Fifty Plus (50+) - Best Car for Biking

I currently have a Dodge Quad Pick Up. I like the PU for biking because I have a cover for the bed and I can put my bike in the bed and go.

I am thinking about getting a car maybe some kind of cross over vehicle. I would like a car that I can put the bike in the rear with my gear. I don't care if I have to take off the front tire.

I don't want to have to use a bike rake all of the time.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

buddy

Different vehicles over here as they are generrally a lot smaller but I have an MPV. High roof and 5 seater with an extra 2 occasional in the trunk space. I regularly travel 100 miles with two bikes on the rear rack and two bikes inside. Even done a holiday involving 2,000 miles travelling with the rear seats folded down and 2 bikes inside and all the holiday luggage. And the return trip involved an extra 12 cartons of wine and plenty of beers for home use.

217999

This is to show the type of car but being American- you will have something better.

Edit
Been looking for this but posted on 50+ by someone else. Not certain if we have an affluent member but this was his suggestion for transporting bikes

218002

Honda Element

I currently have a Dodge Quad Pick Up. I like the PU for biking because I have a cover for the bed and I can put my bike in the bed and go.

I am thinking about getting a car maybe some kind of cross over vehicle. I would like a car that I can put the bike in the rear with my gear. I don't care if I have to take off the front tire.

I don't want to have to use a bike rake all of the time.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

buddy

Simple really......

Buy a small utility trailer for the bikes then buy any car/truck/suv you want.
http://www.etrailer.com/Trailers/Buffalo%20Tools/BTTRMB12.html

if that's not what you want them consider a trailer hitch cargo carrier........
http://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Cargo-Carrier/Pro%20Series/63153.html

Get a hatchback like a Mazda 3, Subuaru Impreza, etc. You can get a road bike in them by taking the front wheel off (unless you're really tall).
I can get two bikes, another person and our gear into a Mazda 3. Unless you need more room for another reason, like kids, you don't need a crossover to haul bikes.

The cars I listed also come in high performance turbo versions.

I don't care if I have to take off the front tire.



It's going to be really strange driving your car without a front tire!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Seriously, a Chrysler minivan has proved just great for my and my wife's bike, not needing to take off the front tire, and first leaning to the side as I load one at a time and then standing the bike up vertically pointing forward. I have gotten 4 bikes in this way.

This also allows for all the other stuff we bring along on a car trip, and keeps the bikes relatively safe and "locked in."

I have a Toyota Prius, the rear seat folds down, take my from wheel off of the bike and the bike fits with room to spare. And it gets 48 miles per gallon.

I gotta agree with Eric, I am planning on getting an impreza as soon as I graduate. I was originally wanting a small 2 seated coupe until my outdoors man addiction started growing. Now I want to be able to bike, rock climb, kayak, and camp. And you can't use a miata to do all that. I'm planning on getting the 5 door STI, and putting a hitch on it for a bike rack and top rails for camping gear and a small kayak.

Just my opinion. Get whatever you like and fits you both physically and financially.

Acura Integra/RSX

I like my wifes RAV4 but removing front tires, I can put 2 bikes + travel gear for a weekend inside my Liberty. Fugly, but the Mazda 5 looks like a good bike carrier inside.

My PT Cruiser does the job for me.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d195/GonzoDawg/bicycles/06%20BRAG/Day7carloadedhome.jpg

I have a Toyota Prius, the rear seat folds down, take my from wheel off of the bike and the bike fits with room to spare. And it gets 48 miles per gallon.

I have a Prius too. But I usually don't remove the front wheel on my 58cm bikes. I do have to remove the front wheel on my 29er though to fit inside the car. I also have a receiver hitch on the car that supports my Yakima rack and up to 3 mtbs. The rear rack keeps the bikes out of the wind as much as possible so the mpg stays high. 2006 Prius with 113K miles. It's been flawless

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/308213_278864465463487_100000198063345_1274313_3075122_n.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p37/apadyk/IMG_1259copy.jpg

The Honda CRV in very small outside and incredibly large inside. I have taken three (tall) bikes and put them in the back upright with the front wheels removed. I did remove one of the rear seats to accomplish this but the bikes are safe from thieves and I don't worry about damage to the bikes as I would if they were laid down.

Aside from being a primo bike carrier, it is an outstanding car. It's safe, it's clean, it rides nice and it doesn't cost a lot to own.

I have a 2005 Ford Escape that I picked up a couple of years ago. It's another small crossover, and was available with 2WD only and a stick shift, which is difficult to find on some types of crossovers. I fit 2 bikes inside (front wheels off) with 2 people in the front seats, and there's room left for cargo. Although it's not a true SUV, it has a good amount of ground clearance for mild off roading. The only drawback I've found is that first and reverse gears on the manual aren't as low of a ratio as I'd like, but that's not a serious problem.

