Good Cars for Bikes

[geekgirl]

It's OK. We would look at one if it were possible to remove the rear row of seats. For a family of 3 we would have NO use for that and it would leave a TON of room for bikes if those could be dragged out or even if Mazda offered an option without the rear bench--it's too small to be useful for anyone over the age of 7.

Maybe it's not obvious from the pictures, but that 3rd row of seats folds down completely flat (as do the 2nd row seats), so the Mazda5 is an incredibly versatile vehicle. I drive one, and for our family of 3, it has been a perfect solution - bikes fit easily in the back w/ the front wheel off (standing up with the fork mount as others have linked), TONS of room, fun to drive (zoom-zoom) and the option of carrying six people for occasional carpools. That 3rd row bench IS pretty tight, but it's not bad for short trips, and perfect for small kids.

Consumer Reports chose the Mazda5 for their Top Pick for a Family Hauler:
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/c...p-picks-ov.htm

Although that link indicates the price is $23K+, that's for the fully-loaded version. We have the Sport model, which starts around $18K.

[tangentgirl]

Tangentgirl's boyfriend: You know what kind of car works great with bikes?

Tangentgirl: What?

TGBF: A minivan! Remember how great they all fit in Randy's minivan?

TG: Yeah...

TGBF: And you can fit surfboards in there too! Minivans are awesome!

TG: Cool! Let's get a minivan! You can drive it, and I'll drive your WRX!

[Fredwina]

I looked at the element, the Maza 5 and the Kia Rondo.
Surpirsling the element came in last . I live on the second floor, and I didn't like the idea of hauling seats up and down the stairs.
I wound up with the Rondo, a bit bigger than the 5, but you have put up with folks who can't get over the name on the Tailgate (it's been dead solid as far as reliability), plus the Rondo does have the "love it or leave it looks" and conventional rear doors


I get about 21 in the city and 25 highway, but I have the V6

[ClockworkOrange]

I love my Mini!!! And, you have the option of a bike rack that fits conveniently on the rear bumper. Costs the same whether you order custom (when you order the car) or retrofitted. Whenever other Mini owners around Atl. see my bike rack, they drool! I'll post pictures in a bit.

Hmmm, I have a rag top and as much as love having the roof down, I cannot get a bike rack for it, unless I am willing to shell out something in the region of £650 ($980)!!! I have had my car 5 years and had it been an option then, I would have probably paid it.

As usual and not available in the UK, there is a Swagman XTC-2 for around $179 but I suspect that needs a tow bar?

At the moment I am thinking of buying a second hand Strida folding bike...........they look fun.

Look forward to you posting some pics skinimini.

Clock

[skinimini]

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/attac...8&d=1240525726

If I did this right, above is a link to a picture of my mini with the bike rack. When I ordered my car, the rack was about $500 (Aug 2008). Maybe it's more expensive now?

[SLash]

I have a Honda Pilot and DH and I are able to load both of our bikes inside using a homemade rack (a 1x8) and 2 fork mounts screwed into board. It works great and still have room for luggage, etc. Plus, bikes are inside not out in the elements or at risk (as much risk anyway) for thievery.

[Onix]

I have PT Cruiser (which I wouldn't recommend buying due to all of the problems I have had with it...)

But, I merely post to say that I think a lot of small hatchback cars can probably support your bike just fine.

In my PT, I took out the small back seat.

Mounted a fork holder on a piece of ply that fits snuggly wedged in the trunk area. Then, I just slide my bike (back wheel towards the driver's seat), lock the fork in place...good to go.

With both back seats out, I can even fit my roomate's taller man-bike next to mine!

I'm not sure how link posting works..but maybe this link works!

http://hphotos-snc1.fbcdn.net/hs158...._3366705_n.jpg


I imagine a lot of hatchbacks could be configured in this way! (Some probably without taking seats out at all---depending on roof height!)