Author Topic: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike  (Read 4148 times)

FrugalSaver

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Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« on: November 26, 2020, 07:28:25 PM »
Prefer something along the lines of a Hyundai or maybe a Mazda small suv.

Any Judd’s Juan suggestions?  Haven’t bought a vehicle in over a decade.

ixtap

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #1 on: November 26, 2020, 07:31:01 PM »
If your bike has a quick release front wheel, it will fit in just about any car. I can fit two in my Honda Insight. If they are still making them the same way, the Honda Fit's back seat folds into the trunk so that you can just wheel the bike (or a llama, as I recall) right in.

SwordGuy

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #2 on: November 26, 2020, 07:46:54 PM »
I just use a removable bike rack that straps to the back of the car.

nobody

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #3 on: November 26, 2020, 08:54:54 PM »
Larger bikes may have issues fitting in a Honda Fit.  My bike fits in my Honda Fit, but the bike is for an adult that still fits in kids clothing.

FrugalSaver

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #4 on: November 26, 2020, 09:01:55 PM »
I just use a removable bike rack that straps to the back of the car.

This is an option as well but would like a little bigger mini suv  that sits a little higher. I feel safer

daverobev

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #5 on: November 27, 2020, 03:48:39 AM »
Might not work, but depending on what kind of cycling you want to do, folding bikes are pretty great - and you can get folding mountain bikes, not just city commuter ones.

I absolutely loved my Dahon, and I saw someone on the train every day with a folding MTB.

Metalcat

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #6 on: November 27, 2020, 05:26:48 AM »
I just use a removable bike rack that straps to the back of the car.

This is an option as well but would like a little bigger mini suv  that sits a little higher. I feel safer

So the issue is that you want an SUV, it's not really about fitting a bike.

ixtap

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #7 on: November 27, 2020, 08:07:36 AM »
Larger bikes may have issues fitting in a Honda Fit.  My bike fits in my Honda Fit, but the bike is for an adult that still fits in kids clothing.

But what about your llama?

GuitarStv

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #8 on: November 27, 2020, 08:21:16 AM »
I just use a removable bike rack that straps to the back of the car.

This is an option as well but would like a little bigger mini suv  that sits a little higher. I feel safer

So the issue is that you want an SUV, it's not really about fitting a bike.

+1

A bike rack that fits on the back of a small car is perfectly fine for transporting bicycles.

SUVs aren't necessarily safer than sedans.  A higher center of balance is more likely to cause roll-overs (which are more often fatal), and more mass means that the vehicle is less maneuverable (more likely to get in an accident to begin with).

bigchrisb

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #9 on: November 27, 2020, 08:57:22 AM »
I just use a removable bike rack that straps to the back of the car.

This is an option as well but would like a little bigger mini suv  that sits a little higher. I feel safer

So the issue is that you want an SUV, it's not really about fitting a bike.

+1

A bike rack that fits on the back of a small car is perfectly fine for transporting bicycles.

SUVs aren't necessarily safer than sedans.  A higher center of balance is more likely to cause roll-overs (which are more often fatal), and more mass means that the vehicle is less maneuverable (more likely to get in an accident to begin with).

We did this for a while (a thule bike rack). It was ok, but damaged the car a bit. In the end we capitulated and fitted a tow bar and got a proper bike carrier.

SimpleCycle

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #10 on: November 27, 2020, 12:21:33 PM »
I mean, any car can transport a bike with the proper equipment.  My bike fit in our 2003 Toyota Corolla if you flipped the back seat down, but I much preferred a trunk mounted rack.

We now have a Honda FIT and also need a way to transport our family cargo bike, so we are upgrading to a tow hitch mounted rack.  Our cargo bike is almost 60 lbs with accessories so we need serious bike weight capacity.

pdxvandal

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #11 on: November 27, 2020, 12:26:29 PM »
I can fit my bike into the back of my Prius without removing the front wheel. However, my SO's car is a mid-size SUV and we have a tow bar/hitch setup with a $100 bike rack we bought from Walmart. I much prefer to use that method, especially if traveling longer distances with the bike(s). I'm considering upgrading from my Prius next year and whatever hatchback I buy, I will want a tow hitch installed for bike racks or pulling small trailers, camping gear, etc.

sonofsven

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #12 on: November 27, 2020, 12:38:51 PM »
I just use a removable bike rack that straps to the back of the car.