A smaller vehicle that works really well for carrying bikes is the 2004-2008 Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe. I rented these a couple of times. The rear seat folds completely flat to make a durable cargo carrying surface. The newer Matrix may work also, but I'm less familiar with it.

OK this thread is interesting to me... I currently own and drive a 1997 Ford Explorer 2 dr. Sport - to me, best car/SUV ever for bicycles. I can fit 3 bikes (front wheel off) and 3 passengers inside the car, no hitch needed.

But the car - actually a real SUV, is getting old and I am trying to find a replacement. the current crossovers that are attempting to pass as SUVs are totally worthless. It's almost impossible to get one bike in flat on its side. Plus with 3 row seating its a hassle to get the bed down flat. I look and look and so far, my old Explorer is still the best thing out there.

BTW looked at the 2011/2012 Escape, bed no longer folds down flat... sucks.

Bicycles inside a vehicle are not safe.
Thieves knocked a window out and took a favorite bike in broad daylight with people watching from a nearby restaurant. Have had much better luck with a rack locked to the vehicle and the bike locked to the rack.
Have had thieves break into cars without leaving a mark. Once they left the lock mechanism hanging out the hole another time they got into a car with an electronic key.

Wow, Colorado is going to the hoodlums.

I was on a group ride in SoCal, and the Specialized rep for the region was also on the ride (and paid for bagels and such for everyone). He mentioned that he fits 6 bikes in his Scion. He and his wife recently bought a second, bigger, car, but it doesn't fit as many bikes. I've noticed quite a few Scions at ride meet points. A friend has one and likes it.

Bicycles inside a vehicle are not safe.
Thieves knocked a window out and took a favorite bike in broad daylight with people watching from a nearby restaurant. Have had much better luck with a rack locked to the vehicle and the bike locked to the rack.
Have had thieves break into cars without leaving a mark. Once they left the lock mechanism hanging out the hole another time they got into a car with an electronic key.


Wow, Colorado is going to the hoodlums.


I used to drive to a shopping center (Cherry Creek Shopping Center in Denver) and then commuted 18 miles to Westminster. One day I left my wife's old Specialized HR Mtn Bike in the back of the car while I commuted. When I returned, the rear window had been broken in an attempt to get a $300 bike. They didn't get the bike, but the window was $700.

So, yes, I agree that bikes are not totally safe in a car/van. OTOH, I don't believe they are safe anywhere, and it is more a matter of luck and chance as to when a theft attempt is made or not.

At least my bikes are out of the weather, and don't reduce my gas mileage - which helps to pay for my deductible on the rear window.

To claim anything is safe (or even safer) is erroneous, IMHO.

2003 Corvette convertible.

http://i774.photobucket.com/albums/yy30/gtragitt/DSCN0143.jpg

2003 Corvette convertible.

http://i774.photobucket.com/albums/yy30/gtragitt/DSCN0143.jpg

The crisis is probably over. You can sell it now. :)

I have a Dodge Magnum and can easily put my bike inside without taking any wheels off. However, I prefer to use my bike rack on the back. I have it on in such a way so I can still open the hatch. Works out very well.

I have a Toyota Yaris Hatchback. The back seat folds down and my bike fits nicely into it without removing the front wheel.

Best car for biking? My truck.

Prius' are best for biking - either put your bike in the trunk with the front wheel off or get a hitch or use a hitch rack as I do, and of course enjoy the great gas mileage (I'm always amazed at all the SUV's parked at bike events, not good drivers and not especially comfortable, either). Actually the best ever bike car ever was a 1984 Civic wagon, or shuttle as known in other locales. It took me and my bike (and others') for over 150k miles before it was retired, with very little maintenance.

I believe a larger cargo version of the Prius is about to come to market in the US.

+ 1 on the Mazda 3 Hatchback. Easily fits inside with rear seats down with both wheels on the bike. I prefer having my bike inside the car on trips, especially long ones. Better mpg and don't have to bother with a carrier.

Prius' are best for biking - either put your bike in the trunk with the front wheel off or get a hitch or use a hitch rack as I do, and of course enjoy the great gas mileage (I'm always amazed at all the SUV's parked at bike events, not good drivers and not especially comfortable, either). Actually the best ever bike car ever was a 1984 Civic wagon, or shuttle as known in other locales. It took me and my bike (and others') for over 150k miles before it was retired, with very little maintenance.

I believe a larger cargo version of the Prius is about to come to market in the US.

I am happier that I bought a Volt than a Prius, but it won't take a bike rack. I haven't tried putting it in the hatchback.

