Good vehicle to carry two bikes
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Fredericton, NB, Canada
Posts: 1,430
Bikes: 2010 S1, 2011 F75X
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
If not, the new Toyota Sienna is hot....for a van that is.
#27
Legs; OK! Lungs; not!
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Coral Springs, FL
Posts: 2,096
Bikes: ''09 Motobecane Immortal Pro (Yellow), '02 Diamondback Hybrid, '09 Lamborghini Viaggio, ''11 Cervelo P2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 9 Times
in
4 Posts
The bikes are inside locked inside if we stop for a break, and are protected from weather.
A mini van is not the sexiest vehicle, but it is very comfortable and practical. And if you have a growing family, it's a good investment.
#28
Typical Scum
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Floyds Knobs, IN
Posts: 326
Bikes: 2010 CAAD 9-5 | 2009 Giant Anthem X2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
+1. I have a Honda Odyssey which I use for work and family. I can fit 4 bikes (front wheels off, staggered front to back) and 4 adults and our stuff. I can also put our tandem up the center and 2 solo bikes and 4 adults. I use an 10 'aluminum track set on the floor to keep the tandem going straight as I load and unload it....
.
.
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Lafayette, CO
Posts: 1,212
Bikes: MTB: Stumpjumper FSR, Road: De Rosa King 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
You can fit two bikes for those sorts of situations in most vehicles with a fold down back seat. I wouldn't want to drive around that way, but it works fine for locking them up. For everyday bike transportation a tray-style hitch-mounted rack is by far the most convenient thing I've found.
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: CT
Posts: 3,054
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
7 Posts
Hmm.. I have an 05 element and the most convenient thing for me is to open the back gate.. roll my bike in.. close the gate and go. It is also locked, dry, out of the sun, won't get rear ended, parks the same and i can access it from the inside.
#31
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: NYC
Posts: 624
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I used to drive my ex-gf's Subaru Outback and we had no problem fitting 2 bikes plus luggage, and we did NOT travel lightly. The car tracks like a mountain goat in foul weather and, for a Japanese manufacturer, I found driving it to have a very solid feel. On the downside, gas mileage kinda sucked and it always felt a bit sluggish to me.
#32
Headset-press carrier
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Corrales New Mexico
Posts: 2,137
Bikes: Kona with Campy 8, Lynskey Ti with Rival, Bianchi pista, Raleigh Team Frame with SRAM Red, Specialized Stump Jumper, Surley Big Dummy
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Any car with the exception of sports 2 seater with no top, can be made to carry 2 bikes. But if you have to have them inside, a van is good. OP you have kids? Why doesn't the wife like a van?
I like them on the roof. Last week we went camping and I added 2 more bike carriers and a longer rack bar and I carried 5 bikes on top of an ancient Mercedes 300D
I like them on the roof. Last week we went camping and I added 2 more bike carriers and a longer rack bar and I carried 5 bikes on top of an ancient Mercedes 300D
#34
Typical Scum
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Floyds Knobs, IN
Posts: 326
Bikes: 2010 CAAD 9-5 | 2009 Giant Anthem X2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Any car with the exception of sports 2 seater with no top, can be made to carry 2 bikes. But if you have to have them inside, a van is good. OP you have kids? Why doesn't the wife like a van?
I like them on the roof. Last week we went camping and I added 2 more bike carriers and a longer rack bar and I carried 5 bikes on top of an ancient Mercedes 300D
I like them on the roof. Last week we went camping and I added 2 more bike carriers and a longer rack bar and I carried 5 bikes on top of an ancient Mercedes 300D
#35
Full Member
I just use a trunk rack. I got Lexus IS350, and it's a fairly small car. So I just hop the 2 bikes on the back. I really like the idea of having bikes locked inside the car, that's why I already talked my wife into getting her an SUV as our next vehicle, the BMW x5. After I've rented the SUV, and found out how convenient it is to store the bikes inside the car, I dream of owning one every time I struggle with putting the trunk rack up, and mounting the bikes.
But this way has worked for me on my 2 cars for the last 5-6 years.
But this way has worked for me on my 2 cars for the last 5-6 years.
#36
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Higganum, CT
Posts: 96
Bikes: Scott CR1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have an 08 Toyota Rav4 and with the seats down could fit probably about four bikes in it. Front wheels off, standing up, currently I have a fork mount, mounted to a piece of 2x4 that keeps the bike upright. My wife and I are expecting our first child in roughly 8 days, so we will see how I handle things with a car seat thrown into the mix.
#37
Typical Scum
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Floyds Knobs, IN
Posts: 326
Bikes: 2010 CAAD 9-5 | 2009 Giant Anthem X2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have an 08 Toyota Rav4 and with the seats down could fit probably about four bikes in it. Front wheels off, standing up, currently I have a fork mount, mounted to a piece of 2x4 that keeps the bike upright. My wife and I are expecting our first child in roughly 8 days, so we will see how I handle things with a car seat thrown into the mix.
Congrats on the kid.
#39
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: LF, APMAT
Posts: 2,752
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 624 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 397 Times
in
226 Posts
I do have one child - 18 months. Not sure why the wife isn't big on the vans; probably doesn't find the style appealing. I'm big on them being inside and with 1 child, I could have one seat flipped and probably fit both bikes in there. Just stopped by the Honda dealership on lunch - Odyssey was looking pretty nice! That was, of course, about 12K more though.
