What car is your bike?

[jlnc]

The other day a non-cycling friend asked me what kind of bike I had. Being a child of the 70's-80's, she had 2 points of reference...a banana seat bike or a "10 speed".
I tried to explain my current bike (Trek 7.5 FX) to her, but she didn't understand. She finally asked, "Well, what kind of car would it be?" After thinking about it I decided it was a Honda Accord Coupe...kind of sporty but not a racing machine, a good, reliable, all around vehicle, lots of people own them. She immediately understood! Then I started thinking about my old DiamondBack comfort bike....that would definitely be an older, bare bones mini-van...built for comfort and convenience, but lacked style and couldn't get up a hill to save its life (or my legs!).
I'll probably never be a Porsche owner...but maybe one of these days I'll upgrade to something a little zippier...:rolleyes:
So, what kind of car(s) are you riding?

[zoom-zoom]

Ooh, fun question!

Perhaps my SuperSix would be a lot like my Mazda 3...fun to drive (pedal), lightweight, not high end, but not stripped-down and cheap, either. Can go fast...but not so great in snow or during crappy weather (thankfully my 3 can actually take snow tires--the stock tires are wretched in snow). Not as sporty as better-equipped versions of the same bike, either.

My CX bike would be more like an SUV, I think (though I am not a fan of SUVs, on principle). Or perhaps a Subaru or Volvo wagon with AWD/4WD...relatively efficient, but not as much so as my dedicated road bike. But it can go places my road bike can't go.

The mtn. bike I'm getting is more like a Jeep Wrangler. Truly made to go off-road and not as ideal for pavement. Less efficient, heavier, rough tires...

[Owlie]

Ooh, fun question!

Perhaps my SuperSix would be a lot like my Mazda 3...fun to drive (pedal), lightweight, not high end, but not stripped-down and cheap, either. Can go fast...but not so great in snow or during crappy weather (thankfully my 3 can actually take snow tires--the stock tires are wretched in snow). Not as sporty as better-equipped versions of the same bike, either.

My CX bike would be more like an SUV, I think (though I am not a fan of SUVs, on principle). Or perhaps a Subaru or Volvo wagon with AWD/4WD...relatively efficient, but not as much so as my dedicated road bike. But it can go places my road bike can't go.

The mtn. bike I'm getting is more like a Jeep Wrangler. Truly made to go off-road and not as ideal for pavement. Less efficient, heavier, rough tires...

Oh?

I have no idea. I've only ever driven one car (mine!), so I have no real point of comparison. :o

[zoom-zoom]

Oh?

I have no idea. I've only ever driven one car (mine!), so I have no real point of comparison. :o

Tell us what you drive and we can tell you what kind of bike matches! :D

[Owlie]

Tell us what you drive and we can tell you what kind of bike matches! :D

I've also got one bike!
I drive an Accord. :)

[lph]

My car is just like my bike. Or vice versa. We have a beat-up old Toyota Corolla with dents and scratches, dark blue so I can never find it on parking lots, full of pine needles and sand inside, but it runs like clockwork :)

yesterday in a sports store a guy (the owner?) came up to me and asked if he could take a picture of my old Frankenbike and put up on the shops webpage, "because it's just so cool. An old Kona Cinder Cone, wow!" <3 :D

[Bike Chick]

Fun question!!!

Let's see, my Luna would be like a Cadillac DTS--comfortable, smooth and good for long distances. My QR would be like a Mustang GT--fast with a little rougher ride. My Surly would be my SUV with AWD and my Schwinn would be a Buick Electra.

[redrhodie]

Maybe people who are into cars would think I'm nuts, but Sugar's a Porsche, Puddin's a Karmann Ghia, and Princess Ice Boogy is a Land Rover. All of them are way nicer than my beater car, a Nissan Maxima, which is going to the shop again today.

[jessmarimba]

I'm thinking the Fargo is...I don't know, an Expedition? It can go off-road but isn't the best choice for the crazy stuff. It's super comfortable, good in all conditions, but it takes a little extra gas to make it go. And it can carry a lot more than what I use it for :)

(I don't know SUVs really well, but that's what my ex-boyfriend's parents drove and I just remember car trips being pretty comfy even for long distances.)

[KnottedYet]

My Surly Cross Check is a Subaru Impreza wagon. Can haul, can zoom, high clearance, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, powerful, spry, do-it-all, sturdy.