This is an option as well but would like a little bigger mini suv  that sits a little higher. I feel safer

So the issue is that you want an SUV, it's not really about fitting a bike.

+1

A bike rack that fits on the back of a small car is perfectly fine for transporting bicycles.

SUVs aren't necessarily safer than sedans.  A higher center of balance is more likely to cause roll-overs (which are more often fatal), and more mass means that the vehicle is less maneuverable (more likely to get in an accident to begin with).

That's true, but another issue I've run into is that cars are so low I have a difficult time getting in and out with a bad back.
It's much easier to step up into a vehicle and slide behind the wheel than to duck down and fit under the roof of a car (I'm 6'1" also).

PDXTabs

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #13 on: November 27, 2020, 01:43:23 PM »
A new new car or a new to you car? These come to mind:

  • Honda Fit
  • Ford Focus
  • Mazda 3
  • Hyundai Elantra GT
  • Toyota Matrix
  • Subaru [Impreza, Forester, Outback]

I should add that I very much like my Ford Focus SE hatchback and it will fit one bike inside, but I have a Yakama roof rack which I often use instead.

GuitarStv

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #14 on: November 27, 2020, 02:13:22 PM »
I just use a removable bike rack that straps to the back of the car.

This is an option as well but would like a little bigger mini suv  that sits a little higher. I feel safer

So the issue is that you want an SUV, it's not really about fitting a bike.

+1

A bike rack that fits on the back of a small car is perfectly fine for transporting bicycles.

SUVs aren't necessarily safer than sedans.  A higher center of balance is more likely to cause roll-overs (which are more often fatal), and more mass means that the vehicle is less maneuverable (more likely to get in an accident to begin with).

That's true, but another issue I've run into is that cars are so low I have a difficult time getting in and out with a bad back.
It's much easier to step up into a vehicle and slide behind the wheel than to duck down and fit under the roof of a car (I'm 6'1" also).

I'm 6' tall and have never had a problem getting into a car . . . including the (many) times that I've injured my back in various contact sports.  There's a handy little grab bar that's positioned on the inside of the doors specifically to give additional help getting into seats.  You can see the passenger side one clearly in this shot, but there's one for the front seats too (it's a newer car with a fancy fold up one - most older vehicles just have fixed plastic ones):

nobody

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #15 on: November 27, 2020, 07:45:31 PM »
Larger bikes may have issues fitting in a Honda Fit.  My bike fits in my Honda Fit, but the bike is for an adult that still fits in kids clothing.

But what about your llama?

What's a llama in this context?

mountain mustache

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #16 on: November 27, 2020, 07:54:08 PM »
I just use a removable bike rack that straps to the back of the car.

This is an option as well but would like a little bigger mini suv  that sits a little higher. I feel safer

So the issue is that you want an SUV, it's not really about fitting a bike.

+1

A bike rack that fits on the back of a small car is perfectly fine for transporting bicycles.

SUVs aren't necessarily safer than sedans.  A higher center of balance is more likely to cause roll-overs (which are more often fatal), and more mass means that the vehicle is less maneuverable (more likely to get in an accident to begin with).

That's true, but another issue I've run into is that cars are so low I have a difficult time getting in and out with a bad back.
It's much easier to step up into a vehicle and slide behind the wheel than to duck down and fit under the roof of a car (I'm 6'1" also).

I'm 6' tall and have never had a problem getting into a car . . . including the (many) times that I've injured my back in various contact sports.  There's a handy little grab bar that's positioned on the inside of the doors specifically to give additional help getting into seats.  You can see the passenger side one clearly in this shot, but there's one for the front seats too (it's a newer car with a fancy fold up one - most older vehicles just have fixed plastic ones):


I think this is just a case of everyone is different. Maybe it doesn't hurt your back to get into a low car, maybe it hurts other's backs? Everyones pain is different....personally grab bars do nothing to help me. Crunching that small into a low car is extremely painful, and it just is what it is.  I've had chronic back pain for 5+ years and getting into small, low cars is torture. I just don't ride in them. I have a Honda Element that is super old, and it's the perfect height to get in and out of with my back. I don't use my pain as an excuse to buy a brand new SUV, but I'll always have a  used small-ish SUV type of car because that is more comfortable. I like being higher up, some people don't. No need to shame people out of their own personal decisions.
« Last Edit: November 27, 2020, 07:56:36 PM by mountain mustache »

NorthernMonkey

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #17 on: November 28, 2020, 06:04:15 AM »
. No need to shame people out of their own personal decisions.

