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Want to bring your bike with you on holiday? Discover the easiest ways to transport your bike by car, bus, train or airplane!
Bringing your bike will make your holiday even more fun. Whether you're planning on cycling through picturesque towns, want to conquer mountain passes or would just like to enjoy nature, you can experience more adventures on your bike. But what's the easiest way to bring your bicycle with you? In this article we'll explain how you can transport your bike by car using a Seasucker roof-mounted car bike rack, for example, or a towbar bike carrier. You can also use a bike cover to bring your bike on buses and trains, and you can even bring your bike on planes using a protective case.
Transporting your bike by car
Roof-mounted car bike racks
The car is the most obvious transportation choice for many people. Using a roof-mounted car bike rack, you can bring your bike without sacrificing too much car space. A popular brand of roof-mounted car bike racks is Seasucker. These carriers distinguish themselves by using extremely strong suction cups, which are attached securely to the car's roof. These vacuum cups can handle up to an impressive 95 kg of force, meaning they're absolutely not going to move! Plus, they're equipped with a universal HUSKE adapter for various front fork quick release skewers and thru axles (quick-release, 12 mm, 15 mm and 15 mm x 110 mm thru axles), so that almost every road bike or mountain bike can be mounted on them. A major advantage of a roof bike rack is that the rack doesn't clamp onto your (carbon) frame, which lowers the chance of damage to your bike.
Seasucker bike carriers are easy to install and are suitable for various types of bikes. Because of the vacuum system, they fit on practically every car. That means you won't need a towbar or roof rails, a major advantage if your car doesn't have either of these. This makes Seasucker bike carriers the ideal choice for people who regularly switch cars, like you might do when leasing a car. This system is a one-time purchase you can easily use on your next car, too!
Adding to their flexibility, Seasucker bike carriers are easy to install and uninstall. The powerful suction cups keep the carrier tightly in place, and removing them is just as easy. Plus, these carriers are compact so you can easily store them, making them ideal for your holiday as well as your home. You'll probably only need this carrier a few times a year, so being able to store it easily is a welcome benefit!
Towbar bike racks
A towbar bike rack is another option. This is the most well known and most commonly used method of bike transportation, especially for city bikes and e-bikes. These carriers are easy to install and provide a stable way of transporting multiple bikes. Though they can be somewhat expensive, they often have a large capacity and provide a lot of safety on long rides. Plus, because they're installed at a relatively low point on your car, placing and removing your bike is easy with a towbar bike rack. They're also generally easy to install and uninstall from your towbar.
Bringing your bike on an airplane
You can bring your bike on a plane, but this generally requires a bit more prep work. Keeping your bike well protected is essential. Bike travel cases are ideal for this purpose. For example, there are rigid cases which provide excellent protection from bumps and falls. Bike cases that provide even more protection also exist, with features such as shock absorbing materials and reinforced corners. These cases make sure your bike will arrive perfectly safe, ready for your next adventure.
Bringing your bike on the bus, train or in your RV
Bike covers are a useful and affordable solution for bringing your bike on the bus, train or in your RV. These covers provide basic protection against scratches and dirt. Since your bike is exposed to a lot less rough treatment on a bus or train compared to an airplane, your bike will generally need less protection when using these types of transport. In this situation, simple bike covers or lightweight, foldable bags are good choices. They're easy to bring along and provide plenty of protection for short distances and daily use.
What are you waiting for?
Bringing your bike on holiday opens up countless possibilities in terms of discovering new places and actively enjoying your environment. Whether you're choosing for transport by car, plane, bus, train or RV: there are various solutions available for the easy and safe transport of your bike. By choosing the right method of transportation and the right type of protection, you can start your carefree cycling adventure. So, pack your bike and get ready for an unforgettable holiday on two wheels!
Mark Jansen
When I was introduced to cycling a few years ago, I was immediately hooked. There are so many different ways to enjoy cycling, from leisurely rides and adventures to tough climbs and races. I do a lot of cycling myself, both road and mountain biking. In addition to commuting to work, I also do touring and training rides. In the future I hope to do a lot of trips abroad!
