Updated method to how I prep my bike for travelling on the platform bike rack.
Since I last posted I changed bikes and methods. My new bike, had a damaged battery cover (broken mounting tabs) which was replaced on warranty. I use that with some industrial cling film (5" wide rolls) that I use to wrap key components/areas. I have some wrap left over from 30 years ago... it's previous use in the last 10 years was as shower protection for post leg surgery .
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Battery comes out and extra battery cover goes on. It's then wrapped, including the key lock for the battery area. I just use electrical tape to secure the final wrap.
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My suspension seatpost is removed, and the original one goes back in and is wrapped to stop water and dust ingress.
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Lastly, I cover the handlebar areas with plastic bags to protect grips, brake levers, bell, and all other cockpit items. I secure with electrical tape being careful to not compromise any cabling. I plan to build something more elegant someday, but that will be a winter project. I have a cheap rainsuit I plan to use for the materials - the sleeves (or a leg) should work really well.
I don't worry too much about the rest - it's a mountain bike after all, and sometimes sees worse conditions on the trails.
However, on the trails I am NOT doing 120kmh!
Finally, I don't do all this for all trips, but definitely when driving through the high mountain passes (Kicking Horse 1627m and Roger's 1330m) to the west of here.
A few weeks ago we came through snow on our way home from British Columbia. When there's snow, there's ice and when there's ice, there's often road salt...