GG600 and mountain bike storage..?

couplands · Jan 30, 2023

We currently have a Cali Ocean and like to take our mountain bikes away with us. This means putting them on a tow bar mounted bike rack. I’m always nervous of leaving the van and bikes parked up anywhere in case of theft.

I’ve been looking at a GC600 and wondered if two bikes would fit in the garage space (with the bed down). I assume I’d have to remove the front wheels. Can anyone advise is they would fit..?

For reference the bikes are Specialized Turbo Levos.

arsein · Jan 31, 2023

couplands said:
We currently have a Cali Ocean and like to take our mountain bikes away with us. This means putting them on a tow bar mounted bike rack. I’m always nervous of leaving the van and bikes parked up anywhere in case of theft.

I’ve been looking at a GC600 and wondered if two bikes would fit in the garage space (with the bed down). I assume I’d have to remove the front wheels. Can anyone advise is they would fit..?

For reference the bikes are Specialized Turbo Levos.

Hi Couplands,

this is my GC600 with my 27,5" Cube E-MTB inside without fornt weel...
You should also remove the saddle to be able to lower the bed, but in my case the saddle has a pneumatic linkage and it's not easy to remove and put on, so...
No, definitely say no.

couplands · Jan 31, 2023

arsein said:
Hi Couplands,

this is my GC600 with my 27,5" Cube E-MTB inside without fornt weel...
You should also remove the saddle to be able to lower the bed, but in my case the saddle has a pneumatic linkage and it's not easy to remove and put on, so...
No, definitely say no.

View attachment 104543

Thanks for the reply. It looks a tight fit under the bed. I have a dropper post on my saddle, but not sure if that would lower the seat height enough. Do you know the measurement of the height under the bed (and width too)..?

Looking at the width of your handle bars, it doesn’t look like the bike would fit if it was the other way round.

Ah well, need to find another solution for storing bikes inside a campervan. I don’t really want to go to a full size Motorhome.

AndrewCook680 · Jan 31, 2023

When we rented a GC600 I measured the garage space ( I also tho about bike storage under there)

i measured the area under bed as
77cm high
72cm wide
137 deep from partition divider location by kitchen to rear door

Chainline · Jan 31, 2023

I too have a cali beach (and a GC) which i have been all over on with my (analogue) mtbs, frequently having 3 on the back with a value of approx £30k.
I use this type of lock (pragmasis) and have done for years after lesser locks failed to prevent a theft from my garage.

Tested: Pragmasis Protector 19mm chain & RoundLock review

Price: £169.95 | Weight: 11.17kg | BikeSocial tests motorcycle security kit to destruction…

www.bennetts.co.uk

if they want them bad enough to get through this breaking into the GC would be childs play and frankly such an attack would have to be be violent enough for me to be happy with insurance!

I use a mounted rack with my GC and this lock (but longer chain and heavier!) , locking the bikes to the rack and each other if left unattended. Different lengths are available.

Svenhedintony · Jan 31, 2023

Chainline said:
I too have a cali beach (and a GC) which i have been all over on with my (analogue) mtbs, frequently having 3 on the back with a value of approx £30k.
I use this type of lock (pragmasis) and have done for years after lesser locks failed to prevent a theft from my garage.

Tested: Pragmasis Protector 19mm chain & RoundLock review

Price: £169.95 | Weight: 11.17kg | BikeSocial tests motorcycle security kit to destruction…

www.bennetts.co.uk

if they want them bad enough to get through this breaking into the GC would be childs play and frankly such an attack would have to be be violent enough for me to be happy with insurance!

I use a mounted rack with my GC and this lock (but longer chain and heavier!) , locking the bikes to the rack and each other if left unattended. Different lengths are available.

I have a Sven Hedin and carry a road bike under the bed. I had a bike rack in the previous Sven, but it restricted the use of the garage. I now keep the bike in a bike bag with both wheels removed and the saddle dropped. There is plenty of space. With planning and the right bike bag I reckon two bikes would be doable. My bag is too long to fit length ways by about 50mm. With a smaller bag you might be able to fit two bike bags length ways, and still have some storage space.

Rasp · Jan 31, 2023

We carry two 29 mtb in the Sven hedin garage fits ok with seat dropper down.

couplands · Jan 31, 2023

AndrewCook680 said:
When we rented a GC600 I measured the garage space ( I also tho about bike storage under there)

i measured the area under bed as
77cm high
72cm wide
137 deep from partition divider location by kitchen to rear door

Thanks for those measurements.

Do/did you carry bikes in the garage..?

AndrewCook680 · Feb 1, 2023

couplands said:
Thanks for those measurements.

Do/did you carry bikes in the garage..?

No didnt take bikes on the trip, but measured for reference on the hire van 600 because hope to one day - currently 6 month into long wait for a 680……

Phase one · Feb 1, 2023

Chainline said:
I too have a cali beach (and a GC) which i have been all over on with my (analogue) mtbs, frequently having 3 on the back with a value of approx £30k.
I use this type of lock (pragmasis) and have done for years after lesser locks failed to prevent a theft from my garage.

