Good Cars for Bikes

**tangentgirl** · 03-01-2010, 11:08 AM

I'm starting to think about getting a new car, doing initial research right now. I usually like very small cars - I really like the Mazda 3 and the Mini Cooper S- but as I loaded two bikes in and out of the back of my little Hyundai Accent this morning, I thought, heck, maybe I should start thinking bigger.

Anyone have a car or suv or truck that works awesome with bike transport? Bonus points for good gas mileage!

**Biciclista** · 03-01-2010, 11:13 AM

I just got a honda FIT. it is great for my bike, but not so great for my husband's long bike with aerobars. Gas mileage is excellent.

**Blueberry** · 03-01-2010, 11:17 AM

I have a honda element and love it. But the gas mileage isn't great. However, the bonus is that 3 bikes + luggage fit inside - without removing any wheels.

If I were starting from scratch - I'd get a fit with a roof rack or (more likely) a hitch rack.

**zoom-zoom** · 03-01-2010, 11:18 AM

I LOVE my Mazda 3s hatchback! Hubby and I can get both of our bikes in there pretty easily...mine only needs the front wheel removed. Of course, this means no backseat passenger (DS is 9), so we're considering our rack options. There are a few racks that will work well with the Mazda, from what I have been told. We may consider one that mounts to a trailer hitch, as well.

DH currently drives an older 626 and when that dies will almost certainly go for a Honda Fit (his previous car was an '89 Civic Si hatchback). The useable space in that thing when the back seats are down is unreal. Way bigger than what my 3 offers, and with a smaller vehicle. Honda did good.

The Mini Cooper is cool, but friends have one and it feels very small...not a lot of cargo room.

**TsPoet** · 03-01-2010, 11:33 AM

Originally Posted by zoom-zoom

The Mini Cooper is cool, but friends have one and it feels very small...not a lot of cargo room.

Check out a MINI Cooper Clubman. I traded my cooper in on a clubbie and Love it! I get 32 mph around town (turbo), I can put a DF bike in the back with the front wheel off (but not my recumbent). An adult can, in a pinch, climb in back using the extra side door.
Not really the answer for the OP, though.

**zoom-zoom** · 03-01-2010, 11:47 AM

Originally Posted by TsPoet

Check out a MINI Cooper Clubman. I traded my cooper in on a clubbie and Love it! I get 32 mph around town (turbo), I can put a DF bike in the back with the front wheel off (but not my recumbent). An adult can, in a pinch, climb in back using the extra side door.
Not really the answer for the OP, though.

Yeah, the Clubman is really cool. We were ogling that at a recent auto-show.

**tangentgirl** · 03-01-2010, 11:55 AM

How long does it take to get trailer/roof racks situated on cars and then to get the cars onto the racks? Is it a one person operation? A long time ago I had a trunk rack and it was a pain in the <body part> to get on and off the car, to get the bikes on it, etc. Then I'd always be worried about the bikes or rack falling off. Granted, it was a pos rack that I borrowed (stole) from my mom, who probably got it at the Wal-mart, so perhaps there are better experiences out there.

Are there locking racks, so that if you stop for donuts you don't have to keep one eye on the car?

And, the Fit, you say? Hmm.

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