Morning
We’re heading on a road trip around hostels in Europe and I’d like to take my MTB.
It’s a bit nickable so I don’t want to leave it on the tow bar mounted bike rack. I was wondering if I could get it on an XXL roof box.
Some are 230x90 so with wheels off it might fit.
anyone tried it?
thanks!
Can't see why not if it fits, take it to the roof box shop and try it?
Or put everything else out of the boot in the box to free up boot space for the bike?
You could probably make it fit, back of fag packet calls suggest that the external dimensions of an Evoc bike bag are about the same as the internal dimensions of the biggest Thule roof box.
As above though I'd be tempted to put the bike in then not and put lighter stuff in the roof box (this is what we did with the double pram which was a weighty if not particualry bulky thing)
Just to point out the locks on roof boxes are the same as the ones found on bike racks usually - could probably pick them with a paper clip. Not sure I'd want to keep a bike in one...
Just to point out the locks on roof boxes are the same as the ones found on bike racks usually - could probably pick them with a paper clip. Not sure I'd want to keep a bike in one...
Came here to say the same. Locks are useless. We're carrying (relatively) inexpensive paddleboards and camping stuff in our roof box and I'm worried about that. No way would I chance a bike in one.
You could lock through the roof box - just cut an additional hole where the roof bars are and loop lock or cable through.
Biggest thing would be to not open the box revealing what is inside.
I've done it with a road bike a couple of times in the same scenario. It worked well. As above, be somewhere no one sees you when getting it in and out of the box, and an additional lock is worthwhile too.
OP, What's the exact use case here? I'e what situation would you be happy leaving the bike in the roofbox that you wouldn't be happy leaving it locked on the rear rack.
Obviously locking it properly* on a rear rack is an absolute pain in the arse and quite expensive, but still
( For us it involves 8 metres of Pragmasis chain)
I wouldn't be leaving anything "a bit nickable" on a car unattended at all I'm afraid, unless I had comprehensive insurance and wanted a new one. I suppose it's out of sight at least, but that's your only security.
How about a tow bar box (they do exist) save the roof clambering? Still wheels off (assuming suitable capacity can be found)...
Of course there does come a point where it's probably better to put the bike inside the car (ideally well hidden) and all the other stuff (clothes, tools riding kit, etc) in a roofbox, but that comes down the the car and how many passengers you need to consider...
The bike will surely slide about inside the roof box? Not for me...can you repack car once people are out and put bike inside car overnight?
and put bike inside car overnight?
No, no no. Unless he's travelling to Scilly or the outer Hebrides, surely nobody would advocate that
It is more secure though...
Thinking of box mainly because it is out of sight. I’d take locks and lock it in the hostels or try to get it in the room while there.
I wouldn’t leave anything outside, either in car, on towbar or in roof box unnecessarily.
I’ll probably just take the gravel bike. Less stress.
Replace ones car with a VW Camper, plenty of space inside for a bike.
Honestly, this place. Going to the dogs. Roof boxes. Whatever next.
Well you know, we had a T6 for 10 yrs and sold it recently. I can tell you I miss it enormously whenever I try to cram everything into an estate.
Locks on roof boxes are IDENTICAL to those on bike racks. So identical that I've had the Atera locks on my Strada keyed alike to the exodous locks on my roof box. I'm even thinking about changing the locks on the roof bars so they are also keyed alike.
They're all utterly crap & can be picked in seconds or physically defeated in milliseconds. It's only marginally slower however to make off with a complete T5 or Tranny custom, so nothing's truly safe.
To your original question: yes a MTB will fit in a (very large) roof box. I've an exodous 580L box and my alpine 6 just goes in. Take wheels and pedals off first. My roofbox is lined with that rubber that's like giant five10 dotty stealth, as fitted to bus floors, otherwise I'd be worried about it eroding its way through the box's hull. Make sure the thing is properly tied down inside. Wheels go in bags inside the box. Its a right ball ache to get it up there, but it's out of sight and means I can sneak it away when on holiday.
I had this myself a couple of years ago. I hate using the bike rack and needed space for 3 and luggage.
Only 2 bikes.
I removed wheels, pedals and forks. Fitted one bike in the boot and one in the roof box.
Removing the forks is an arse ache but I was able to completely hide the bikes and not have to fold any seats down.
Cable ties to hold all the headset bits together etc.
We have a load cage that fits above the rear seats. Means we can load the Astra estate to the roof, without fear of getting swamped under braking.
