. Since running these pedals on my downhill […]
[…] Lightweight and ultra-thin, the Spanks Spike flat pedals are a product that I am really excited to be using this year. I have been eagerly awaiting the release of these pedals since I first spotted them on the internet. Like all quality products, however, they weren’t released until Spank was one hundred per cent happy with them, and it was only until mid-May that I received the pedals along with the rest of my Spank parts. […]
[…] plenty of wooden features to keep you on your toes. Lacking a decent trail bike I’m riding my Transition Double which gets the job done but isn’t ideal, especially on the […]
How does the C.R.A.P system work? im thinking about one of these as a single speed 4x bike (and anything else i wanna ride, single speed is relatively hassle free). I got a number of frames in mind and this being one, im just confused about how the system works
cheers henry
Hi Henry,
I guess you could say it’s a three piece dropout system. There is the frame, the eccentric piece, and then the “clamp” and derailleur hanger.
With the clamp’s bolts loosened, the eccentric piece can be rotated (on both sides of the bike) to tension the chain. This is done using a Torx wrench. Once you have the desired chain tension, tightening the clamp’s bolts will ensure that the eccentric piece cannot move.
It’s a very well designed system. I’m surprised that we haven’t seen it used on other bikes.
Hope that helps!
[…] of saving my hands this season, I have opted to use the M810 Shimano Saint disc brakes on my Transition TR450 downhill bike. Last year my Avid Elixir’s just lacked the power that I needed out of brakes […]
[…] Posted on June 23, 2011 by Jase When looking to build a lightweight yet strong wheelset for my Transition TR450 this year, Spank Subrosa Evo 30AL rims were at the top of my list for the […]
Dude, I really need you to take me out and show me how to ride the trails. Not sure I’ll be making it to Whistler anytime soon, but you never know. I definitely need to meet up with you one day, and having you show me how the way around the trails will be a total bonus.
Darryl
Any time mate! Always keen to ride with others, regardless of their ability or cycling discipline. It’s all good!
Sounds good, Jase. I do want to meet up with you at some point in the future.
[…] ride more bikes Live to ride, ride to live. ← Life in Whistler Rider Profiles […]
This is a great idea. You should talk to Whistler Tourism and tell them what you’re doing…..a few freebies of something would be nice for all the promotion you’re doing. British Columbia is a beautiful place. I haven’t been to Whister, but I’ve heard it’s amazing and I’m looking forward to your posts about it (and it’s riders).
Darryl
[…] a very positive six weeks since the Whistler Bike Park opened for 2011. Originally planned for a “worst case scenario” opening with only 2 trails as a result of the huge amounts of snow received during Winter, the Whistler […]
I was reading your post and wondering if it was you taking these wicked photos…..cheers to Logan for providing some sweet pictures.
I hope summer arrives in Whistler soon, my man……I know it’s got to be tough for an Aussie boy.
Darryl
[…] the ridiculous amount of snow in the Whistler Bike Park during Spring, it was clear that we would be off to a muddy start to the season. I pulled the trigger on some […]
[…] muddy start to the season. I pulled the trigger on some Mucky Nutz Bender Fender 2.0′s for my Transition TR450, and my wife’s Transition Syren. Mucky Nutz Bender Fender […]
[…] after a long day of riding, it’ll be him. I hope you enjoy reading about Dom Wrapson in this Life in Whistler Rider Profile! Dom Wrapson riding Fade to Black in […]
Damn, your living a very envious lifestyle 🙂 Good to see you took up the courage and made a move overseas. Nice work. Can’t wait to try the trails there one day.
What? You’re back in Australia? I must have missed some of your tweets or something. Man, I feel so out of the loop. Congratulations on making the move and I know this is the right decision for you guys. I also hope you locate that next perfect spot for you to move to. As you know, I’m quite a gypsy myself and in my head I’m always wondering where that one perfect place is located. I hope we both find exactly what we’re looking for soon.
Welcome home, mate.
Darryl
That’s what happens when you change timezone on Twitter, you miss out on what is happening!
One of the many benefits of having very few posessions – moving was easy! Aside from cleaning, servicing and packing up the bikes which took about 3 days, it only took us one night to pack our lives into our backpacks!
I’ll make sure to keep you posted on any future developments!
