Transporting bicycles in 2011 SHO trunk

[Radmanna]

Hello.
122K miles on my 2001 Grand Marquis, which is still running great, but I may replace it in 48 months or less. So, I'm researching for newer generation car makes & models, since the Mercury line is but a memory.

One of several reasons why I got the Marquis, was its huge trunk. The great thing about this trunk was that its trunk lid was also very big. Because my Marquis has a big trunk and trunk lid, it's relatively easy to transport my bicycle to biking events ... as long as I take the front wheel off the bike.

Could you SHO owners, who have bicycles that you transport inside your SHO's trunk, provide comment about how easy/difficult (and why) it is to transport your bike?

If you could indicate whether you have to take off the front wheel, or both wheels, to get the bike in the trunk, that would be good to know.

If you are able to get your whole bike inside the trunk without taking any of its wheels off, by folding down one or both of the back seats, that would be good information to know.

If you could verify to us your bike frame size, and whether it's a male or female style, that would help. My male bike frame is about a size 50.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[steve142857]

Hello.
122K miles on my 2001 Grand Marquis, which is still running great, but I may replace it in 48 months or less. So, I'm researching for newer generation car makes & models, since the Mercury line is but a memory.

One of several reasons why I got the Marquis, was its huge trunk. The great thing about this trunk was that its trunk lid was also very big. Because my Marquis has a big trunk and trunk lid, it's relatively easy to transport my bicycle to biking events ... as long as I take the front wheel off the bike.

Could you SHO owners, who have bicycles that you transport inside your SHO's trunk, provide comment about how easy/difficult (and why) it is to transport your bike?

If you could indicate whether you have to take off the front wheel, or both wheels, to get the bike in the trunk, that would be good to know.

If you are able to get your whole bike inside the trunk without taking any of its wheels off, by folding down one or both of the back seats, that would be good information to know.

If you could verify to us your bike frame size, and whether it's a male or female style, that would help. My male bike frame is about a size 50.

Thanks,
Steve

Hi Steve,
I didn't put my bike in yet, but I can tell you that the trunk is impressively huge! I fit a double stroller AND a 5' x 8' carpet rolled and I went to make the grocery (4 bags) and still had some room... I am pretty sure your bike could fit without removing the wheels nor folding the back seats... I will try it and come back to you soon if no one else tried it before me. BTW, do you really mean your purchase is in 48 months? 4 years? If yes, congrats, I am much more impulsive than you... me is more 48 hours to make my decisions lol!

 

[SHOrod]

I was able to fit my road bike in the trunk, but since I didn't have any passengers I folded down the seats. I cannot imagine that the bike would fit in the trunk without taking at least the front wheel off otherwise. Since I do plan to haul more than one bicycle and passengers around with the car, I went ahead and installed a trailer hitch receiver (hidden hitch) so I can use my 4-bike Thule. The receiver did not require me to cut anything and is pretty unobtrusive. It also wasn't too bad to install, even by myself.

-Rod

 

[SHOrod]

In case you're interested in how the Hidden Hitch looks.


-Rod

 

[Billm0066]

Do you have a part number for that? I am thinking about a bike rack. Can you use it to tow a waverunner, or is it for light duty only?

 

[SHOrod]

The receipt says "90075 Hidden Hitch Class II Trailer Hitch Receiver". I pulled it up via the application guide online for a 2010 SHO. The guide didn't list anything at the time for a 2011 but it fit per the instructions no problem.

As for towing a waverunner, you'll need to check the tow rating of the SHO, tongue weight, etc. to determine if it's rated for something like that. I only use it for bikes. I use my Mountaineer to tow anything substantial.

-Rod

 

[Radmanna]

I have several reasons for not wanting to use a bike trailer or bike rack. For one, I like to just keep the bike in the trunk at all times, so that I can drive the car to bike events straight from my work site.

I have noticed that other manufacturers are now offering sedans with the rear seat fold-down . . . for trunk expansion purposes. This is a smart move, to help stay competitive with crossover SUV vehicles.

Question for the SHO's fold-down seats: It seems there would be more wind & tire-to-road noise, since this noise would not be filtered by the rear seats being in their up-position. If I want to keep the rear seats folded down at all times:
* How much added noise would there be inside the car cabin?
* Is the noise bothersome at highway speeds?
* Would the SHO cabin still be more quiet than a standard crossover SUV?

 

[Race Coach]

With both wheels off, my 56cm road bike EASILY fits into the trunk (with the back seats still up). I doubt would be possible without removing both wheels. However, this shouldn't be a big deal. If you own a SHO, you also probably own a pretty nice bike - and it should have quick-release wheels.

I have also ordered a set of RHINO RACK Aero Bars and plan on putting my mountain bike up top.

 

[Wardawg]

I've transported my roadie to a few events now and it fits in the trunk just by removing the front wheel. And this still leaves me room for a small suitcase and other small bags too so you'll have absolutely no worries.

 

[Race Coach]

Rhino Rack / Roof Rack / Load Bars (Photos)

Below are photos of the Rhino Rack in case you are interested in carrying a bike up top. The Rhino Rack is solid and excellent quality. If you must put load bars onto an SHO, I think these look as good as it's gonna get.

 

[celso20]

re post pictures

Below are photos of the Rhino Rack in case you are interested in carrying a bike up top. The Rhino Rack is solid and excellent quality. If you must put load bars onto an SHO, I think these look as good as it's gonna get.

Hey Race Coach, I Just got my 2014 SHO and was looking into either a tow hitch or a roof rack. I found your post, but the link to the pictures doesn't work anymore. Would you be able to re-post them please?