#40
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Antioch, IL
Posts: 2,330
Bikes: 2013 Synapse 4
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 70 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I roll an 05 F150 SuperCrew 4x4... room for 5 adults in the cab (a bit snug if they are big uns like me), bikes and gear in the bed... we roll in comfort... also does double duty as my fams trippin vehicle... me, wife, 3 kids, plus 'stuff'... way better than the minivan
#41
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Higganum, CT
Posts: 96
Bikes: Scott CR1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thanks!
#42
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 57
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
We go camping a ton so it made sense for us - we also like to sleep comfortably (futon mattress in the back on camping trips makes an excellent bed) and bring lots of ****.
For the person who carried everything for a 2 week vacation in a honda civic.... I sure would like to see pics of that.
#43
Headset-press carrier
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Corrales New Mexico
Posts: 2,137
Bikes: Kona with Campy 8, Lynskey Ti with Rival, Bianchi pista, Raleigh Team Frame with SRAM Red, Specialized Stump Jumper, Surley Big Dummy
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I do have one child - 18 months. Not sure why the wife isn't big on the vans; probably doesn't find the style appealing. I'm big on them being inside and with 1 child, I could have one seat flipped and probably fit both bikes in there. Just stopped by the Honda dealership on lunch - Odyssey was looking pretty nice! That was, of course, about 12K more though.
But if you are going the Japanese route, I'd consider a Sienna over the Odyssey. Just because our Preiva at 200 K is still pulling strong.
The other day I saw a trailer that can be pulled by any car and it was sleek and aerodynamic and was made to pull bikes only and locked in. I think the guy works at the local Starbucks and I might be able to get a picture.
BTW my advice on cars in always this.
Make sure no or very little/short payments, used, diesel, Toyotas. I am biased in that weird way.
#44
SLO-1
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Miami, FL
Posts: 2,691
Bikes: '09 BMC Road Racer SL01
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I can easily fit two road or mountain bikes in my honda fit, standing up with front wheels removed.
#45
Senior Member
I LOVE my Element. Three bikes fit inside fine with the seats up to the sides.
Plastic floor means dirt just whisk brooms out.
I have racks too, for when I have 2 other people + gear in the car.
When they discontinue it, I might buy a spare and garage it for when mine finally gives up the ghost.
The only weakness is it seats 4, and 4 only, due to the way the seats fold up in the back.
Plastic floor means dirt just whisk brooms out.
I have racks too, for when I have 2 other people + gear in the car.
When they discontinue it, I might buy a spare and garage it for when mine finally gives up the ghost.
The only weakness is it seats 4, and 4 only, due to the way the seats fold up in the back.
#46
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Twin Cities, MN
Posts: 790
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#47
Despite all my rage, I am
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 2,613
Bikes: LeMond Zurich, Colnago C-50
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Wait a second - you mean my Honda Civic that we use to transport two adults, two kids in booster seats, four bikes, and all of the items needed for a two-week hiking/biking/lay-around vacation in the mountains ( including all of the bed linens/towels/etc - man, those take up a lot of space ) is too small? ;-)
I am constantly amazed at how much vehicle people pretend to "need" to deal with events that, as you note, may occur at extraordinarily infrequent intervals.
I am constantly amazed at how much vehicle people pretend to "need" to deal with events that, as you note, may occur at extraordinarily infrequent intervals.
#48
Typical Scum
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Floyds Knobs, IN
Posts: 326
Bikes: 2010 CAAD 9-5 | 2009 Giant Anthem X2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Ah fatherhood. Maybe you can convince her and yourself to get the Merc r320 diesel. If you can afford an Odyssey it's just a few k more maybe even cheaper if you got a used one. It's stylish enough and good inside. Somehow Merc SUVs and Vans do not carry the stigma of a high status quo compared to their sedans and coupes. I also heard that the VW Routan and it's dodge equivalent are equally good
But if you are going the Japanese route, I'd consider a Sienna over the Odyssey. Just because our Preiva at 200 K is still pulling strong.
The other day I saw a trailer that can be pulled by any car and it was sleek and aerodynamic and was made to pull bikes only and locked in. I think the guy works at the local Starbucks and I might be able to get a picture.
BTW my advice on cars in always this.
Make sure no or very little/short payments, used, diesel, Toyotas. I am biased in that weird way.
But if you are going the Japanese route, I'd consider a Sienna over the Odyssey. Just because our Preiva at 200 K is still pulling strong.
The other day I saw a trailer that can be pulled by any car and it was sleek and aerodynamic and was made to pull bikes only and locked in. I think the guy works at the local Starbucks and I might be able to get a picture.
BTW my advice on cars in always this.
Make sure no or very little/short payments, used, diesel, Toyotas. I am biased in that weird way.
Definitely not opposed to Toyota. Had a Corolla and it was bulletproof!
#49
Typical Scum
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Floyds Knobs, IN
Posts: 326
Bikes: 2010 CAAD 9-5 | 2009 Giant Anthem X2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I LOVE my Element. Three bikes fit inside fine with the seats up to the sides.
Plastic floor means dirt just whisk brooms out.
I have racks too, for when I have 2 other people + gear in the car.
When they discontinue it, I might buy a spare and garage it for when mine finally gives up the ghost.
The only weakness is it seats 4, and 4 only, due to the way the seats fold up in the back.
Plastic floor means dirt just whisk brooms out.
I have racks too, for when I have 2 other people + gear in the car.
When they discontinue it, I might buy a spare and garage it for when mine finally gives up the ghost.
The only weakness is it seats 4, and 4 only, due to the way the seats fold up in the back.
#50
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 12
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
element
I have an element and I keep my Dahon folding bike in the back at all times. When I want to use my Bianchi, I just have to take out the front wheel and put it in the back seat.