[…] http://www.ridemorebikes.com/kali-protectives-avatar-helmet […]
[…] found Majura Pines very similar to Galbraith Mountain over in the USA – once you’re tired you can simply ride up the fire roads and descend […]
[…] of Stromlo Forest Park were without a doubt the Skyline and Luge trails. I only brought my Transition Double on this trip, and while it wasn’t the best climber, it was an absolute blast on the downhills […]
[…] ride more bikes Live to ride, ride to live. ← Majura Pines in Canberra […]
Can I cut down the Spank Spike Bars past the MAX line on the ends? I got three of these bars and I want to use one of them on my XC 29er…I realize I won’t have the impact protection, but for XC that don’t matter too much. Anyone know? Will cutting past the MAX line weaken the bar too much, or not?
[…] our new Transition Bandits. We’ll be running their new Spike Race28 wheelsets, Oozy LTD bars, Spike Flat pedals for when we’re not riding with SPDs, and their Subrosa Lock-on grips. Jess will run one of […]
This is awesome news, Jase. Congratulations on getting this worked out. Now I need to get over there and get riding with you.
Darryl
Thanks mate! Any time you find yourself over my part of the world let me know and I’ll show you around.
[…] up my Single Chainring quite literally the day before I left Whistler. I needed a 36T ring for my Transition TR450 and their first run of the new model was so popular that they had sold out. I thought I’d […]
[…] the BC coast with their bikes last year in search of good times and fun trails. Whistler local Dom Wrapson has been featured on ride more bikes before – stay tuned for a post on Joe Patterson very […]
I don’t know how you guys do this, man. I don’t have the guts for any of that stuff……but I sure love watching it.
Darryl
Like most things – build up to it. Or in a lapse of judgement just have a crack and hope it works out for the best. I’m out of form at the moment – no way I’d be doing this stuff right now.
[…] hope you enjoy reading about Joe Patterson in this latest Life in Whistler Rider Profile. Joe Patterson loving the Whistler mountain […]
Good on ya joe! I remember a summer in new k that although it was fun, what a waste of time haha. I’ll look you up when I make my way back
Hey joe! Glad to see how far you have actually made it. I remember our days of non stop riding and seeing who could go the biggest and best! As your ontario best friend lol I’m proud of you man, alway thought I’d be out there with ya growing up but as you said it very well work came into play. Keep up the good work man and come visit me soon buddy!
Hey Jase! I stumbled across your blog today in a totally random way…Did you know that if you search Kali Avatar on google, your blog post is #1? Cool eh?! Any way, awesome blog man, don’t know if you even remember me, I’m one of the guides at the BP. Really looking forward to getting back up there for the summer. I reside in Van from sept – june. I love telling people that every summer I take a “work holiday” in whistler. I see that you’re back in Aus, hope life is good for you.
Keep the posts coming, there aren’t very many decent mtn bike blogs out there and yours seems pretty good. Cheers from Vancouver!
Hey Kris, stoked on the page rank! I for sure remember you – just followed you on Twitter so we can keep in touch. Seems we have more in common than just bikes.
[…] Australia. Trails that many ride for fitness, I am having a blast on! Similar to how I ride on my Transition TR450, the Bandit has me looking for little jib lines and opportunities to jump where I would otherwise […]
Hi, is that 15mm rise version on the last blue/black bars?
Sure is mate.
[…] Oozy 26AL EVO Wheelset, I was immediately impressed with the finish. I’ve owned some Spank Spike Race28 wheels before so I knew what to expect, but the polished finish on my Oozy’s really blew me away. […]
[…] getting the Oozy 26AL EVO Wheelset on my Transition Bandit I have tried my hardest to find any weaknesses in them. I am a lightweight rider – usually […]
I hardly see any Spank products out on the trails here, but I hear great things about them. I will be looking at getting some 650b wheels soon and will check out the Spank offerings when the time comes. Thanks for the great review.
[…] bikes since their release for downhill, all mountain, cross country and street. When I gave my last Spank Spike Flat Pedal review I had used them for about two months of Whistler abuse on my 2011 Transition TR450, however I […]
[…] successful Spike Flat Pedal is about to get lighter. Having already proven itself in long-term real world tests by both racers […]
[…] end design and product, the Metis is competing with some major players in the industry such as the Kali Avatar and Troy Lee Designs […]
[…] you have already seen my 2013 Transition TR450. For the most part, the frame is very similar to my 2011 Transition TR450 – playful, confidence inspiring and plush. It will plow on the rough downhill trails, but is is […]
[…] Not a great deal to mention here that I haven’t in previous posts, so how about a spec list? My 2013 Transition TR450 came with Build Kit 1, as I like running Saint Brakes and a Fox 40 anyway, the only differences is a changed chainring and the addition of some Spank Spike Flat Pedals and a pre-production Race Upgrade Kit. […]
Can you tell me how the Spank wheels have held up over time. I am more interested in the rims as I am rebuilding my wheels and leaning towards the OOZY rim. I’m in the PNW so wheels tend to take a beating as you know. Planning on running them tubeless on my Firebird.
