Carrying a bicycle inside an RB50?

[geoffff]

When going on solo expeditions, I like the peace of mind of bringing a bicycle as backup transportation. I have a great trailer hitch bike rack, but for a variety of reasons, I'd ideally prefer to carry the bike inside the van (theft, road dirt, turning around on narrow trails, and driving through dense brush).

I have an RB50, and have been trying to find a way to carry my mountain bike inside without it getting in the way too much. The best solution I've found so far is to remove the wheels and seat, and place the frame in the gap behind the rear seat if I slide the rear mattress to the back of the van:



I would slide the mattress forward and place the bike between the mattress and the rear doors, but the block on the right gets in the way. (What's inside that block?)

My other thought is to add some hooks below the power penthouse top slide rails and mount the bike hanging, pressed against the passenger-side wall of the van, in the rear with the front forks of the bike hanging over the rear seat back.

I've also looked into folding bikes (including folding mountain bikes), but when folded these bikes are still not an ideal size for Sportsmobile storage -- they would fill the entire rear under-mattress storage area in my RB50.

I was wondering if anyone else has tried to do something like this, and has maybe come up with some better ideas...(?)

-- Geoff

[mmocken]

I own 3 folding road bikes, a 12", 20" and 26" wheel.

For the 20" and you can get mountain bike versions. If you pull the wheels, they fit in a middle size suitcase. Not the best mountain bike(due to 20' wheels), but you only want an backup bike.

Dahon makes high end full suspension models, ebay will get you a basic bike

http://www.dahon.com/us/jetstreamp8.htm

[geoffff]

Thanks for the advice! Yes, basically I'm looking for a backup bike. One that I can ride on 2/3 of the roads out there. Even if I have to carry it sometimes, it'll still making "walking out" after a backcountry breakdown much more reasonable.

Therefore, I'm pretty much looking for the ability to fold into the smallest space.

-- Geoff

[mmocken]

Smaller wheels only give you a little instability at high speeds(same feeling when riding a motorized scooter).

Even with the wheels on, the 20" folds away nicely...6 speeds are all lower gears due to the gear/wheel ratios...top speed is roughly 15MPH. It is the same wheel size as a BMX bike...you'd definitely be able to ride 2/3rd of the areas of a mountain bike, just not as fast.


Hope this helps...Marty