Kinda like this one: http://www.subiegal.com/gallerymain/rallygallery/rallygallery.php

[WindingRoad]

Hmmmmmmm..... this is a fun thread :D Well the Salsa Vaya would be FORD (Fix Or Repair Daily) right now anyways, lol. No offense to Ford owners, just a funny analogy. I'm still working out the bugs in the drive train. Once I get it worked out it should be my bike version of a Landrover. The Lemond Roadbike... I'd say an RX7 because it's older, nice looking but still pretty fast. The Mountain Bike right now a Jeep Wrangler that sits in the garage.:( Really wish this rain would stop. Hasn't even had its maiden voyage yet :rolleyes:

[spokewench]

The carbon fiber Giant racing bike is a lamborgini. The specialized FS mountain bike is one of those special 4 wheel drive racing cars like they drive at Baja. The old aluminum Klein is a Mazda Miata. The Bridgestone Steel road bike is a honda accord.

I think I need a clunker!

[Biciclista]

wah, i don't know. my orange custom steel bike with Brooks saddle and handlebar tapes and special randonneuring tires is kind of like a 1950s sports car, Alfa Romeo? Ferrari? but no, maybe it's a Fiat cinquecento... from the 1960's.
http://beta.images.theglobeandmail.com/archive/00100/fiat_cinquecento_100221artw.jpg

[Bethany1]

Hmm. Not sure. I've only owned Hyundais and DH has a Honda CR-Z hybrid (think updated CRX from the 80's). I don't think a Madone fits into the boring but reliable Hyundai mix and it's far better than a pretend race car of the CR-Z.

Since my Sirrus has been recalled for something about brakes and the fork, I'd put it into the Toyota family.

My Mamba might be like my Santa Fe SUV. It does pretty good but really isn't made for serious off-roading. My Trek Y-11 is probably a Jeep that needs fixed.

My Trek 1.2 would be your basic all around sedan car.


DH's full suspension mountain bike would be a fancy SUV.

His Townie and Trek Navigator would fit into the Buick line.

His Rat Fink Chopper bike would fit into a the old cars that have been restored. Look cool and rides great, but is more for looks than anything else.

[skhill]

Great question-- I've used the car analogy before with non-bike people, to explain the tendency to have multiple bikes.

My Trek 7.3 fx, with rack and panniers and the ability to carry a lot of crap, is like my nearly 10 yr old Subaru Outback. Sturdy, reliable, practical, but kinda boring. The other bike is a 1992 Cannondale R400, and I think of it as an older convertible, horribly out-of-date mechanically and not very good in bad weather, but fun and fast.

[ehirsch83]

hmm my BMC SLR01 is light, responsive, fast, agile, and damn sexy. lol! I would have to go with it similar to an import sports car, Porsche GT3 :) lol when it has race wheels on I feel like it could be a Porsche GT2 RS. Now if only my out of shape legs could make it go as fast as it deserves :)

[maillotpois]

My Pegoretti is a Lamborghini Diablo.
http://www.justdesktopwallpapers.com/images/cars/lamborghini/1280/lamborghini.jpg

My Mercian is a MGA with a rear rack: http://www.mgexperience.net/pictures/45358.jpg

[Geonz]

That would be like saying "what kind of rodent would you be?" to a fine donkey :P None of my bikes are cars. THey wouldn't want to be!

[TsPoet]

this is a tough one.
I think my giro is an original RAV4, before it became just another SUV.
http://www.cars-directory.net/pics/toyota/rav4/1994/toyota_rav4_1422465.jpg
http://www.about-bicycles.com/recumbents/Bacchetta-Giro-b.jpg
a little sporty, but also utilitarian, small and different.

My Corsa
I'd so like that to be a TR3!, but it's more of a Nissan Z car (260z - or was that a Datson?)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cc/Corsa_bacchetta.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6f/JapaneseFairladyZ1970.jpg/250px-JapaneseFairladyZ1970.jpg

My velomobile. This one is amazingly hard, it is the sportiest of the bunch, velos are designed to go fast, but they just don't have the sleek sports car lines. Looks more like a submarine or something.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/de/USS_Greeneville_%28SSN-772%29.jpg/220px-USS_Greeneville_%28SSN-772%29.jpg

[turbojackie]

I would think my Cannondale Quick would be like my car - a Subaru Legacy AWD. It rides pretty good on the road, pretty good on a trail - but not really meant for tough trails.

[Roadtrip]

Wow. Good thread.

My Trek FX would be your standard SUV type economical and reliable, but you have to out a little more gas in the tank, Chinese made so... A Toyota / Nissan / Subaru jobber.

Specialized Ruby... Zippy fast, but not on your Porche or Lambo level.. It has a little more comfort then pure performance and tire squeal when you put the hammer down. I want to say a VW GTI or BMW 3-series as Specialized knows how to style a bike and the German car companies sure know how to create a special looking car, packed with performance that won't empty the bank-- much ;)

[Biciclista]

My velomobile. This one is amazingly hard, it is the sportiest of the bunch, velos are designed to go fast, but they just don't have the sleek sports car lines. Looks more like a submarine or something.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/de/USS_Greeneville_%28SSN-772%29.jpg/220px-USS_Greeneville_%28SSN-772%29.jpg
snort!!! good one!!

