Clear bike cover

[Fulltiming Felines]

I have a Hymer 534 with a large window in the back of the U-lounge, and the bike rack is mounted in front of the window. I want to get a bike cover to protect my two bikes but this would block my view out the window.

Are there clear bike covers?

I'd imagine they would be made of plastic that wouldn't be as durable as fabric, but I'm willing to replace them every few years.

Or should I just forget the covers, leave the bikes exposed to the rain and try to grease the bike components regularly?

 

[dalspa]

We have been carrying two bikes on our rack for 13 years now and have never used a cover. The bikes have been kept oiled and cleaned for normal use and have never suffered from rusting due to being on the rack.
Last year I did buy a secondhand (unused) Fiamma cover but found it too much hassle to fit, so still unused!

Edit. We do put covers over the seats, a plastic bag (tied on) will do.

 

[Parrot Face]

I should imagine that this is possible but costly. You would probably need to ask a sailmaker to put one together using the clear plastic used on some windsurfing sales. We have a relative who is a professional sailmaker in Liverpool who made us an excellent bike cover. Of course the plastic see through material would not be as clear as glass.

 

[maison]

Like @dalspa we carried bikes on the rack without covers over a period of time.

Keeping the chain and gear shifters well oiled and cleaning down the frames when necessary kept them in good condition.

We tried a cover but found it blocked our view and couldn’t stop all the spray anyway.

 

[Baldeagle7470]

Have found when trying one once on the scooter the wind did cause some marking so just leave them in the open now.

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[two]

Opaque covers would conceal what you have underneath. I'm not sure that you'd see much through (at least) two layers of clear plastic. Have you considered adding a camera?

 

[deleted-member02]

Is the view acceptable when the cover is not in place? Our rear view is obscured whether the covers are used or not.
A tow-bar mounted bike rack would remove the bicycles from window view.
I also wouldn't fancy leaving my bikes completely exposed to the elements 24-7.
Fine for a few weeks but all year round

 

[mitzimad]

i doubt you would see through a cover as road grime would soon make it opaque

 

[DangerMousy]

Our bikes obstruct the rear window too and with the old bikes we used to leave them exposed so you could see bits around and through them - they got really dirty if the weather was bad, though nothing that wouldn't clean off later. The new ebikes are much more expensive so we wanted a cover to protect the electrical parts (particularly the battery connections) and to remove them from casual view. Our Hindermann cover encloses them completely and works really well but it does mean we can't see anything from the rear window now.

A better (though more expensive) solution would be a towbar bike carrier so they'd sit lower below the window. It's not practical for us as we then wouldn't be able to get into the rear locker, but it may be an option for you?

 

[busby]

The worst damage to cycles is caused by strong sunlight,,it perishers the rubber,,tyres, gaiters etc..I always cover my bikes when abroad but don't bother in UK.A clear cover would not protect from sunshine.BUSBY.

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[sweetie]

On 4th motorhome in 17 years none have had a rear window. Wing mirrors work fine and this is the first with reversing camera which is handy.

 

[Anthea M]

We have been carrying two bikes on our rack for 13 years now and have never used a cover. The bikes have been kept oiled and cleaned for normal use and have never suffered from rusting due to being on the rack.
Last year I did buy a secondhand (unused) Fiamma cover but found it too much hassle to fit, so still unused!

Edit. We do put covers over the seats, a plastic bag (tied on) will do.

I use a flowery shower cap on my seat!!

 

[obanvanman]

If this isnt a wind up then I would suggest turning a big fish tank upside down.

 

[bobandjanie]

I cover our bikes to hide them, when we had old bikes we never bothered, it's better to get use to using the mirrors.
A clear cover would be a plastic bag, We did buy bike size bags once when we put our bikes inside a caravan, but they would not last long outside.

But it would keep them dry. Bob.

 

[Fulltiming Felines]

Is the view acceptable when the cover is not in place? Our rear view is obscured whether the covers are used or not.

The view is decent. Not much use for driving (I'm fitting a reversing camera soon), but it's nice to look through the window when sitting in the U-lounge.

Our bikes obstruct the rear window too and with the old bikes we used to leave them exposed so you could see bits around and through them - they got really dirty if the weather was bad, though nothing that wouldn't clean off later. The new ebikes are much more expensive so we wanted a cover to protect the electrical parts (particularly the battery connections) and to remove them from casual view. Our Hindermann cover encloses them completely and works really well but it does mean we can't see anything from the rear window now.

A better (though more expensive) solution would be a towbar bike carrier so they'd sit lower below the window. It's not practical for us as we then wouldn't be able to get into the rear locker, but it may be an option for you?

I have e-bikes too, but cheap ones (£400 each from Bicycles4U). I'm leaning towards just leaving the bikes exposed without a cover but perhaps I can cover up just the electrical connections to the batteries. The batteries themselves are stored inside the vehicle.

I've read a few bike articles and it looks I just need to lube up the chain, gears, and other components and do that regularly. Just ordered this Muc-Off Wet Lube.

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