Hi John, I have been running them for around a year now and to be honest I am amazed by them.
I tried my best to abuse them here in Adelaide, South Australia but our trails aren’t too rough. After a Summer in Whistler of riding every day, including laps of the bike park I expected some sort of damage, but there is literally none aside from a few cosmetic scratches. The wheels still spin true and there are no dents or dings.
That said, I am a light and smooth rider – around 74kg with pack, but given how little maintenance I have put into this wheelset and how perfect it still is I have no concerns in recommending them to a larger rider. I intend on using them on my next bike also, most likely 275/650b.
Hope that helps!
Jase
Hey, I noticed you were running Saints with the Spank Spike pedal upgrade kit. I’ve notice pedal rub, because there is an inset where the pedals screw into the crank arm. Did you just use extra washers?
Hi, I didn’t experience any rub on mine so we may have slightly different versions of cranks or pedal spindle. That said, I have ran the Spikes with two washers before on another bike with no ill effects, so I can’t see why it would be a bad thing.
[…] excitement when ordering my latest Transition TR450, I decided to run 35mm handlebars and stem. I assumed that I’d not notice any difference […]
[…] Parallel sunglasses I can safely say that the fit is spot on. I wear these in combination with my iXS Trail RS Helmet which when set up correctly has a very snug fit. The arms easily slide under the helmet and stay […]
[…] see, I had a pretty good comparison – my previous gravity bike was also a Transition TR450. If you check out the links, you’ll see that both bikes ran a Fox 40 and the frames and forks […]
[…] previous cockpit was an alloy 31.8mm Spank Spike 777 Evo Handlebar (full length at 777mm) and Spank Spike Director Stem, the new bike was running an Easton Havoc […]
[…] the bikes. One thing that is missing however, is something to clean your lenses with. Luckily my iXS Sports Division Jerseys come with a built in lens wipe to keep them clean, but without this I would have to buy cleaning […]
Hi Jase,
After all these years, do You still have the Transition Bank? And how the C.R.A.P goin after all these years, is that still OK and no stripping or cracking the frame in the dropout junction etc?
Thank You.
Hey Gabriel,
Yep, we still have it and it’s still going strong. I haven’t read about them having issues, but I guess that’s because nothing has been wrong with mine. I just pulled it to bits yesterday because I’m packing before taking it on a flight and the dropouts are fine. If there is any wear in that area it’s from the disc brake mount on the frame, but that’s only paint and it’s covered by the caliper adapter anyway. My buddy Trish has a Bank too and gives hers hell at the dirt jumps. She must have had it for about 3 years now and she’s still riding it so I assume it’s still going strong.
Hope this helps!
Hi Jase,
Thank You for the information, that’s really help 🙂 found a good deal for the Bank frame in local shop and need to make sure from Banks user that the dropout is OK after years.
Awesome Gabriel, I’m sure you’ll love it! When you get it built, post a photo on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ridemorebikes I’d like to see how it turns out!
I have a set of these. Trying to get them replaced as the rear spokes come loose after every ride.
Sorry to hear that Rich. I know they always appreciate feedback and like to take care of their customers, so get in contact with info@spank-ind.com.
[…] up, I’ll replace it with a nice flashy blue Chris King unit. A few months ago I posted “2011 Transition TR450 Parts List“, and as you can see the spec has changed a little from what I first […]
[…] Carbon Saddle is lighter than the SDG iFly iBeam that I ran on my 2011 Transition TR450 and doesn’t require a proprietary […]
[…] This Bank has been built up with a Fox 831 and I’m really glad we went with this fork. The lockout is amazing and the fork just “does its job” without you noticing. Brakes are OEM Avid Elixir CR’s – probably the best value brakes on the market. The wheelset is the white Transition Revolution 32 from Jess’ Transition Syren. Refusing to try wide bars, Jess opted to sell the Kore Torsion Bars (around a metre wide) and replace them with the Bontrager Big Earl handlebars that I had taken off of my 2010 Trek Session 8. […]
[…] to suit singlespeed and 1x drivetrains aren’t hard to find nowadays, XKM Chainring is one of many brands producing narrow wide […]
[…] have been using the XKM 1x spider on my Transition Bank. Set up as a dual duty pump track bike and Whistler commuter, the Bank is singlespeed with a 30T […]
[…] strong but light 26″ wheels or smaller […]
[…] for my wife in 2011, our Transition Bank has become our sole pump track bike. It’s received loads of “hand-me-down […]
[…] 1x or single speed drivetrain […]
[…] front and 2.1″ rear. The Bank is setup singlespeed with a RaceFace Narrow Wide Chainring and lightweight XKM Chainring spider. A rear only Avid Elixir CR brake helps me to skid like a […]
[…] flat platform pedals […]
[…] can be sold as a “single speed”, Narrow Wide or 1x Chainring. You don’t need Narrow Wide for single speed, but non-NW chainrings are becoming harder to […]
[…] Traitor Crusade Track Ends with Inbuilt Tensioner […]
[…] hub while allowing you to use a cheaper standard hub. I have been using eccentric dropouts on my Transition Bank pump track bike for around 4 years now and they are yet to […]
[…] Not ready to go single speed but still want to simplify your drivetrain? Check out my Single Chainring 1x Drivetrain Guide! […]
[…] Transition Bank C.R.A.P. Eccentric Dropout […]
[…] 1x drivetrain or single speed conversion […]
[…] with a RaceFace Narrow Wide Chainring and lightweight XKM Chainring spider. A rear only Avid Elixir CR brake helps me to skid like a pro […]
[…] something I discovered in great detail when I was given the opportunity to test a pre-production Oozy 26AL Evo wheelset. The pins in the Spike pedal race upgrade kit are no exception – even something as simple as […]
You went from an alu bar to a carbon bar. That is the real difference.. not the diameter.