Tested: Pragmasis Protector 19mm chain & RoundLock review

Price: £169.95 | Weight: 11.17kg | BikeSocial tests motorcycle security kit to destruction…

www.bennetts.co.uk

if they want them bad enough to get through this breaking into the GC would be childs play and frankly such an attack would have to be be violent enough for me to be happy with insurance!

I use a mounted rack with my GC and this lock (but longer chain and heavier!) , locking the bikes to the rack and each other if left unattended. Different lengths are available.

I have used a similar Pragmasis 16mm chain together with
a Squire Stronghold padlock and bike mounted Konig tamper alarm - which is ridiculously loud.
It’s worth noting that Pragmasis do a noose option for some gauges of chains which means you can almost halve the required chain length (and weight!) if required. Found them very helpful for advice

The Blue Merle · Feb 2, 2023

Rasp said:
We carry two 29 mtb in the Sven hedin garage fits ok with seat dropper down.

View attachment 104561

You’re making me want a Sven (stop it!)

WestySvenHedin · Feb 2, 2023

The Blue Merle said:
You’re making me want a Sven (stop it!)

They are very lovely!

Svenhedintony · Feb 2, 2023

WestySvenHedin said:
They are very lovely!

I'll second that

2into1 · Feb 2, 2023

Just in case it would help, I've taken out my Cali bench seat and replaced it with a single seat, on the kitchen side. One massive bike slips down the side of it easily with the 5th seat perfectly set to operate the kitchen. (bike bungees to the 5th seat in 20 secs).
I reckon 2 bikes might compromise your operation inside too much??? But removing wheels might do it. Still got the bed upstairs. Just a thought.

Chainline · Feb 2, 2023

Phase one said:
I have used a similar Pragmasis 16mm chain together with
a Squire Stronghold padlock and bike mounted Konig tamper alarm - which is ridiculously loud.
It’s worth noting that Pragmasis do a noose option for some gauges of chains which means you can almost halve the required chain length (and weight!) if required. Found them very helpful for advice

I have an older squire not the newer bullet type! it is a heavy chain!

Glassy · Feb 2, 2023

couplands said:
We currently have a Cali Ocean and like to take our mountain bikes away with us. This means putting them on a tow bar mounted bike rack. I’m always nervous of leaving the van and bikes parked up anywhere in case of theft.

I’ve been looking at a GC600 and wondered if two bikes would fit in the garage space (with the bed down). I assume I’d have to remove the front wheels. Can anyone advise is they would fit..?

For reference the bikes are Specialized Turbo Levos.

Glassy · Feb 2, 2023

I can get 2 in, mounted on a homemade slide out. It’s a GC680 but I think the space under the bed is similar for the GC600. They are a medium 29er Specialised Stumpjumper and a M/L Trek Remedy, the Stumpy has 780mm bars and the Remedys’ are 800mm. The fork mounts are Rockymounts Droptop. The rear axles mount through a Rose XL dummy axle which just sit in a slot at the back of the slideout. The strap up to the stem of the Remedy compresses the fork by 20mm so that it fits. That’s less than the sag when the bike is being ridden.
The slide out rails are 53mm high so the cupboard doors still open above and they are rated to 125kg or 50kg point load at full extension.
I remade the central divider with a small extension into the cab so that the derailleurs fit and to allow a longer slacker bike to fit in future. They derailleurs did fit without this but had to be held forward.
I’m pretty certain it would be possible to fit larger bikes. The most restrictive dimensions were the handlebars, which still have a bit of spare room either side and the wheelbase which can just extend ever so slightly into the cab.
All the wheels fit under there too, 2 on the drivers side, 1 in the middle and 1 on the passenger side.
The wheel bags are homemade. each one has a couple of internal pockets either side of the brake discs that hold a bit of cut down foam pool noodle and keep the discs away from anything that might bend them.
I hope that’s useful..

The Blue Merle · Feb 2, 2023

WestySvenHedin said:
They are very lovely!

If I didnt need 4m/diff then would be top of my list.
Thinking of a self build on a MAN/Crafter 6m 4motion

couplands · Feb 3, 2023

Glassy said:
I can get 2 in, mounted on a homemade slide out. It’s a GC680 but I think the space under the bed is similar for the GC600. They are a medium 29er Specialised Stumpjumper and a M/L Trek Remedy, the Stumpy has 780mm bars and the Remedys’ are 800mm. The fork mounts are Rockymounts Droptop. The rear axles mount through a Rose XL dummy axle which just sit in a slot at the back of the slideout. The strap up to the stem of the Remedy compresses the fork by 20mm so that it fits. That’s less than the sag when the bike is being ridden.
The slide out rails are 53mm high so the cupboard doors still open above and they are rated to 125kg or 50kg point load at full extension.
I remade the central divider with a small extension into the cab so that the derailleurs fit and to allow a longer slacker bike to fit in future. They derailleurs did fit without this but had to be held forward.
I’m pretty certain it would be possible to fit larger bikes. The most restrictive dimensions were the handlebars, which still have a bit of spare room either side and the wheelbase which can just extend ever so slightly into the cab.
All the wheels fit under there too, 2 on the drivers side, 1 in the middle and 1 on the passenger side.
The wheel bags are homemade. each one has a couple of internal pockets either side of the brake discs that hold a bit of cut down foam pool noodle and keep the discs away from anything that might bend them.
I hope that’s useful..

