to think DH should not pack his bike in the car?

[undercovamutha]

Going on self-drive holiday with DH, and 2DCs. DH wants to take his bike but insists he doesn't want to put it on a bike rack, but rather in the car (we have an MPV type car). He wants to take the middle back seat out and put the bike inbetween the DCs seats. The problems with this IMO are:

1. I don't really like heavy items in the main bit of the car, not strapped down, and right next to DCs. Not sure its brilliantly safe.
2. DCs will not be able to see each other (on the 2 day-long journey) - bike will be in proper bike bag which is quite large.

And most importantly...

1. I'm not sure we'll fit everything in the car (we are going self catering and have a baby and pre=schooler). Apparently DH thinks it will be fine as long as we pack light .

DH has now had a huge strop as he thinks I am being very negative. He doesn;t want to use bike rack as he got a bike stolen from one once.

AIBU to think he is being totally unrealistic?

YANBU he is, surely he should put the safety of the children before the safety of his bike!

He could hire one on arrival?
Is he leaving on your own with the two DC to go biking?
YANBU

You drive the car. He rides the bike. He'll arrive before the end of the holiday!

Why does he need his bike if the rest of you aren't taking one?

YANBU

If the bike is not fixed , it will be a hazard if you have to stop suddenly...totally unreasonable......I take it he won't be sitting in the back?

Tell him that is what insurance is for.

I am thinking that if he has a proper bike bag then he is quite a serious cyclist? In which case I agree with him not wanting to put it on bike rack, but then not sure that it should be in the car either,

We had agreed one day of bike ride for him, and some free (shopping) time for me whilst away. I have no problem with this. But DO have a problem with his bike getting more thought than the rest of us!

BikeRunSki - are you biased?!
You are right though - he is a VERY keen cyclist. Are you a cyclist - what would you do?

I would strap him and the bike to the back of the vehicle and drive in peace with the DC!

OP, your Dh is being quite ridiculous! not to mention selfish. On safety grounds alone it is a BAD idea

honestly, if he was a serious cyclist I think I can see his point, but cn also see yours re: the safety aspects if it's not strapped down. Is there anyway it can be fixed so unlikely to move?

He sounds very self involved and precious over a bike. Ask him what he loves more his bike or his kids? By the sounds of it he's more concerned about his bike getting damaged than his children.

Maybe we could use the middle seat belt in some way - but that still doesn't get round the other issues.....

Argh - bloody DH and his bloody bike......

Can you drive?
If he's so keen I'd tell him to cycle there,he can prove to him how serious he is.

I have a 3k bike as does DH. I happily use a bike rack, I have 3 heavy duty bike locks that keep the bikes on the rack. He needs to get down Halfords and buy some.

DCs not being able to see/ reach each other sounds like a great idea. they won't be able to fight or steal each others treasures. Or maybe your DCs are not like my brother and I were on long car trips.

Have you tried it out yet to see how it fits? It could be strapped down with hook ended straps if you have cargo rings.

Do you own the bike rack? and do you have a lock to fix bike to car while on rack?

Tbh he's a nightmare when the bike IS on the bike rack. If we stop for lunch we have to sit somewhere where he can see the car/bike clearly!!! I'd happily scrap the bloody bike!!

Tell him to put it on the bike rack but that you'll move into the car or somewhere safe inside where you are staying whe you're away from th car at any point. Will be a pita but would solve the prob. We have roof racks with locks on - am happy leaving (expensive) bikes on in the day but not overnight in a town or city.

What about if the bike was on a rack whilst driving, but the middle back seat was removed so that it could be put inside the car when you stopped and got out?

I'm assuming it's not an issue while you're actually on the move so is the problem what you do with the bike when stopped for a break or overnight?

What sort of bike rack do you have? Is it one that will only unattach if you open the back hatch and if so, why not buy a chain/bike lock that will attach to the bike and the rack and prevent anyone lifting it off without a hell of a lot of hassle?

If you're staying overnight somewhere on your trip can you not put the bike inside the car when you're not in it.

Both DH and I are cyclists and have bikes that are worth well over £1k each - we've never had any issue with bikes going astray when travelling. We always padlock them on and then stay close to the car if stopped at motorway service. On an overnight trip we've even brought them inside the hotel room...

agree with whereyouleftit - travel to wherever with it on the rack, and then once there and unpacked, keep bike in car.

Did lots of long 2/3 day drives with DC when they were younger. I'd have loved a physical barrier to put between them!