Agreed, carbon plays a huge role in the increased stiffness I experienced. Still, I never found 31.8mm alloy bars to have too much flex (maybe this is very different for heavier riders). 35mm alloy is better, but still unnecessarily stiff to me. Obviously though, this is all personal opinion and everyone needs to find a bar stiffness/width/rise that suits their needs.
[…] that the upgrade kit will be available either late Summer or Fall 2013. Race upgrade kits for the Spank Spike Flat Pedals will only be available from Spank HQ (at least for the first season they are available) in order to […]
[…] something I discovered in great detail when I was given the opportunity to test a pre-production Oozy 26AL Evo wheelset. The pins in the Spike pedal race upgrade kit are no exception – even something as simple as […]
You forgot the always handy ghost chainring!
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/thecarnut/PICT0037.jpg
Great article
Thanks Fernando – honestly I hadn’t seen that one before! There’s always something to learn!
[…] upgrades include a lighter/thinner ANVL saddle, lighter weight stem, lighter Spank Oozy pedals and possibly tubeless. I’m loving this […]
[…] for the task. Valves and rim tape is available through Spank, but I’ve heard people running ghetto tubeless conversions with Oohbah rims in the past with great […]
Was just doing research on this and my hands are the same way so good insight I will upgrade to the 31.8 but it will save me some $ over the “trendy” 35mm ???
[…] slip over the end of the cranks and are held on by the pedal axle. It’s worth noting that pedals with an oversized inboard bearing won’t work with crank boots out of the box, you will need to enlarge the hole in the the […]
Thanks Jase for taking the time to create such an excellent guide, I am giving this a try.
I have an old Specialized Hardrock… the Rear Derailleur & Gear Hanger were bent out of shape, the other components badly worn. Given how MTB technology has evolved in the past 10+ years it was looking like a complete Group Set replacement (+ new disc-capable wheels). However this looks like a perfect cheap solution for me, and future-proof.
[…] course, there is the age old platform pedal vs. clipless debate that also comes in to play. There are certainly benefits to both, and the […]
Hey Chase, you’ve written the best overview of mtb shoes that I’ve seen. Props.
I’ve been happy with my Five-Ten Impact High shoes but they’re 4 years old and toast so I’m shopping. I’m tempted to get them again, as there are new 2012 versions available on closeout for $69. I’m cheap and weight is not a big issue for me.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51PU6AG4ocL.jpg
I have all winter to think about it!
