Road Cycling - Most Efficient Vehicle for transporting Bikes

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hockey
09-22-03, 06:38 AM
Which is the most efficient vehicle for transporting two assembled road bikes. I presently have a Chev Astro. Great for the bikes but not the greatest vehicle. How about the Venture?

Hockey

trappermark
09-22-03, 09:48 AM
I've seen ads for the Honda Element that seem to show that it is made to accomodate a couple of bikes standing...might have even had built-in clamps for bikes.
mlwschultz
09-22-03, 10:05 AM
Honda Element easily accommodates a single road bike without removing the front wheel. They do have an optional accessory to mount inside the vehicle to hold the bike upright, but you have to remove the front wheel. I don't know if it can hold 2 or not. May have to check with a Honda dealer for that info. We have an Element & love it! The push lawnmower is in there today because I'm going to drop it off for repair on my lunch hour. It's a great vehicle!

mrfix
09-22-03, 10:47 AM
Well you probably are not going to like what I have to say. I have a ford excursion, I carry 5 bikes (uprite and inside out of the rain), 5 bags of gear and 5 riders all in comfort, and we have a great changing room before and after an event.
Kev
09-22-03, 10:52 AM
Most efficient umm.. a Full size Semi Truck with Trailer! Imagine how many bikes you could fit in the back of that :)

I'm assuming you are looking for a new vehicle, why not take your bike down with you and see what it fits best into when you are shopping.
BikeInMN
09-22-03, 10:57 AM
Any car with a roof rack works for me. I wouldn't want one on a minivan as the roof is too high up for easy loading and unloading.

My personal bike hauler - 02 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 5 speed, Yakima rack with Viper mounts & fairing
demoncyclist
09-22-03, 01:31 PM
I have a Thule roof rack on the top of my Mazda MPV. It holds 2 bikes. I alos have a Rhode Gear 4 bike hitch mount rack for the back. 6 bikes, 6 people and some gear in one efficient package. I have no problem with the roof height. I stand in the opening for the sliding side doors, and the rack is right there. The Thule rack is actually in front of the factory rack, so I can still put some additional cargo on the factory rails.
Raiyn
09-22-03, 01:59 PM
Originally posted by mrfix
Well you probably are not going to like what I have to say. You got that right [/beatingdeadhorse]
hayneda
09-23-03, 11:47 AM
Originally posted by hockey
Which is the most efficient vehicle for transporting two assembled road bikes. I presently have a Chev Astro. Great for the bikes but not the greatest vehicle. How about the Venture?

Hockey

Two riders.
dexmax
09-24-03, 01:22 AM
Originally posted by hayneda
Two riders.

the best answer yet...

A small pick-up would do the job...

It can even carry a full size dirt bike.:thumbup:
ParamountScapin
09-24-03, 04:49 AM
My Ford Focus wagon is just right for me. Can stuff two bikes and all ones gear in the back and two people up front. Or, two bikes on the roof rack (I have the Thule rail-rack attached to the stock rack) and more room inside. Also gets 30 mpg at 70 mph. With gas prices in the $1.70 range, I don't mind that. Big mental debate on my part between the Focus and a minivan. But opted for the better mileage and easy-to-live-with size of the Focus. After 6000+ miles and many rides this summer I am pleased. An efficient package.