Bicycles in planes

J

JSTootell

Filing Flight Plan
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Aug 27, 2024
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Riverside, CA
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JSTootell
Recent PPL looking for a first plane...on a budget. A strong want, but not need, is being able to stuff my road bike inside. I can disassemble it fine.

Looking for suggestions. I'm sure I can get two in a 150. Looks like a Tri Pacer is roomy. Not sure about an AA1 or Skipper, looks too small.

Trying to stay below $50k, lower the better (without buying a basket case of course).

Range and speed aren't an issue, I Useful load isn't much of an issue, I'm small, girlfriend is smaller, bicycles are lightweight carbon.
 
I think an older Cessna 172 would fit bikes better than a 150. Probably would need to remove both wheels, as well as the rear aircraft seat.

I have seen some rag-wing Cessna 170 taildraggers in the $50k range. The 170 is a real dream to fly.

To confirm fit, we probably will need to see pics of the wife.

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That was one of my criteria, and why I ended up with a Maule…although it would’ve been better to have one with the big cargo doors in back.

Wasn’t bad with my Diamond frame, but when I graduated to recumbents it took a little effort. ;)
 
170/2 would fit bikes easy. Unfortunately they don't fit my budget. Neither does a Maule :(
 
Given your price range and family of airplane types, a Beech Musketeer should be considered. Lots of room, especially with the rear set removed (pull just the seat back and place it on the floor), and a very large entry door.
 
I'm sure you can disassemble / reassemble your bike just fine, but who doesn't like an excuse to buy a new bike? Look at Montague...they are a "real" bike, that folds...lots of street & dirt models, all very well made. I actually got rid of my Trek and just use a Montague Elite as my only bike. Two easily fit in my Mooney, and I can go from bagged bike to riding in under 5 minutes.
 
asicer said:
Fold flat rear seats in a Grumman AA5x.
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I've got a local AA5 that I'm going to try and look at this weekend. But I have low hopes it will be air worthy. All the others I can find are out of budget :(
 
Half Fast said:
Given your price range and family of airplane types, a Beech Musketeer should be considered. Lots of room, especially with the rear set removed (pull just the seat back and place it on the floor), and a very large entry door.
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I'm reading mixed reviews on the IO346, but I have found one not too far away worth considering that's in budget.
 
Country Flier said:
I'm sure you can disassemble / reassemble your bike just fine, but who doesn't like an excuse to buy a new bike? Look at Montague...they are a "real" bike, that folds...lots of street & dirt models, all very well made. I actually got rid of my Trek and just use a Montague Elite as my only bike. Two easily fit in my Mooney, and I can go from bagged bike to riding in under 5 minutes.
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My hobby is racing mountain bikes at the "Pro" level ;)

(My catchphrase is "I'm the slowest Pro you'll ever meet. But I do have a Pro license, and I use it.)
 
What is the purpose of the bike?

Are you planning on riding 20+ miles once you get to your destination, or just 3-5 miles from the airport to your point of interest?
If it's the second scenario, consider a Zizzo folding bike, or similar size. Lightweight (important in a 150) and easy to fold/unfold.
 
I have a Piper Cherokee (Archer). I can fit a real roadbike in with no disassembly. Remove one rear seat and put it on top of the other, wheels off. Frame and wheels go in the cargo compartment and space where the seat was. Wheel bags and a chain cover keep the plane clean. Not sure about a mountain bike with the wider bars. This would not work in the Cherokees that have a rear bench seat.
 
AV8R_87 said:
What is the purpose of the bike?

Are you planning on riding 20+ miles once you get to your destination, or just 3-5 miles from the airport to your point of interest?
If it's the second scenario, consider a Zizzo folding bike, or similar size. Lightweight (important in a 150) and easy to fold/unfold.
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20, 30, 100+ miles. Jump in after work, go somewhere new, and ride for a few hours before going home a few times a week. Get some time building in. Go farther away and ride longer on the weekends.

Alternative option is running, which I've done during my training XC and my first solo XC with my girlfriend. But most airports are no where near somewhere enjoyable to run, but I can get places fast on the bicycle.
 
Hang 4 said:
Not sure about a mountain bike with the wider bars. This would not work in the Cherokees that have a rear bench seat.
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I would just be riding my roadie. Too big of a risk of getting injured, the bikes are heavier (trail bike is 35 pounds) as well as my necessary gear, and not too many airports with trails worth riding (I ride VERY advanced trails).
 
Country Flier said:
I'm sure you can disassemble / reassemble your bike just fine, but who doesn't like an excuse to buy a new bike? Look at Montague...they are a "real" bike, that folds...lots of street & dirt models, all very well made. I actually got rid of my Trek and just use a Montague Elite as my only bike. Two easily fit in my Mooney, and I can go from bagged bike to riding in under 5 minutes.
Click to expand...
I would certainly consider a Montague for short (under 20 mile) off-airport transportation, but those aren't a replacement for carbon roadies. I could (and have) fit a road bike in the Arrow. It's not easy. With the rear seats removed, it would be a lot easier, and two could probably be accommodated.
 
Sac Arrow said:
I would certainly consider a Montague for short (under 20 mile) off-airport transportation, but those aren't a replacement for carbon roadies. I could (and have) fit a road bike in the Arrow. It's not easy. With the rear seats removed, it would be a lot easier, and two could probably be accommodated.
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LOL, I just did 60 miles of dirt road w/my Montague the other day, but hey, you do you.
 
JSTootell said:
I'm reading mixed reviews on the IO346, but I have found one not too far away worth considering that's in budget.
Click to expand...

That engine is a unicorn and may be difficult to maintain. Best choice is one equipped with a Lycoming 360.
 
Country Flier said:
LOL, I just did 60 miles of dirt road w/my Montague the other day, but hey, you do you.
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A group of guys just rode the Unbound 200 on Walmart beach cruisers they bought the night before*. I know of another dude who (YEARS AGO) raced the Kona Ironman on a beach cruiser (also wore flip flops).

I don't look down on anyone for their choice of bike they ride. I really don't. Enjoy what you have, any way you want.

But I REALLY like my choice of bikes :smilewinkgrin:

*Including the owner of Rodeo Labs, a brand of high quality bikes.
 
Country Flier said:
LOL, I just did 60 miles of dirt road w/my Montague the other day, but hey, you do you.
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That's impressive, no doubt. I think the longest mountain bike ride I've ever done is 40+ miles. Don't get me wrong, I like the concept of the Montague. A full size, fully functional bike that folds.
 
I have full size folding montage ,used it when boating not worth the time or effort trying to get it into my Cessna 150.
 
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