My husband and l are going camping this weekend and we are bringing our bikes. We do not have a bike rack for the back of our SUV nor do we wanna buy one (we are borrowing the bikes). My husbands SUV has a rack on top of his car. We have never used it except for transporting our christmas tree. Do you think we could tie our bikes to the roof or is that a bad idea? If so, any other ideas without spending any dough?

Sure, friends of mine have done just that. Use some cardboard etc to cushion the car top and bikes from each other. Tie down well - it worked fine - no damage to anything.

Use something (cardboard, blanket, etc.) to protect the SUV is roof from the bikes and the bikes from each other. Watch out for the pedals, brake levers, shifters, and kickstands. Also make sure to tie the wheels so the handle bar can not move and the wheels can not spin. Finally, use a lock if the SUV will be unattended during the trip. A lock wo not stop a competent thief, but it may encourage him to look elsewhere for easier prey.

HTH

remove front wheel

insert bike between front and back seat - where passenger is feet would go

[may only work for one bike per car]
lot better than bike rack though
theft and weather proof, plus it;s free

you can tie one on the roof, sure
put it left-side down [so the bike isn;t sitting on the derailleurs]

wle

If u put them on the roof, definitely wrap them up in blankets, packing quilts, or old towels. You might also remove the pedals so they will lay flatter. If possible, loosen the stem so u can lay the front wheel flat but turn the handlebars 90 degrees. If u do not feel comfortable getting them set back up then skip that part. Removing & reattaching the pedals is easy.

One thing, do not forget they're up there & drive under a low overhang or into a garage. You will end up with lots of damage to the bikes & ur car.