How to carry a bicycle? bike rack question
 

I'm a newbie on the forum. Please be kind. I couldn't find this topic anywhere in the search feature:

I'm probably about the pull the trigger on a 370Z purchase. One question remains: I need the ability to carry a bicycle from time to time. What are the options for carrying a bike on/in a 370Z?

I have a roof-mounted carrier on my Accord, but I don't want to do that with a Z. My dealer says a Class 1 hitch is available for the Z, but I don't see it in any of Nissan's materials. (A dealer sales guy wouldn't lie, would he?)

Does anyone have a Class 1 hitch on their Z? Or a bike hauler of some sort?

Thanks in advance.

First of all, welcome to The370Z.com.

You've asked a very good question. After doing some searches, here's what I found:

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...ike_rack_f.jpg

Looks like Boofsquire is working on a new system for the 370Z. Here you can go to their page:

Boofsquire Roof Racks
Here's a video of 350z system
YouTube - Boofsquire Roof Rack for the 350Z Demonstration Video


Now, there is also another system available for 350z but I'm not sure if they are going to develop a new kit for the 370Z
Here's their website: Nissan 350Z Bike Rack

I'd bet you could punch out the "butthole" and put one of those trailer hitch style bike carriers there.

How can you say "fail?" If you have the sport package with the rear hatch spoiler this particular setup is a fail. It looks like they added the sport package Rays to the pic or PhotoShopped the rear spoiler off. :shakes head:

This is not intended to be a jerk comment.

I'd get a different car to transport a bike. Its just not the kind of vehicle you want to transport something like that unless you had a trailer hitch which(not being mean) again, is ridiculous on a Z or any sport coupe IMO. Not to mention the possible scratches and various other forms of damage to the vehicle.

To each his(or her) own, but I wouldn't attempt this.


Here's an alternative option: Buy a fully collapsible bike for the trunk area. IDK just a thought.

A Really Good Collapsible Bike

BusinessWeek

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q...ma-bike-fo.jpg

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q...4_foldbike.jpg

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q...4_foldbike.jpg

Good luck with your search! :D

Something seems terribly wrong about strapping a bike to the top of a Z, no? I'd shoot for inside of the car if you could.

An avid SoloII participant or someone who likes to track their car might disagree.

Unless one wants to invest in a truck and trailer (not exactly cheep); many who autocross and/or track their car like the option of pulling a small trailer behind their sports car to carry a couple of sets of tires, tools, etc. that simply can't be carried in a sports car (like the Z).

I would say an avid bicyclist would have a similar opinion.

Problem is, as far as I know, no one (Nissan included) developed a good hitch set-up for the 350 and I doubt they will for the 370 either.

The back of the Z might be roomy enough, with the front tire removed, to handle a full-sized bicycle but I'm really not sure...I will admit that the Z is not the best choice of vehicles for those who want to carry a bike and I'd be very cautions about outside carriers that "hook" to the bodywork/rear hatch.

Thanks for the replies.

As I said in my first post, I don't want a rooftop rack.

I agree that I don't want any rack that comes into contact with the paint.

If there's no hitch, the Z really isn't an option for carrying a bike (IMO). I doubt a bike, even with the wheels removed, would fit under the hatch.

And, no, a folding bicycle is not a real bicycle. Not an option.

This is one area that Porsche has beaten the crap out of Nissan.

When the Boofsquire rack system comes out for the 370 I think you guys are going to be VERY pleased.

They are using your Z for the prototype, right? :excited:

The Roofsquire setup really does look promising. And that collapsible bike looks completely ridiculous. To each his own I guess, but I would not be caught dead on that thing.

Yup. :tup:

FlashBazso,
I'm a roadie and currently drive a SL MB. If I remove both wheels I can get a 59cm bike in the back of that car without much problem. Certainly more of a headache than throwing it in the back of my wife's Tahoe, but on occasion not a big deal. When I pick up a Z, I also hope to find a way to shoehorn a bike into that car. Obviously, you will want to protect both the car and bike from damage while sliding the pieces in and out. Let me know how you make out as I will be following in your footsteps in 6 months or so. Also what size frame do you ride?
Good luck, Steve

Steve, I ride a 55cm frame. I haven't tried yet (and might not), but I THINK I could get the bike under the hatch with both wheels removed. The width of the bars vs. the width of the crank/pedals might cause a problem, but I'm not sure. I've got wheel bags and could put the wheels in the passenger seat. (I wouldn't want to block the view out the back any more than I have to.)

I have decided that I will use my wife's car for transporting the bicycle. I don't want to risk chain lube stains, scrapes, etc. on the inside of the Z.