Is there such a thing as a boat bike rack?

[Greg]

We kept ours on the bow rail for a few trips, and all was good, However after our last trip up to Provincetown the bikes got pretty rusty. Make sure that if you do keep them where they may get sprayed, hose them down real well with fresh water when you get to your destination, then spray them down with lots of anti-corrosion spray.

We wound up throwing those bike out, and I am going to get folding bikes to keep in the lazarette.

 

[D9ever]

We kept ours on the bow rail for a few trips, and all was good, However after our last trip up to Provincetown the bikes got pretty rusty. Make sure that if you do keep them where they may get sprayed, hose them down real well with fresh water when you get to your destination, then spray them down with lots of anti-corrosion spray.

We wound up throwing those bike out, and I am going to get folding bikes to keep in the lazarette.

Wife and I bought folding bikes from "Bike Friday" in Eugene, OR. http://www.bikefriday.com/ They will "quick fold" or break down into a suit case

 

[Alex F]

Am I readying this right, $1,300 for a single bike?

What's wrong with WM $200 bikes?

 

[JimG]

How about a couple of these from the rail to the bike:
http://www.racknroad.com/product/topline-unigrip-add-on.html

 

[MonacoMike]

Am I readying this right, $1,300 for a single bike?

What's wrong with WM $200 bikes?

What is wrong with a 5.0 in a 260? Why pay all that money for more power? I have been browsing folding bikes and the WM bikes you asked about weigh 40lbs. I would hope to find folding bikes that weigh in the 20lbs range for my boat when I get ready to make that plunge. The Bike Friday bikes are so good I’ve seen riders keep up with trained skilled road riders on race bikes. The cost is reflective of the technology and limited production.

If one wants to ride 8 blocks to eat lunch the WM would be adequate, however if one wanted to ride 10 miles to the great restaurant out of say New Buffalo it would be much tougher on the WM bike. As a reference point an entry level road bike would list for $900 and a base road bike might be found on sale for $650.

Folding or on the rail? Each boat and owner will have a different set of issues to decide and IMHO none of them good. Weight of bikes, height of rails, space to put them in travel? All require compromise.

MM

 

[Alex F]

.... however if one wanted to ride 10 miles to the great restaurant out of say New Buffalo it would be much tougher on the WM bike....

IMO, there's something wrong with this picture. Obviously, everyone has their own way of using bikes, but 10 mile ride and a great restaurant for dinner don't go together, IMO. If I even offer the idea to my crew they'll look at me like I just totally lost my mind. :wow::smt100

I love and do sports, but I also don't see myself being dressed up going for 10 mile bike ride to any restaurant. This would be the time to call for a cab. :grin:

Anyway, I get your point. But, the problem here's that to get light weight performance bike the price is jacked up about 1000%.

 

[Alex F]

You gotta understand that when Mike says he's going for a bike ride, he means that he's crossing the state. .....

:smt043:smt043

 

[Greg]

I don't care for the folding bikes. They actually are in the way more than a regular bike strapped to the bowrail. I suppose you could take a folding bike, get it set up, and strap it to the bow rail. But what would be the point. Just use a regular bike, your butt and legs will thank you.

My primary reason for getting folding bikes is not so much because they are in the way on bow rail, but I see the following advantages:

1) I can keep them inside, out of the corrosive enviroment.

2) I can bring them ashore on the dinghy (not easy bringing 5 people and 5 regular bikes on the dinghy)

3) If we ride somewhere and it gets late or we get tired, we have the option of just folding the bikes up and putting them in the back of a taxi.


I agree folding bikes aren't quite the same, but it's a compromise. I looked at some of the Dahons, so far they seem pretty good.

The Mariner D7:

 

[MonacoMike]

I don't care for the folding bikes. They actually are in the way more than a regular bike strapped to the bowrail. I suppose you could take a folding bike, get it set up, and strap it to the bow rail. But what would be the point. Just use a regular bike, your butt and legs will thank you.

The key to comfort on any bike is to have it fit for you. Each of us has different physical dimensions so fit is a highly personal thing. I have had professional fittings on my bikes, so I can translate the measurements to other bikes including a spin bike at home or the gym. I say all this to point out that a quality mini folding bike will allow adjustment to recreate a similar position on the bike as on a full size bike.

A bike saddle is the most highly personal piece of sporting equipment I know of. The manufacturer threw in a saddle they got a good deal on. An individual may try several saddles before finding one that fits. If you ride a mile or two at a time you need a big cushy saddle but as you progress that is less comfortable an firm support becomes the need.

The folding bike need not be uncomfortable an can be an efficent way not to be tied to the dock while cruising.

MM

 

[Gunn]

The Mariner D7:

Guess I have never paid attention to folding bikes before, but that just looks plain silly!

 

[Peter Cook]

If you go to http://fendergrip.com/cg.html there is a product called "Cyclegrip". It is the only bike carrier made for boats. Carries 3 bikes. Made of 6061 T-6 aluminum, welded frame, and powder coated white. All hardware is stainless steel. It attaches to your transom rail and rests on the swim platform; no drilling or modifications needed to your boat. Attaches and removes quickly. Priced at about $300, but worth it IMHO. Phone 800-832-9998