It's going to be really strange driving your car without a front tire!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Seriously, a Chrysler minivan has proved just great for my and my wife's bike, not needing to take off the front tire, and first leaning to the side as I load one at a time and then standing the bike up vertically pointing forward. I have gotten 4 bikes in this way.

This also allows for all the other stuff we bring along on a car trip, and keeps the bikes relatively safe and "locked in."

We have a winner here. My Dodge Caravan hauls three adults and their full-sized bikes, without removing any wheels, and all their luggage, with room to spare.
It's an incredibly useful vehicle. I've owned all manner of vehicles, from coupes and sedans to pickups, wagons and SUVs. If I could have only one, this would have to be it.

Ford Excursion. Can fit 4 bikes in the back without taking off a wheel and have MORE than enough room for 4 people COMFORTABLY.....and their gear....all inside nice and safe and dry. :) 4 people times 18-20 mpg. You do the math :) . Diesel, the only way to go.

Or if it's just me and one friend, our diesel Jetta or New Beetle. 50 mpg on the highway and real power for the highway and hills. Prius schmius. And no batteries to buy and to dump in a landfill :) (well, one).

Or if it's just me and one friend, our diesel Jetta or New Beetle. 50 mpg on the highway and real power for the highway and hills. Prius schmius. And no batteries to buy and to dump in a landfill :) (well, one).

Our Prius does just fine on hills and the freeway, as does my Camry Hybrid (I use a trunk mounted rack). Electric motors have quite a bit of torque.

We have a winner here. My Dodge Caravan hauls three adults and their full-sized bikes, without removing any wheels, and all their luggage, with room to spare.
It's an incredibly useful vehicle. I've owned all manner of vehicles, from coupes and sedans to pickups, wagons and SUVs. If I could have only one, this would have to be it.

Jeeze, I never felt like a winner when I drove a Caravan. :)

Actually, as humdrum as they are, they are one of the best utility vehicles I have owned. If they were even remotely reliable, I would probably still drive one.

The crisis is probably over. You can sell it now. :)

It would be a crisis if I became a dinosaur and stopped living life LARGE.

I am a rabid fan of European-style sport sedan based station wagons/estates, which offer an unbeatable mix of practicality, safety, fuel efficiency, and driving pleasure. My wife's 2001 VW Passat wagon easily holds two bikes and two people inside, and the low roofline makes it very easy to load a bolt-on roof rack, expanding the capacity to 4-5 people inside and 3 bikes up top. I am pleased that Honda (Acura TSX Sportwagon) and Toyota (Prius V wagon) have seen the light, but disappointed that Volvo will stop importing wagons to the US, and that there is no plan for a wagon version of the new made-in-USA Passat sedan, which is getting a little too big for my tastes, anyway. I hope to get another 10 years out of the Passat, but if I had to replace it today, I would have very few options -- Acura TSX wagon ($$), Audi A4 Avant ($$$), VW Jetta Sportwagen. Your Europeans and Asians don't know how lucky you are.

I was think the Flintstones Car is a good option, cause when you get where your going you won't need to ride, you will already have had a great workout.

Jeeze, I never felt like a winner when I drove a Caravan. :)

Actually, as humdrum as they are, they are one of the best utility vehicles I have owned. If they were even remotely reliable, I would probably still drive one.
Fingers crossed, but I've had this one for three years, worked it hard, and haven't spent a nickel on repairs.

I am a rabid fan of European-style sport sedan based station wagons/estates, which offer an unbeatable mix of practicality, safety, fuel efficiency, and driving pleasure. My wife's 2001 VW Passat wagon easily holds two bikes and two people inside, and the low roofline makes it very easy to load a bolt-on roof rack, expanding the capacity to 4-5 people inside and 3 bikes up top. I am pleased that Honda (Acura TSX Sportwagon) and Toyota (Prius V wagon) have seen the light, but disappointed that Volvo will stop importing wagons to the US, and that there is no plan for a wagon version of the new made-in-USA Passat sedan, which is getting a little too big for my tastes, anyway. I hope to get another 10 years out of the Passat, but if I had to replace it today, I would have very few options -- Acura TSX wagon ($$), Audi A4 Avant ($$$), VW Jetta Sportwagen. Your Europeans and Asians don't know how lucky you are.

