General The bike in the boot

[aussiepanda]

Those who like to combine cycling with driving their Panda, are already aware that there's not a lot of room back there. My normal bikes are long wheelbase, recreational units build for comfort and will NOT go in the back without pulling both wheels. That's getting a bit too much like hard work, particularly when you're just going for a sharp training ride before work.

Sooooooo...

I built a new bike
(for the non-cyclists, there's always room for another bike )

The frame comes from an ex-track bike. This gives it a nice, short wheelbase (problem number 1 solved). It's also smaller than I'd normally ride but not unlike the roadies foisted on cyclists these days. The wheels date back to the days when she served as a polo bike - a bit heavy but solid. The bars are Italian alloy jobs, the brake levers are Cane Creek and the brakes themselves, old Shimano 600.

For reference, I'm a six footer.

Picture 1 - the bike bike and the car.

You need to fold both rear seats down, remove the parcel shelf and slide the passenger seat forward - I went all the way but was able to move it back a bit after the bike was in.
Picture 2 - the car boot.

Now the bike. Whip out the front wheel. I'm still using nutted axels, not quick release but because these forks do not have those horrid lips, removal and installation is probably less annoying than using a quick release on a modern fork.
Feed the bike in, drive train upwards of course and, surprisingly, I found it sat better with the underside pedal forward.

Picture 3 - Panda and bike ready for a trip

In this position, the rear wheel is inside the rear lip of the boot so it's not pressing on the door and is held in place. Because I'm such a tall brute, the rear wheel locks against the carpet on one side and the saddle on the other. The bike is supported by the front pedal underneath. I'm able to move the passenger seat back two clicks and the bike itself doesn't annoy the driver despite me having the driver's seat a fair way back.

It's not quite an 'open the tail gate and throw it in' job, but it's pretty close. Eventually, I'll be fitting a towbar and using a carrier, but for now, the pressure is off and, of course, anytime I need to leave a bike with the car, I can take this one and leave it locked in the car.

Just one man's solution to a problem I'm sure others face from time to time... and I got to build another bike

 

[djprescott]

Good job. Amazing what you can get in the back of a Panda with a little imagination and re-designing!!

 

[triumph7]

Those who like to combine cycling with driving their Panda, are already aware that there's not a lot of room back there. My normal bikes are long wheelbase, recreational units build for comfort and will NOT go in the back without pulling both wheels. That's getting a bit too much like hard work, particularly when you're just going for a sharp training ride before work.

Sooooooo...

I built a new bike
(for the non-cyclists, there's always room for another bike )

The frame comes from an ex-track bike. This gives it a nice, short wheelbase (problem number 1 solved). It's also smaller than I'd normally ride but not unlike the roadies foisted on cyclists these days. The wheels date back to the days when she served as a polo bike - a bit heavy but solid. The bars are Italian alloy jobs, the brake levers are Cane Creek and the brakes themselves, old Shimano 600.

For reference, I'm a six footer.

Picture 1 - the bike bike and the car.

You need to fold both rear seats down, remove the parcel shelf and slide the passenger seat forward - I went all the way but was able to move it back a bit after the bike was in.
Picture 2 - the car boot.

Now the bike. Whip out the front wheel. I'm still using nutted axels, not quick release but because these forks do not have those horrid lips, removal and installation is probably less annoying than using a quick release on a modern fork.
Feed the bike in, drive train upwards of course and, surprisingly, I found it sat better with the underside pedal forward.

Picture 3 - Panda and bike ready for a trip

In this position, the rear wheel is inside the rear lip of the boot so it's not pressing on the door and is held in place. Because I'm such a tall brute, the rear wheel locks against the carpet on one side and the saddle on the other. The bike is supported by the front pedal underneath. I'm able to move the passenger seat back two clicks and the bike itself doesn't annoy the driver despite me having the driver's seat a fair way back.

It's not quite an 'open the tail gate and throw it in' job, but it's pretty close. Eventually, I'll be fitting a towbar and using a carrier, but for now, the pressure is off and, of course, anytime I need to leave a bike with the car, I can take this one and leave it locked in the car.

Just one man's solution to a problem I'm sure others face from time to time... and I got to build another bike

Yep. Tried it and failed. The car is just too short (and narrow)

 

[aussiepanda]

Yep. Tried it and failed. The car is just too short (and narrow)

The secret's in the wheel base... unless you're happy to remove the rear wheel as well, which isn't a problem, just a darned nuisance if you want to get away from the car quickly (such as when commuting).

My Dad, who doesn't want me to spend money on anything, said I should get a fold up bike. Ummm, cost? Then I had visions of me doing intervals around the local velodrome which is one of the tasks this bike'll be doing On the other hand, for some purposes, a folding bike'd be a perfect match with the Panda.

 

[PaulD]

A folding bike is the perfect answer. We regularly put two Bromptons in the Cross and go on holiday with the back seat folded, the two bikes and all our luggage. No problem at all.

 

[crosspanda]

I used to put my electric folding bike in the boot of my smart fortwo cabrio. So im guessing itl fit in a panda

 

[aussiepanda]

I used to put my electric folding bike in the boot of my smart fortwo cabrio. So im guessing itl fit in a panda

You'd imagine so. Although the Panda's boot is roomy for such a small car though, it's a funny shape from some respects (same as any small car) so anything could happen. Try it and report back

 

[crosspanda]

Will do when i actualy get a panda. Its so boring waiting to be able to buy one lol

 

[aussiepanda]

Will do when i actualy get a panda. Its so boring waiting to be able to buy one lol

Excuses excuses
How long do you have to wait?

 

[Fiammetta]

A folding bike is the perfect answer. We regularly put two Bromptons in the Cross and go on holiday with the back seat folded, the two bikes and all our luggage. No problem at all.

Not that I need an excuse for another bike, but I knew there was a reason I needed a Brompton in my life

 

[crosspanda]

I will be with a panda in 12 weeks today yey

Not sure if will bea 4x4 or a cross 4x4 but it will be a panda

 

[ExBluebird]

I've got a Dahon Vitesse D7 but for some reason, never carried it in the Panda, but have on the 'parcel shelf' of the MX5... I'll take a pic in the boot.
Regarding the folder, the Dahon did the job well. Not as graceful a fold as a Brompton, but bigger wheels and 7 speeds see it eat up the road. I chopped the gossamer OEM tyres as the ride at 50-60 psi was too harsh and paid a weight penalty to put Schwalbe Big Apples on it. Best modification you can do IMO. Ride is comfortable, rolling resistance at 40psi is not an issue. I've done 40 plus miles across country on it. Great bike for £300 odd.

 

[SB1500]

Thinking of buying a cheap folding bike for my Panda, as an entry into the folding bike culture! Maybe a Brompton is in the future if that goes well!!

My current normal sized bike fits in my Panda tightly with the quick release front wheel off.

Not too fussed on rear mount carriers, such a hassle to fit and if they come loose with the bikes on them then they're impossible to correct from my experience!

 

[gar074]

It's much bigger when folded than a Brompton, but my Montague Paratrooper fits neatly into my Panda's boot, and gives you all the benefits of full-sized wheels, and great off-road ability. Tough as old boots, too, and the matte-green paint looks great when muddy

 

[smittict]

Love the Paratrooper. Really clever folding design.

I have a normal mountain bike. Simply pop the wheels off and chuck it in. I do have to fold the seats down. But that really is hardly a chore.

 

[SB1500]

This was mine earlier...

Fiat marketing forgot to mention the incredibly skilled puzzle of fitting a medium size bike into a Panda ... Think I've almost mastered it by now

 

[rick500]

how i carry mine