You're essentially asking for something that doesn't exist. A mustachian new SUV, then getting upset when others are pointing out more sensible suggestions.

I'm sure I'd get a similar response if I asked for a FIRE friendly payday loan company, or a frugal place to buy LouisVitton luggage

mountain mustache

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #18 on: November 28, 2020, 06:17:33 AM »
I am not the OP, and no where did I defend the purchase of a new SUV. I was responding to the fact that some people do have very personal reasons for wanting different sizes/heights of cars, and the answer "get a lower/smaller car it's the only Mustachian choice" is just not a practical answer for everyone. There is no reason to buy any car new IMO...but there is nothing wrong with buying a small used SUV for less than $10K that is more comfortable and practical if that is what works best for a person.

GuitarStv

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #19 on: November 28, 2020, 07:10:31 AM »
I just use a removable bike rack that straps to the back of the car.

This is an option as well but would like a little bigger mini suv  that sits a little higher. I feel safer

So the issue is that you want an SUV, it's not really about fitting a bike.

+1

A bike rack that fits on the back of a small car is perfectly fine for transporting bicycles.

SUVs aren't necessarily safer than sedans.  A higher center of balance is more likely to cause roll-overs (which are more often fatal), and more mass means that the vehicle is less maneuverable (more likely to get in an accident to begin with).

That's true, but another issue I've run into is that cars are so low I have a difficult time getting in and out with a bad back.
It's much easier to step up into a vehicle and slide behind the wheel than to duck down and fit under the roof of a car (I'm 6'1" also).

I'm 6' tall and have never had a problem getting into a car . . . including the (many) times that I've injured my back in various contact sports.  There's a handy little grab bar that's positioned on the inside of the doors specifically to give additional help getting into seats.  You can see the passenger side one clearly in this shot, but there's one for the front seats too (it's a newer car with a fancy fold up one - most older vehicles just have fixed plastic ones):


I think this is just a case of everyone is different. Maybe it doesn't hurt your back to get into a low car, maybe it hurts other's backs? Everyones pain is different....personally grab bars do nothing to help me. Crunching that small into a low car is extremely painful, and it just is what it is.  I've had chronic back pain for 5+ years and getting into small, low cars is torture. I just don't ride in them. I have a Honda Element that is super old, and it's the perfect height to get in and out of with my back. I don't use my pain as an excuse to buy a brand new SUV, but I'll always have a  used small-ish SUV type of car because that is more comfortable. I like being higher up, some people don't. No need to shame people out of their own personal decisions.

I'm not trying to shame you, my comment was because things you were saying didn't make sense to ne.  Tall people comfortably ride in sedans every day, and it's possible to get in/out without significant back strain.  I now understand though that you have an unusual and particularly debilitating disability that is driving your decision.

Are you seeking rehabilitation for your back?  What you're describing is a pretty severe lack of mobility that must be impacting many aspects of your life,  you would be surprised what the right exercises and stretching can accomplish.

theglidd

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #20 on: November 28, 2020, 07:35:30 AM »
For compact SUVs I'd recommend the Mazda CX30 or Subaru Crosstrek. Both are lifted hatchbacks (aka compact SUVs) that have a lot of room and can fit a bike. Plus a higher driving position that many folks like.

Both are reliable and get good gas mileage. Very easy to find a good one used.

Paper Chaser

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #21 on: November 28, 2020, 07:52:07 AM »
Kia Niro is a high riding hatch back that comes in hybrid and even PHEV power trains. Gently used options offer a whole lot of car for the money, and return pretty respectable fuel economy.

mountain mustache

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #22 on: November 28, 2020, 08:10:52 AM »
I just use a removable bike rack that straps to the back of the car.

