Secure bike with tie downs in truck?

[Ron from BC]

I have searched quite a bit on similar topics but haven't found a definitive answer from anyone who has used this method.

I don't anticipate having to 'transport' the bike often so buying an e-bike specific rack isn't cost effective. I do, however, have a hitch mounted Versahaul Motorcycle rack and good Pro Taper tie downs. Now using the hitch mounted rack is overkill for sure but the idea of using tie downs on the bars would be easy peasy. This method holds a motorcycle rock solid however I'm concerned about cinching down the tie down straps on the handlebar. The Pedego Interceptor has no for suspension so it'll be the 'balloon' tires which take the whole compression.

Looking for input from someone who has used this method.

Thanks in advance!

Ron

 

[J.R.]

I have searched quite a bit on similar topics but haven't found a definitive answer from anyone who has used this method.

I don't anticipate having to 'transport' the bike often so buying an e-bike specific rack isn't cost effective. I do, however, have a hitch mounted Versahaul Motorcycle rack and good Pro Taper tie downs. Now using the hitch mounted rack is overkill for sure but the idea of using tie downs on the bars would be easy peasy. This method holds a motorcycle rock solid however I'm concerned about cinching down the tie down straps on the handlebar. The Pedego Interceptor has no for suspension so it'll be the 'balloon' tires which take the whole compression.

Looking for input from someone who has used this method.

Thanks in advance!

Ron

I'd be concerned. The stem bolts on a bicycle are rated at approximately 5 newton meters. That's not a lot. The bars will likely take cinching down, as would the frame, but where the bars are attached to the stem and where the stem is attached to the steerer tube may not. If you could attach your straps to a more substantial part of the bike, like the frame near the head tube and just keep the front wheel stable and bars from turning, that might work.

I know this isn't what you asked, I travel with 1 or 2 ebikes in the bed with Thule Instagater racks. Not the cheapest solution and the bikes have to be lifted up into the bed. Works for me, but not everyone's cup of tea.

Good luck.

 

[Ron from BC]

I'd be concerned. The stem bolts on a bicycle are rated at approximately 5 newton meters. That's not a lot. The bars will likely take cinching down, as would the frame, but where the bars are attached to the stem and where the stem is attached to the steerer tube may not. If you could attach your straps to a more substantial part of the bike, like the frame near the head tube and just keep the front wheel stable and bars from turning, that might work.

I know this isn't what you asked, I travel with 1 or 2 ebikes in the bed with Thule Instagater racks. Not the cheapest solution and the bikes have to be lifted up into the bed. Works for me, but not everyone's cup of tea.

Good luck.

Thanks for the input JR, regarding the instagater, I guess an issue is that with the cruiser style Pedego Interceptor front fender, can the hook end of the device be removed to put it in between the tire and fender and then re-attach it to the main unit.

 

[J.R.]

Hi Ron, no I don't see a way for the Instagater to work with fixed fenders. There are many comments here about bike racks not working with fenders. I think you could make your setup work. I thought of using my Hitch Haul to haul bikes in the same way as you're thinking. Both will easily hold the weight. Just seems to come down to safely strapping down the bike. Pedego bikes are sturdy. Just cinch from sturdy points and use bungee cords, or similar to secure the front wheel. Since you have experience using your MC rack, you aren't new to hauling a "bike".

The first drive with something expensive hanging off the truck is always a little nerve wracking

 

[J.R.]

I was going to add these ($35 for 4) to my Hitch Haul. I don't know if they'd work for you. With the wheels in the holders, minimal strapping would be required.



Stromberg Carlson CC-125 Cargo Caddy Bike Rack Adapter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007VUXP1S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_kcpEBbPVCZ3TY

 

[Ron from BC]

Ok, well as a test I've put an old bike into the box with the two tie downs as discussed.

1. Bike can't move back as tie downs are secured forward of their connection point on the head tube.
2. Can't move forward....duh
3. Neither strap is cinched particularly hard

The bike is rock solid and won't move in any direction. Now this bike does have shocks in the fork tubes which did compress a bit when cinched however it's so minimal I don't think it would make any difference with the Pedego Interceptor e-bike, no front shocks, with balloon style tires.

 

[6zfshdb]

Sorry if this is a bit off topic to your original question.

I've found through experience that using a rack which holds the front tire can be a problem with a relatively heavy E-bike.

In my case, I use two Thule Sidearm roof racks mounted to a sliding platform in the bed of my pickup. The Thule Sidearm rack uses this front tire grip method.




This setup has worked well for several years carrying my 32 lb. MTB's. My Pedego Platinum Interceptors weigh 62 lbs. and carry most of that weight on the rear of the bike. When secured by the front tire, these heavier bikes sway back and forth more than twice as much as the lighter MTB's. During this swaying action, the front suspension tubes torque noticeably front to back. Although I haven't broken anything yet, this certainly can't be good for the suspension.

As a precaution, I now tie off the rear end of the bikes to the sides of the pickup.



Of course the magnitude of this problem will depend on the weight distribution of the bike and will vary with make and style. I do however question whether racks which support the front tire are the best choice for heavier E-bikes.

 

[PDoz]

Ron, I know on motorbikes the front wheel ALWAYS finds a way to turn if we give it a chance.

Perhaps secure the bike via the rear end? Tied up against the tailgate?

Or at least run another set of tiedowns backwards so when the front wheel does turn, the bike is secured from 4 directions? ( that's what we do with the motorbikes)

Ps I'm too lazy for this, so my ute wears a tailgate mat and we hang 4/5 bikes off the back https://www.foxracing.com/large-tailgate-cover-[blk]-os/15694-001-OS.html

 

[Ron from BC]

Thanks a lot for all the valued input, I really appreciate it.......in particular my wife who is the rider of the bike.

 

[ebikemom]

Awesome ideas, everyone!