Carrying a bike

[Lakes_Puma]

I was playing around a bit this weekend to see how I could fit a bike in the back of the Cali, I have a tow bar rack, but sometimes I want to be able to transport a bike inside.

I found I could remove the drivers side rear seat and then with the parcel shelf flap lifted, I could fit a road bike with the front wheel removed.

It was leaning on the remaining rear seat which I had folded the backrest forward and flat on top of the seat base, and this seemed to keep it secure while driving.

 

[Adam8374]

I doubt I'll be able to fit my 200mm wheelbase enduro as easily. But I'll try.

 

[Lakes_Puma]

I doubt I'll be able to fit my 200mm wheelbase enduro as easily. But I'll try.

Next time I'm going to try front wheel off and in the other way round so the handle bars are towards the rear, turning them 90 degrees might create a but more room.

 

[swabes]

If I remove the shelf I can JUST get the bike in like this with the rear seat fully forwards (54 frame with a 110 stem)View attachment IMG_0766.jpg

 

[Lakes_Puma]

If I remove the shelf I can JUST get the bike in like this with the rear seat fully forwards (54 frame with a 110 stem)View attachment 142807

Have you tried without the seat and with the shelf in?

I'm thinking that done that way I could still sleep downstairs with the bike in the van.

 

[swabes]

Have you tried without the seat and with the shelf in?

I'm thinking that done that way I could still sleep downstairs with the bike in the van.

No - but might give it a try for the same reason. I was thinking I'll build a simple open wooden box to replace the shelf that wont go all the way across and then use an inflatable single mattress - but you're right - maybe I keep the shelf, loose the right rear seat, retain the single mattress idea but dont have to build the box.

I'll give it a try in the next day or two - if it ever stops raining!!

 

[2into1]

No - but might give it a try for the same reason. I was thinking I'll build a simple open wooden box to replace the shelf that wont go all the way across and then use an inflatable single mattress - but you're right - maybe I keep the shelf, loose the right rear seat, retain the single mattress idea but dont have to build the box.

I'll give it a try in the next day or two - if it ever stops raining!!

hopefully someone will make a neat back box \ shelf arrangements that folds out over the (kitchen side) seat to make a bed base....for an air bed, but perhaps even with a mattress - leaving the whole drivers side of a UK van free for a solo bike trips

 

[2into1]

I think the latest westfalia city joker (?) has the ability to stand and clamp the rear shelf up on its end, to allow full length use of the space

 

[RedWhiteMonkey]

A few year back, when picking up one that we bought, we got a Tern GSD (pretty substantial longtail cargo bike) and two kids in the back of a Beach.

 

[Rubinstein]

Hi all, This is how I do mine, it's a 29nr EMTB, wheels go in the back and the bed will go down with the bike in the van. Bonus is the dropper post makes a great arm rest

View attachment IMG_1983.jpeg

View attachment IMG_1984.jpeg

View attachment IMG_1982.jpeg

 

[Andy C Berks.]

Appreciate the OP is referring to a T7, but this is how I carry mine in the T6.1 - the base frame fits like a glove between the front seats/handbrake so it never slides around. Might work on a T7, and you could cut the frame to be a bit shorter if necessary provided that worked with the length of your bike. My 29er MTB and gravel bikes also fit albeit tend to use the rear bike rack for shorter journeys or if too muddy! It's a frame from an EVOC travel bag, which is available without having to buy the bag, and comes with multiple through axle and QR adapters. I also bought the chain cover to stop getting oil on the interior. I also have a wheel bag which lays on the rear shelf or can be stood up between the bike and kitchen unit.

 

[Rubinstein]

Appreciate the OP is referring to a T7, but this is how I carry mine in the T6.1 - the base frame fits like a glove between the front seats/handbrake so it never slides around. Might work on a T7, and you could cut the frame to be a bit shorter if necessary provided that worked with the length of your bike. My 29er MTB and gravel bikes also fit albeit tend to use the rear bike rack for shorter journeys or if too muddy! It's a frame from an EVOC travel bag, which is available without having to buy the bag, and comes with multiple through axle and QR adapters. I also bought the chain cover to stop getting oil on the interior. I also have a wheel bag which lays on the rear shelf or can be stood up between the bike and kitchen unit.

View attachment 142933

That’s a nice bit of kit, I’ll check it out, jeez your bike is way to clean

 

[they-setter]

I have a frame from an EVOC travel bag as in the pic above for sale. I used this for me eBike in my SE. I now have a beach, I take out the side unit and the bike goes in with the wheels on. 60 posted if you would like the frame. Thanks

 

[FairyCakes230]

Appreciate the OP is referring to a T7, but this is how I carry mine in the T6.1 - the base frame fits like a glove between the front seats/handbrake so it never slides around. Might work on a T7, and you could cut the frame to be a bit shorter if necessary provided that worked with the length of your bike. My 29er MTB and gravel bikes also fit albeit tend to use the rear bike rack for shorter journeys or if too muddy! It's a frame from an EVOC travel bag, which is available without having to buy the bag, and comes with multiple through axle and QR adapters. I also bought the chain cover to stop getting oil on the interior. I also have a wheel bag which lays on the rear shelf or can be stood up between the bike and kitchen unit.

View attachment 142933

That is very cool and very clever

 

[2into1]

I have a frame from an EVOC travel bag as in the pic above for sale. I used this for me eBike in my SE. I now have a beach, I take out the side unit and the bike goes in with the wheels on. 60 posted if you would like the frame. Thanks

So that's the bike down the side of the two seater bench? With storage box and rear shelf removed?