This is an option as well but would like a little bigger mini suv  that sits a little higher. I feel safer

So the issue is that you want an SUV, it's not really about fitting a bike.

+1

A bike rack that fits on the back of a small car is perfectly fine for transporting bicycles.

SUVs aren't necessarily safer than sedans.  A higher center of balance is more likely to cause roll-overs (which are more often fatal), and more mass means that the vehicle is less maneuverable (more likely to get in an accident to begin with).

That's true, but another issue I've run into is that cars are so low I have a difficult time getting in and out with a bad back.
It's much easier to step up into a vehicle and slide behind the wheel than to duck down and fit under the roof of a car (I'm 6'1" also).

I'm 6' tall and have never had a problem getting into a car . . . including the (many) times that I've injured my back in various contact sports.  There's a handy little grab bar that's positioned on the inside of the doors specifically to give additional help getting into seats.  You can see the passenger side one clearly in this shot, but there's one for the front seats too (it's a newer car with a fancy fold up one - most older vehicles just have fixed plastic ones):


I think this is just a case of everyone is different. Maybe it doesn't hurt your back to get into a low car, maybe it hurts other's backs? Everyones pain is different....personally grab bars do nothing to help me. Crunching that small into a low car is extremely painful, and it just is what it is.  I've had chronic back pain for 5+ years and getting into small, low cars is torture. I just don't ride in them. I have a Honda Element that is super old, and it's the perfect height to get in and out of with my back. I don't use my pain as an excuse to buy a brand new SUV, but I'll always have a  used small-ish SUV type of car because that is more comfortable. I like being higher up, some people don't. No need to shame people out of their own personal decisions.

I'm not trying to shame you, my comment was because things you were saying didn't make sense to ne.  Tall people comfortably ride in sedans every day, and it's possible to get in/out without significant back strain.  I now understand though that you have an unusual and particularly debilitating disability that is driving your decision.

Are you seeking rehabilitation for your back?  What you're describing is a pretty severe lack of mobility that must be impacting many aspects of your life,  you would be surprised what the right exercises and stretching can accomplish.

I am not the OP, I was merely replying to empathize with the situation, because I have similar sounding issues.  I can totally relate to wanting/needing a higher car to be comfortable.

But to answer your other question, you do know it's possible to be in chronic and debilitating back pain *and* already be doing tons of exercises, stretching, PT, etc etc right? I've been an athlete for 20 years, and am doing everything in my power to be in less pain. Unfortunately for some people, pain is just a reality and doesn't go away so easily. It can really suck to have someone assume that a person in such debilitating pain wouldn't have already thought of something as simple as "the right exercises and stretching." If only that was the answer!

sonofsven

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #23 on: November 28, 2020, 10:15:22 AM »
I'm the one who brought up the low car/ back pain issue, sorry to derail the thread, but it's a real issue for me and for many others.

FINate

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #24 on: November 28, 2020, 10:26:04 AM »
Surprised no one here has mentioned getting a minivan. Sits high. Plenty of room for bike(s) if you remove the rear seat. Decent gas mileage. Remove all the back seats and drop in a mattress and you have a sweet adventuremobile.

Just Joe

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #25 on: November 28, 2020, 10:31:32 AM »
And minivans can be quite affordable b/c SUVs get all the love right now.

DireWolf

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #26 on: November 29, 2020, 01:53:12 PM »
We had U-Haul add a hitch to our CR-V and then use a Yakima rack that can hold up to 4 bikes. Has worked out great. Absolutely love the vehicle. Plenty of room, handles like a sports car.

highplainsdrifter

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #27 on: November 29, 2020, 07:09:57 PM »
I've gone through a few bike rack options over the years. I very much prefer a hitch-mounted platform rack. I've got the Yakima Hold Up rack for a 1 1/4 inch receiver on a 2004 Honda Accord (225k mile and counting). I'd buy the 1up racks if I had to buy another one. Platform racks are, in my opinion, the most stable, easiest loading/un-loading and secure way to transport a bike. They definitely aren't the cheapest option but they're the best option. If you travel with a bike often, it's worth the higher cost. Only downside to hitch-mounted platform racks are; during road trips cars kick up a bunch of road grime onto the bike.