View attachment 104615

View attachment 104616

View attachment 104617

Fantastic effort getting the bikes in. Shame you have to remove the rear wheels, I’m happy doing the front but a bit more faff doing the rear.

I guess for transport, you could have the bed upright and leave the rear wheel on, or is it too long as well as too high..?

Camperfamily · Feb 3, 2023

@Glassy that is an excellent setup, very neat. I see you’ve got ‘socks’ for the pedals too. Really well done!

IsThisNameLongEnough · Feb 3, 2023

@Glassy that is straight class right there mate.
Are they 1100mm long sliders?

We are trying to fit 2 Giant Trance e+ 29" in the back of the GC680, with only taking front wheel off.

Been mocking something up so far, looking to raise the bed slightly to give a little more clearance.

evergreensuk07 · Feb 3, 2023

I have mine under the bed, I switch between a xl nomad or my xl yeti sb166... I am out every weekend in the van with the bike and it only fits rear in first with both wheels of and a slightly modified bed frame.at the end to get the forks to fit without having to compress them..
Then have a rear bed cover to keep to bed dry when loading.
Wheels are in evoc bike wheel bags so I don't scratch the cabinets.

Glassy · Feb 4, 2023

couplands said:
Fantastic effort getting the bikes in. Shame you have to remove the rear wheels, I’m happy doing the front but a bit more faff doing the rear.

I guess for transport, you could have the bed upright and leave the rear wheel on, or is it too long as well as too high..?

Thanks. It takes 15-20 seconds to remove a rear wheel, slot in the dummy hub and retighten the axle. About the same to reinstall it. I think it’s a lot less faff than lifting the bed up.

Any SRAM derailleur above SX has a small button with a picture of a lock. It holds the cage back to make wheel removal and installation a bit easier. For me at least it makes rear wheel changing faster.

I could still partially open the cupboards in the living area when I mocked up my original plan (rear wheels left on) but the access to them was quite restrictive.

Glassy · Feb 4, 2023

IsThisNameLongEnough said:
@Glassy that is straight class right there mate.
Are they 1100mm long sliders?

We are trying to fit 2 Giant Trance e+ 29" in the back of the GC680, with only taking front wheel off.

Been mocking something up so far, looking to raise the bed slightly to give a little more clearance.

View attachment 104666

Hi, they are 1000mm sliders. Any longer and they were going to hit the cover that runs across the floor. I just extended and raised the inner part of the tray beyond the back of them.
My original plan was to leave the rear wheels on and raise the bed but my wife has a (non negotionable) requirement to be able to drink a cup of tea sitting upright in bed.
I hadn’t thought of doing high level sliders though, looks neat.

TravellingNewbury's · Feb 4, 2023

couplands said:
We currently have a Cali Ocean and like to take our mountain bikes away with us. This means putting them on a tow bar mounted bike rack. I’m always nervous of leaving the van and bikes parked up anywhere in case of theft.

I’ve been looking at a GC600 and wondered if two bikes would fit in the garage space (with the bed down). I assume I’d have to remove the front wheels. Can anyone advise is they would fit..?

For reference the bikes are Specialized Turbo Levos.

We have a GC680, using a Thule rack on the tow bar, works well, locks on and chains around the bikes. Don't park anywhere to dodgy and you can always reverse in to a hedge to prevent tampering if you feel the need. We, when removing the bike chain them to the chassis. The key thing is a good motorcycle chain but even better lock, the lock is the weak point from experience.

GG600 and mountain bike storage..?

couplands

arsein

couplands

AndrewCook680

Chainline

Tested: Pragmasis Protector 19mm chain & RoundLock review

Svenhedintony

Tested: Pragmasis Protector 19mm chain & RoundLock review

Rasp

couplands

AndrewCook680

Phase one

Tested: Pragmasis Protector 19mm chain & RoundLock review

The Blue Merle

4x4 joker

WestySvenHedin

Svenhedintony

2into1

Née T4WFA. Now running 2006 LHD T5 SE 130 Manual

Chainline

Glassy

Glassy

The Blue Merle

4x4 joker

couplands

Camperfamily

IsThisNameLongEnough

evergreensuk07

Glassy

Glassy

TravellingNewbury's

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