SteckMark

How have you transported your bike(s) in the bed of a pickup? Would you put your bike flat under a Tonneau cover?

hillyman

a lot of options for pickups on a search. Lying down flat not my fav but a strap with bike upright cheap and so is tailgate mat

locolobo13 

No tonneau. Just lay it down flat in the bed. Thinking about getting a rack.

flangehead

I've had a fork mount crossbar for about 20 years and it has worked very well. I don't have my own picture of it but I snipped one from an ad (different brand; I doubt mine is available anymore).


Similar to what I've had for 20 years.

There are other options; search "bike rack for pickup truck bed" in the big South American river site.

I've seen single fork clamps that fit in the sidepost slots but I'm not seeing them now for sale. That seemed like a good option for a single bike.

Paul Barnard

This is what I do.

rydabent

I lay my recumbent flat in the bed. I have a tonneau cover that locks, and keeps the bike safe.

_ForceD_

I have a setup like flangehead posted above. My brother uses a setup like this that attaches to the side gunnels of the pickup bed and hold the bike by the frame with straps. https://www.etrailer.com/Truck-Bed-B...o/INRT201.html

Dan

Phil_gretz

I don't own a pick up. I've seen them set up both ways, with cover or with the fork mounts. I like the fork mount approach for its rigid setting of the bike's position. Laying it flat within the bed seems (to me) to allow for sliding around, which will wear the contact points between bed and bike. The over-the-rear gate method seems like it contacts the downtube of the frame. I wouldn't like that, even though it's fine in all practicality.

AndrewJB

Many truck bed liners have slots on the side walls that will fit a 2x4 wood stud. You can mount the bike fork clamp to a 2x4 that is cut to fit across the bed in those slots. it is secure, doesn't required drilling or permanent attachment to he truck bed, and is easily removed if you need the full truck bed. You can mount multiple fork clamps depending on the size of your pickup. My truck bed bottom has ridges, the rear tire fits in one of the ridges and is very secure, doesn't require straps or anything other than the fork clamp.

https://smile.amazon.com/MBP-Alloy-R...9470631&sr=8-5

Tomm Willians

Swagman makes that exact cross bar mount, I have two and they work perfectly.

shelbyfv

I've put fork mounts on a 2X6. I have a bed cap so obviously I have to put the bike in backwards. I clamp the fork and the back wheel is snugged up against the front of the truck bed. Seems very secure.

PoorInRichfield

I used to have a setup like flangehead when my bikes had quick release wheels. However, now that thru axle is becoming the default standard on both road and mountain bikes, regular fork mounts don't work so well. After a lot of research I ordered two racks from Pipeline Racks that bolt onto the rail in my Tacoma's bed. The racks aren't cheap, but they are very well made, can be adjusted to fit mountain or road bikes, and the best part is that I don't need to take a wheel off the bike at all.

https://pipelineracks.com/collection...ard-facing-arm

Koyote

Post #4 is a great option.

When I owned a pickup truck (with a topper), I did a more ghetto solution: I just bolted an old front hub to the bed - drilled right through the bottom of the bed. When I wanted to transport a bike, I removed the front wheel, put the front fork in the hub, and clamped it down with the QR. It was a great solution.

c0rbin9

Just tie it to the trailer hitch and drag it behind. Don't want to scratch the bed.

Bill in VA

If you have a tonneau, yes, put it under. I have a cap,

My truck has a 6 foot bed. I carry mine and the wife's in the back of the bed laid flat. I use a big folded painters canvas drop cloth over one and lay the other on top with handlebars on opposite ends, and drive sides up, and fold the remaining end over the top bike. Before the painters tarp we used an old sleeping bag. Paint is protected, dirt is contained, bars, brake levers, pedals, etc, do not hook other parts, and they fit below the bed walls away from curious eye level. We usually remove the front wheels. THe bed liner is ridged so sliding has never been an issue.

If going on vacations we take both wheels off and use a Pedro's chain holder at the rear, due to all the other 'stuff' (or dog) being carried.

We do it the same in the SUV, but remove both wheels for dog and luggage room.

If I was using a truck with no tonneau or cap, I would use the blue waterproof camping tarps instead to hide the load, or if not stopping enroute, an upright bed rack where you remove the front wheel and clamp in the fork..

sdmc530

I also do this. I got some steel angle iron and mounted the axle holders from thule on them. Used the stake pockets and just use a ratchet strap to keep the bar going across the pickup tight. (probably not needed but I am paranoid). Works awesome. Using it now for years and holds well over long and short trips all over heck.

SteckMark

Thanks hillyman! Why don't you like to lie your bike(s) flat?

SteckMark

Hi loco! What kind of rack would you get and would it work under a Tonneau cover?

SteckMark

Thanks flangehead! I don't know South American River site? I googled it and just get river information. Do you mind posting a link?

SteckMark

That's what I'm looking to do, but with a road bike. My concern it that I'll damage the cranks or frame. I need the security of transporting the bike under the Tonneau cover. Thanks!

Rides4Beer

For a single bike, I like the Thule Insta-gater, easy to use and easily removable if you need the bed space. With disc brakes, I like not having to remove the front wheel.

c_m_shooter

I just throw them in the back. I had fork mounts bolted to the front of the bed of my truck, but they broke on the road into Big Bend state park a couple years ago and I haven't bothered replacing them. Normally the truck is hooked to a horse trailer, so I take the car instead.

Ferguron

I lay mine down (derailleur side up) on a moving blanket to prevent scratches and run a bungee through the wheel nearest the cab to stop it from flying away...not that I think that would happen.

257 roberts

I lay mine down (derailleur side up)

Random11

I take the front wheel off so the bike will fit under the cover (Honda Ridgeline). I don't tie it down or secure it in any way. I've never had a problem, and I've taken multiple trips this way that were more than 250 miles.