[Cynedra]

I'm believe mine would be a Checker Motors Corp taxi. Although it isn't that old, it is big, heavy, and moves fairly slow. Plus I always seem to be hauling passengers - either in the child seat or pulling a trailer.

[VeganBikeChick]

Much as I hate to say it (because I am not a fan of them), I think my Novara Carema is a Hyundai Tiburon. Hyundai because it was a very inexpensive bike, Tiburon because it's a road bike. I guess I should be happy I didn't choose a Yugo :D

[tzvia]

Never though about it that way.

Let's see... My Ruby would be like a MB S350 BlueTEC. Green (no emissions) fast, but smooth ride.

My beater Fuji alu frame built up for commuting would be like an old Toyota Starlet. Not fast, crappy ride, but it gets there.

The Spec S-Works Safire...not sure. Maybe a well equipped Land Rover. Great suspension and very capable off-road, while remaining classy.

And the Giant Anthem, probably a Toyota 4 Runner. Not quite the Land Rover, but it works well.

What I drive? a 2002 Toyota 4x4 v8 Tundra. Really not like my bikes, but closer to the MTBs than the road bike. Hard to believe I've had it almost 10 years. Great truck. Like my bikes, it takes me places cars don't go. I've 4x'd in 9 states west of the Mississippi. Seen wonderful places off the 'beaten track'. I've camped and slept in the back (has a shell) squeezed next to my bike. I actually bought it so I could transport my bikes on vacation and carry camping gear.

[jlnc]

I'm believe mine would be a Checker Motors Corp taxi. Although it isn't that old, it is big, heavy, and moves fairly slow. Plus I always seem to be hauling passengers - either in the child seat or pulling a trailer.

Haha! That's a good one!

[Koronin]

Good thread. Hmmm never thought of the bikes that way. I'll try. The mountain bike a Trek maybe compare it to a Ford Ranger 4X4. My Trek 2000 maybe to a sports couple like my Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The Felt F5 that we just ordered I'm going to guess would be more the sports car type. Don't have it yet, so not sure which one to compare it to.

What do I drive....well we have a fleet of vehicles. A 87 Ford Ranger, a 2005 Ford Ranger 4X4, a 2003 Monte Carlo SS, and 2010 Nissan Versa which is my work car.

[jyyanks]

My little folder would be similar to a Toyota Prius - small, not so mainstream, slightly expensive for what you get :)

[Crankin]

I am not sure. I would say my bike matches my car, but someone else described my car (the BMW 3 series--- didn't break the bank any more than the 4 Runner I had before) as comparable to Specialized Ruby.
My Kuota is light and fast, but I am not a sports car person for cars. I will be sticking to small AWD sedans or station wagons. Won't be looking for a car for another year or so, and I am trying not to think about it. I've gone from a lifestyle where I hardly drove a short distance back and forth to work, or I commuted, to a job where I drive to get to my clients. Thankfully, I mostly drive at off peak hours, but not always. The traffic is getting to me.

[MomOnBike]

Hmmm, I don't know cars all that well, but I'll give it a shot.

My '78 Raleigh Gran Prix (Walter):
A classic British roadster, you know, the one that is always in the shop, but is sweet when everything is actually working. (right now, I have to replace the entire crankset, I get tired of my right pedal falling off)

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6XgHQRcQMRc/ToXpPKhi1aI/AAAAAAAACaE/ksFBYMlwkyE/s128/Walter.jpg



My EZ Sport AX (William, a long wheel base recumbent):
One of those '60s-era Cadillacs with tail fins and a back seat that I could stretch out in. Long, surprisingly fast, comfortable, and made for long-distance cruising.

(Having trouble with the upload, look at the very bottom.)


My new Electra Ticino (Zaluma):
Um, this is hard. Maybe a Miata? Classy, retro, and good for around town? As I said I don't know cars all that well.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MGCzzt6Ff0w/TlKQ061w5iI/AAAAAAAACWE/WdGqvbhS6W0/w402/11%2B-%2B1

[tarahsolazy]

I think my bike is just like the car I drive:

I have a Surly LHT, and my car is a VW Passat station wagon

My old bike is a 1992 Spec Hardrock, in typical 90s pink and purple. That matches my old car, a bare-bones 93 Mazda protege.

[Dog]

Fun thread!

Hmmmm....I guess my Bianchi Velochi would be like a BMW 3-series? Zippy and fun to drive (my friend had one).

My Surly LHT reminds me of my Suburu Outback - more rugged and a workhorse.

[Velocivixen]

I've had my Surly Cross Check for a couple of months, and I haven't driven that many cars. However various bike mechanics tell me they're "bomb proof", so I'm thinking an old Jeep or an old Volvo (240 series).