Trunk mounted racks have dented my cars trunk. I've had my bike nearly fall off a roof mount (the tire mounts held but the bike tipped sideways while turning and hit the side of the car). Roof mounts for some (vertically challenged folk) also may be hard to get on and off. Transporting a bike inside a sedan or SUV is always a Tetris game with awkward lifting struggles to get the bike in and out without getting grease on the upholstery. I suppose larger vehicles like vans may not have that issue.


Milizard

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #28 on: November 29, 2020, 08:03:00 PM »
Surprised no one here has mentioned getting a minivan. Sits high. Plenty of room for bike(s) if you remove the rear seat. Decent gas mileage. Remove all the back seats and drop in a mattress and you have a sweet adventuremobile.
I wanted to.  <3 My minivan  for everything it can haul easily.

As far as low cars are concerned , my mother was sub 5 foot,  and transporting her in her own Mazda mpv minivan was so much easier than getting her in and out of  my little Honda Civic. Myv6-4 husband also had problems fitting in my little civic.

Glenstache

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #29 on: November 30, 2020, 09:51:12 AM »
. No need to shame people out of their own personal decisions.

You're essentially asking for something that doesn't exist. A mustachian new SUV, then getting upset when others are pointing out more sensible suggestions.

I'm sure I'd get a similar response if I asked for a FIRE friendly payday loan company, or a frugal place to buy LouisVitton luggage
The art of the well-crafted facepunch has somewhat been lost on this board. Thanks for bringing it back a bit, Malcat!

ericrugiero

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #30 on: November 30, 2020, 10:55:05 AM »
You can install a trailer hitch on practically all cars.  The hitch mounted bike racks are going to be easier to use and won't take up all the room inside your car.  This frees you up to buy the car that you really need or want (or keep the one you have).  Somewhere around $500 for the hitch and the bike rack is much cheaper than buying a larger car than you need.  Larger cars tend to cost more initially and also have higher operating costs. 

Metalcat

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #31 on: November 30, 2020, 01:15:37 PM »
You can install a trailer hitch on practically all cars.  The hitch mounted bike racks are going to be easier to use and won't take up all the room inside your car.  This frees you up to buy the car that you really need or want (or keep the one you have).  Somewhere around $500 for the hitch and the bike rack is much cheaper than buying a larger car than you need.  Larger cars tend to cost more initially and also have higher operating costs.

OP just wants an SUV

StashingAway

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #32 on: November 30, 2020, 01:29:24 PM »
You can install a trailer hitch on practically all cars.  The hitch mounted bike racks are going to be easier to use and won't take up all the room inside your car.  This frees you up to buy the car that you really need or want (or keep the one you have).  Somewhere around $500 for the hitch and the bike rack is much cheaper than buying a larger car than you need.  Larger cars tend to cost more initially and also have higher operating costs.

Plus you can easily take it off when not needed, and you also have a hitch to use other things for. It's a win-win-win scenario. Trailer hitch bike racks are the best!

Just Joe

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #33 on: December 01, 2020, 10:52:49 AM »
Unless you want to park that vehicle and bikes in the city along the curb. Bikes may or may not be there when you return. I rock a trailer hitch bike rack too but am careful where I park the car when the bikes are on it.

I choose between a $50 Craiglist bike and my ebike depending...

I would recommend a minivan or a boxy four cylinder like a Honda Element for inside bike storage.

StashingAway

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #34 on: December 01, 2020, 06:31:56 PM »
Unless you want to park that vehicle and bikes in the city along the curb. Bikes may or may not be there when you return. I rock a trailer hitch bike rack too but am careful where I park the car when the bikes are on it.

That's a good point, although I've actually found this to be a minimally invasive issue. I only really carry mountain bikes on the hitch, and when I do, I don't go into cities with them. If I do go into cities, it is often for something like a patio coffee (in which case I can see the bikes), or a long road trip (in which case I bring the bikes into my lodging with me). I'd be curious to hear a case scenario where someone regularly needs to transport bikes via vehicle in a theft-prone area. My commuter bike never sees the hitch because I'm riding it around to things.

LearnTo

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #35 on: December 01, 2020, 07:40:02 PM »
My bike fits easily into my Subaru Outback with the back seats down.
Not sure about other models like Crosstrek or Forrester.