 

[they-setter]

I currently store my bike with wheels on along the side in the beach. I used the evoc system in the same way as the pic above in my old Se/ocean.

 

[they-setter]

I’m making an alternative way to hold the back shelf in place.

 

[jacktherussell]

New here Just adding some solutions O have for my T7 Ocean. Last bike was robbed off my rack in broad daylight :/

1. Road bike with wheels on it fits nicely behind the drivers and passengers seats. I tether it to passenger seat headrest with the bungee dog lead. Good option but bike is visible and dog has to relocate, plus scratching potential on interior. Best for short trips.

2. I have a Scicon padded road bag that fits road bike perfectly with both wheels off. This fits in the boot of the Ocean on top of the mattress and any boot gear. Just driven to Austria like this. Perfect for secure storage, downside is it still takes space and is a faff to assemble the bike afterwards. (See pic)View attachment IMG_1759.jpegView attachment IMG_1761.jpeg
View attachment IMG_1760.jpeg
3. You can also *just* fit a hard bike box 90 x 130 upright behind the rear seats if sliding them forwards. Didn’t like this as it’s wedged quite tight and the rigid box is heavy, doesn’t collapse when not in use and requires removing the child seat to install. View attachment IMG_1751.jpeg
4. Securing to rack - sometimes I can’t keep the bike inside eg my mtb or need to take multiple bikes. For this I have a Kohlburg sold secure diamond motorbike lock which I lock just under the towball. The U is narrow enough that it sits here nicely but cannot be removed. I then install the Atera Strada DL tow bar rack on top of it, then us a 0.9m 11mm pragmasis noose chain to a small D-lock through the bike centre triangle and readr wheel. This setup locks the bike firmly to the van and not just the flimsy alloy rack. I put a bungee on the heavy pragmasis chain to stop it flapping but also to allow the rack to slide back so I can open the boot without removing locks. Second and third bikes can be attached to the first bike’s D-lock. This ensures the whole setup is Sold Secure Gold rated or better which is necessary for insurance.

Overall, I prefer just leaving the bike in the van but it’s not always possible.

Hope that helps anyone else looking for solutions.

​

 

[stoobthealien]

I can chuck mine in horizontally on the T7 beach

 

[2into1]

1. Road bike with wheels on it fits nicely behind the drivers and passengers seats. I tether it to passenger seat headrest with the bungee dog lead. Good option but bike is visible and dog has to relocate, plus scratching potential on interior. Best for short trips.

Thanks for such a detailed reply. So in this scenario do you remove a rear seat (or put them both in a single row)?
You later suggest you don't do this with your MTB. Is this a 'muck' issue, or a size issue?

 

[swabes]

I've made a basic fork mount and attached it to the seat rails. I travel without one of the back seats anyway. Works a treat.

 

[2into1]

I've made a basic fork mount and attached it to the seat rails. I travel without one of the back seats anyway. Works a treat.

View attachment 152009

I can't quite see....have you still got the folded bed in there, or is it in the garage? Thanks

 

[swabes]

I can't quite see....have you still got the folded bed in there, or is it in the garage? Thanks

The mattress has gone. I normally sleep in the roof but if I need to I can unroll my Duvalay mattres/duvet thing on the remaining rear seat and rear shelf. Its not perfect but its good enough for the odd time when its too cold to be on the roof.

 

[2into1]

@swabes pointed out this specialised thread, so I'm linking a product that MIGHT prove useful to the "Big bike inside a T7 Cali" gang. I'm wondering if you took out the rear right hand seat, placed this box behind the rear kitchen side seat, you might get the FULL length of the T7 to play with and could still sleep solo downstairs? You can get a toilet that fits into the box itself as a potential bonus, or just use for storage.

 

[Adam8374]

New here Just adding some solutions O have for my T7 Ocean. Last bike was robbed off my rack in broad daylight :/

1. Road bike with wheels on it fits nicely behind the drivers and passengers seats. I tether it to passenger seat headrest with the bungee dog lead. Good option but bike is visible and dog has to relocate, plus scratching potential on interior. Best for short trips.

2. I have a Scicon padded road bag that fits road bike perfectly with both wheels off. This fits in the boot of the Ocean on top of the mattress and any boot gear. Just driven to Austria like this. Perfect for secure storage, downside is it still takes space and is a faff to assemble the bike afterwards. (See pic)View attachment 151974View attachment 151975
View attachment 151976
3. You can also *just* fit a hard bike box 90 x 130 upright behind the rear seats if sliding them forwards. Didn’t like this as it’s wedged quite tight and the rigid box is heavy, doesn’t collapse when not in use and requires removing the child seat to install. View attachment 151977
4. Securing to rack - sometimes I can’t keep the bike inside eg my mtb or need to take multiple bikes. For this I have a Kohlburg sold secure diamond motorbike lock which I lock just under the towball. The U is narrow enough that it sits here nicely but cannot be removed. I then install the Atera Strada DL tow bar rack on top of it, then us a 0.9m 11mm pragmasis noose chain to a small D-lock through the bike centre triangle and readr wheel. This setup locks the bike firmly to the van and not just the flimsy alloy rack. I put a bungee on the heavy pragmasis chain to stop it flapping but also to allow the rack to slide back so I can open the boot without removing locks. Second and third bikes can be attached to the first bike’s D-lock. This ensures the whole setup is Sold Secure Gold rated or better which is necessary for insurance.

Overall, I prefer just leaving the bike in the van but it’s not always possible.

Hope that helps anyone else looking for solutions.

​

Is this the Kohlburg lock? Because I was looking for a lock that perfectly just locks under the towball for years.
That is the most secure way how to lock bikes on the rack imo.