Hey Griff, glad to hear you enjoyed the post. Sometimes it’s good to stick with what you know, but then other times you try something new and wonder why you didn’t make the switch earlier. At least you’ve got time to think it over 🙂
[…] in at 400 grams, the Spank Spike pedals are around 50 grams lighter than a pair of Superstar Nano Tech Flat pedals, and over 100 grams lighter than a pair of […]
[…] Often sliders will come with a derailleur hanger in case you choose to convert to a 1x drivetrain […]
[…] do have some important considerations here. In my single speed conversion guide I discussed single speed gear ratio and gear inches. Explained […]
Nice article, the Kona Big Unit is distinctly an XC bike – it makes an awesome single speed, my friend who has one is in love with it. I’ve had SS bikes on a Niner Air Nine Carbon frame, a Surly Krampus Ops frame, a Nashbar 650b Bees Knees, and a few mtb conversions with a Singleator. My favorite SS frame configuration is the Niner EBB, using the v2 EBB. I run a dingle-speed with two cogs in the rear, and it only takes a few minutes on the side of the trail to switch from the small cog to the large cog when my legs finally say “Enough!” The bottom bracket is either almost all the way forward or all the way back with my current configuration (32 x 19 or 21), but it’s nice to have gearing options that allow me to set it higher or lower to change the geometry a little. The Surly Krampus Ops frame is more of a pain to switch around, since you need to move the brake calliper and center the wheel yourself. Although it does provide the option of using either track ends with a QR wheel on one pair of drop-out chips, or a sliding 12×142 axle with another set of drop-out chips. Too much of a hassle for me to run a dual cog in the rear, because changing it trailside could take several minutes and three hands. When it comes to my favorite bike to ride, it’s a tie between the Krampus and the Niner. The Krampus is a go-anywhere monster truck of a bike. The Niner is a 19-22lb featherweight bike, depending on the day’s configuration, that just flies around everywhere it goes.
Thanks N! I too used to run a dinglespeed – one gear for getting to the trailhead and one for the trails themselves. It sounds as though you know your way around a singlespeed. 🙂
[…] color, a front derailleur cover can be the perfect accent to suit your colored tubeless valves, anodized 1x chainring, pedals, bars and so […]
[…] popular with budget conscious mountain bikers in Whistler and presumably elsewhere around North America, the Matrix is a really solid option for mountain […]
[…] 2012 Transiton Bandits inside a BZ11 Nissan […]
[…] on higher-end non-fixed road bikes and single speed mountain bikes using disk brakes, threaded single speed hubs allow the use of a single freewheel to be threaded […]
[…] on high-end dirt jumpers, the best pump track bikes, cross country and all-mountain single speed bikes, disc single speed cassette hubs feature a […]
Skoda Octavia Estates are a good option for bikes on roof type of setup. Massive boot space to sit in and get ready as well.
You missed the 4Runner
I’ve had issues with the sole separating from the shoe on two pairs of Five Ten Impact Karver. I was interested by the new Five Ten Freerider Contact, but they also seem to suffer from the same issue.
I might give Specialized or Giro a chance this time around.
I haven’t had this issue myself but I do know it was common on the earlier models. Let us know how it goes with the Specialized or Giros!
I own a 2003 element and it really is the best. It’s a shame Honda stopped making them. I would buy another in a heartbeat. I like being able to lock it up inside and you don’t need to disassemble the bike.
Great info thank you! I am looking to buy a car that fits my bike, very important! You have made choice easier.
We’re glad you found it helpful Tom!
I ended up with a Bell Event XC, It fit my head right and I like the light weight. I tried one of the better Bell helmets, but with mountain biking, the extra weight really bother me. So far, every time that I’ve “used” my helmet, its done its job and I was able to get back on and finish my ride.
Glad to hear you prioritized the fit Kevin. If it doesn’t fit, any other features are useless!
Step 7 calls for a soapy water around the bead and rim. Is this necessary? I’m also curious how much soapy water.
Hi BJ,
It’s not necessary, in fact I rarely need to follow this step because of the tire/rim combo I use. You can skip this step on first try and go back to it if you can’t get it to seal without the soapy water.
You are using it to help the tire “bead up” to the rim – you don’t need to use too much. A little goes a long way here.
Thanks for commenting!
This is such a superb post, makes my choice easier. For the BMW X3, is it possible to fit one full sized mountain bike without taking the wheels off?
Hi Sam, thanks for commenting! I can’t say for sure, but I’m 90% confident you will be able to. The size/style of your bike is the biggest factor. Want to know for sure? Bring your bike to the car yard. If they are motivated to sell there’s no chance they will say no. Let me know how it goes!
The Subaru crosstrek should be on this list
Good point Jb, they weren’t on my radar as they aren’t as common in my part of the world. Where do you put the bikes on the Crosstrek?
I totally agree with Ford Escape being on this list. Before I owned that SUV I had to stay with the bike rack type of solution.
By the way, great article, very helpful for people looking to buy a car taking into account their bike needs.
I have a skoda roomster and I can get three mountain bikes in there easy once seats are removed, without taking the wheels off!
I cut out a valve stem from a tube and used it once in an emergency . It was a little hard to seal at first , but after twisting a few times it sealed and has held air for several months .
Toyota RAV4 perfect fit if you lower one of the split rear seats
nice instructions!
whay do you think most complete kit they sell also a rubber ring with a valve to make it similar to the ghetto/tube method and not with just the standard tape + valve as you describe here?