Kris

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #36 on: December 02, 2020, 05:43:58 AM »
My bike fits easily into my Subaru Outback with the back seats down.
Not sure about other models like Crosstrek or Forrester.

Yep, that works with the Forester, too.

The Guru

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #37 on: December 02, 2020, 06:15:13 AM »
heck, Mrs. guru and I rented a Yaris a few years ago; just for the hell of it I put a bike in back to see if it would fit. No problem. We can fit TWO bike in the back of my Elantra Touring ( front wheel attached in all examples). So unless the particular vehicle sacrifices length for height I suspect fitting a bike in the back of any small S/CUV would be a piece of cake.

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #38 on: December 02, 2020, 08:45:04 AM »
Everyone is going to take a dump on you on this forum for wanting an SUV.

I recommend http://reddit.com/r/whatcarshouldibuy.

Just Joe

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #39 on: December 02, 2020, 08:49:24 AM »
How many cars allow you to put the bike inside parked standing up or with fork clamps?

I've disassembled my bike to put it in our sedan trunk. Works and doesn't take too long.

However I have to remember to put down a blanket so I keep the greasy bits off the carpet. Lay it on the left side so the derailleur is no on the blanket. No possibility of two bikes.

Much easier to use a hitch rack. I use the Curt C18085. Alternatively - use a minivan of a cube car.

We also have a strap on bike rack but it wrecks the trunk paint so I don't use it except in emergencies.

HenryDavid

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #40 on: December 05, 2020, 10:01:15 AM »
Try this: loosen (just a bit) the bolt or bolts that hold your handlebars straight.
Rotate bars so they are in line with top tube (or cross bar if you call it that).
Remove front wheel.

Toss flat-packed bike in little hatchback cargo area.
For multiple bikes, layer cardboard, old yoga mats or something between. No chafing. Or rattling.
Lie wheels on top.

At destination, straighten handlebars and retighten that bolt.
Practically as easy as attaching bikes to racks, plus bikes are inside the car for security, weather protection etc.
Cost = $0.

GuitarStv

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #41 on: December 05, 2020, 04:22:02 PM »
Try this: loosen (just a bit) the bolt or bolts that hold your handlebars straight.
Rotate bars so they are in line with top tube (or cross bar if you call it that).
Remove front wheel.

Toss flat-packed bike in little hatchback cargo area.
For multiple bikes, layer cardboard, old yoga mats or something between. No chafing. Or rattling.
Lie wheels on top.

At destination, straighten handlebars and retighten that bolt.
Practically as easy as attaching bikes to racks, plus bikes are inside the car for security, weather protection etc.
Cost = $0.

If you're particular about getting your position exactly right on the bike, take a little bit of white out and mark the bars/stem so you can quickly line up the markings when re-assembling.

Metalcat

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #42 on: December 05, 2020, 07:37:47 PM »
. No need to shame people out of their own personal decisions.

You're essentially asking for something that doesn't exist. A mustachian new SUV, then getting upset when others are pointing out more sensible suggestions.

I'm sure I'd get a similar response if I asked for a FIRE friendly payday loan company, or a frugal place to buy LouisVitton luggage
The art of the well-crafted facepunch has somewhat been lost on this board. Thanks for bringing it back a bit, Malcat!

A little late, but I just noticed this.

FTR, what I said wasn't a facepunch, I don't judge people for their personal spending choices, largely because I just don't care.

I commented because for various reasons, OP wants an SUV, but they really didn't make that clear in their initial post. I like things clear, very, very clear.

Had it been clear, we wouldn't have a page full of posts about bike racks when what OP really wants is SUV recommendations.

joe189man

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #43 on: December 07, 2020, 11:14:37 AM »
mazda 3 hatch back

Just Joe

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #44 on: December 21, 2020, 08:33:28 AM »
Protect your derailleur. They make little $5 guards that slip on the axle.

I've moved bikes halfway across the country in small sedan trunks using HenryDavid's method.

MrTurtle

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Re: Looking for a new car that can fit a bike
« Reply #45 on: December 22, 2020, 06:36:14 PM »
Ride BMX and get any car you want.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!