How to carry a bicycle on your truck?

You are what is known in cycling as a Clydesdale. Don't be offended, you are well represented, I'm one as well at 260#, used to be 325#.

You don't need a downhill bike. I'd suggest an entry level hardtail mountain bike ( front suspension only) or no suspension at all. There is a newer class of bike known as a hybrid or comfort bike that would suit you well also. More of an upright seating position. Entry level but from a top brand, no department store stuff. At 325# I started on a cheapish Norco comfort bike with no issues and about $450 invested, taxes and helmet included. At 350# you won't squish any decent bike.


You can find lots of good bikes a
for not much money on Craigslist but if you don't know what you are looking for it would be best to go to a local shop and have them fit you to a bike. I bought my current $800 bike for $250, brand new condition and unused off Craigslist. My fitting problem is height, 6'4" with limbs like I should be 6' 7", I'm on an XXL frame which is a little tough to find, but not impossible.

Now is a great time to shop as summer is wearing on and there are sales to be had. Getting to a shop is a little hard while on the road but you can do it. Call ahead of time, take a cab, make it happen.

Lots of advice on bike forums dot com and even a section for big guys and gals called Clydesdales and Athenas.

 

This is awesome:

http://www.npr.org/2012/10/09/162586325/instead-of-surgery-man-pedals-off-the-pounds

 

i have $160 in my Kona mtn bike. bought it from bike shop consignment for $100 with new tires. i got new seat and grips and a tune with the rest. i don't take it on the road, i have a folder for that but at home i'm everywhere on the Kona

 

This is cool... is it something that you put together yourself or is it a kit of some sort? Where do you store the front wheel?

 

Does anyone make an actual bike rack to bolt onto the back of the cab to store and lock a bike vertical (either by the frame or by the wheels) so that it does not get damaged or weathered?

 

No pictures, but when I had a condo sleeper I kept the upper bed in the stored (up) position and strapped a bike carrier designed for the hatch / trunk of a car to it. Open the sleeper door and away we go...

 

I saw one attached to headache rack. Mostly I just see bungee cords holding cheap bikes...... keeping a bike exposed to the elements tends to create problems

 

I wonder if a Yakima roof rack (for a car) could be modified for a vertical installation and allow for a 45 degree angle from the cab's surface, as opposed to a 90 degree one.

At least you can lock the bikes to the rack that way.

They do make heavy duty rain covers for outdoor storage of bikes as well.

 

Perhaps a modded bumper rack. There are some that tilt

 

This was just a mount that I bolted onto the lip on the side extender. The front wheel and seat rode in the cab. I've since started hanging the bike on the back walk- inside the sleeper. Stays much cleaner that way.