I like the "tall wagon" body type that drives like a small car but, with the rear seats folded flat or removed, has room for two or three bikes mounted upright facing rearward with front wheels removed and forks clamped to a mount on a board. I don't like hauling bikes laying on their side. In 2003, when I bought my PT Cruiser, there were very few choices of that type of vehicle sold in the US. I think there are more now, but I'm not in the market for a new car. the "best" car is the one that is already paid for. :)

I would like a car that I can put the bike in the rear with my gear. I don't care if I have to take off the front tire.
My bike easily fits in the back of my 2011 Hyundai Elantra with the back seat folded forward. With the front wheel off there is plenty of room. Its not squeezed into a tiny space so you could probably get 2 or 3 bikes in if needed. Never tried it. And the EPA gas mileage listing for the car is 40mpg highway, 29mpg city. :thumb::thumb:

Three months ago I bought a Subaru Forester. With the front wheel off the bike fits easily. I'm averaging 27.5mpg, mostly hwy miles. For me another big perk is that it sits a bit higher off of the ground meaning that I can step out of it rather than needing to pull myself up and out. (my mind is much younger than my body) Big windows all the way around which means bike is there for all to see and admire but makes it easy to see out of when on the road and when backing out of the drive. All in an all wheel drive vehicle, which will in theory make my passengers feel safer this winter.:D

Jeeze, I never felt like a winner when I drove a Caravan. :)

Actually, as humdrum as they are, they are one of the best utility vehicles I have owned. If they were even remotely reliable, I would probably still drive one.


Fingers crossed, but I've had this one for three years, worked it hard, and haven't spent a nickel on repairs.

I have a 2006 Chrysler T&C which has never seen the inside of a repair facility except lube jobs, tires and brakes. I have owned Chrysler minivans since 1986. They are getting better.

i have had both a honda CRV and a mazda 3 hatchback (mazdaspeed 3). both were great for hauling bikes. in the crv, i just took out the back seats. gave much more room plus less weight added another 1 mile per gallon. with the mazda, just left the rear seats down. really wish i still had the mazda or the honda as a bike carrier. i camped out several times in the crv. Now i have co..... - ah, i guess i better not say it here.

gw

My vote is for a mini van.

On a couple of occasions I've rented the Chrysler minivan for work and have been very impressed with the Stow and Go seating system. You can literally turn it from a 7 seater to a 2 seater with a flat carpeted cargo floor in a few minutes. I'm not normally a Chrysler fan, but they executed this concept very well. It's too large of a vehicle for me since I'm single, but it would be great for a combined cargo of people and bikes.

I have aToyota Matrix, you can get 2 bikes in the back and still get 30 mpg,LOL

I have a Toyota Yaris Hatchback. The back seat folds down and my bike fits nicely into it without removing the front wheel.

+1

On a couple of occasions I've rented the Chrysler minivan for work and have been very impressed with the Stow and Go seating system. You can literally turn it from a 7 seater to a 2 seater with a flat carpeted cargo floor in a few minutes. I'm not normally a Chrysler fan, but they executed this concept very well. It's too large of a vehicle for me since I'm single, but it would be great for a combined cargo of people and bikes.

Stow and Go is fantastic. I don't know what I'd do if I had to remove the seats to free up the truly cavernous cargo hold. Couldn't put 'em in the garage -- it's full of bikes.:lol:

Our Mazda MPV is ten years old and just shy of 100k miles but swallows my long wheelbase 'bent or our tandem 'bent right down the middle between seats. Or, it will hold one of those plus a couple of upright bikes and/or bikes can go on the roof, including a long one.

I have a 2006 Chrysler T&C which has never seen the inside of a repair facility except lube jobs, tires and brakes. I have owned Chrysler minivans since 1986. They are getting better.

I had an '87 (year my first daughter was born) and a '94 and had 2 transmission replacements in the first and one one the second. Loved everything else about the vehicle though. Maybe I will revisit one day. The Jeep is getting old now.

I would like a car that I can put the bike in the rear with my gear. I don't care if I have to take off the front tire.
Truck. Leave the tires on.

I had an '87 (year my first daughter was born) and a '94 and had 2 transmission replacements in the first and one one the second. Loved everything else about the vehicle though. Maybe I will revisit one day. The Jeep is getting old now.

I gave the '86 to a friend - it was working great for me, but I needed a larger one (I had the short model). About the day after I gave it away, it blew up!!!!

The 1993 and the 2001 were both totaled in accidents. The '93 hit a truck that turned directly in front with no warning from the opposite direction. Turns out the guy was in a diabetic coma. The truck flipped and my car was totaled.

The 2001 was rear ended - while I was stopped at a traffic light - by a 18 year-old girl, pushed me into the car in front.

The irritating thing is that one NEVER comes out ahead - or even even - in an accident. You always lose money.

Anyway, both cars were sound mechanically. I never replaced a transmission, despite the general feeling of poor Chrysler product trannnies.

My Suburban is ab ultimate bike vehicle. However, I also like my Mazda Miata, but not great for inside storage. Of course I guess I could put the Miata inside the back of the Suburban which would solve everything.