Car for bike carrying (no roof boxes or bike racks)

Daimler

Have been contemplating a 2nd had car up to about £2k-2.5k that will carry (inside) two x road bikes and no more than about 4 suitcases.

I don't want to have to take off any more than the front wheels....I hate my saddle being moved.....so preferably these bikes would be standing upright.

I've been looking at Zafira's, Toyota Pevia's etc.

Something strong, basic is ok...reliability important.

Suggestions?

Wamas

Buy a small van, and fit a rack inside to hold the bikes.

A van also has the advantage that there are no windows in the back, so you can leave it parked and no-one will know the bikes are in there.

lae

Old Volvo estate, although they'd have to be lying on their sides. I don't think there are many cars out there that could take a bike standing up - Zafira would've been my choice too, or maybe a Ford Galaxy. If it's just for bike holidays, have you considered a van instead? A VW Transporter (a modern one, not the aircooled things, although they are both cheap (not the classic hippy vans though) and reliable) or something like that. They're very comfortable and could easily fit all that stuff, and more people and bikes too!

Daimler

Thanks.
I did consider a Van.
Can you drive a small van eg. Escort Van under a normal SD & P insurance policy. I mean you only have to tell them your carrying bikes in it and it's not for business usage....plus I'd have to pay the tax for any purchased Commercial vehicle.

JohnnyAllez

Citroen Berlingo Multispace, easily fit three bikes in with just the fornt wheels out, I`ve got a rack bar in mine that the forks clamp onto with some of the fork clamps you can buy for roof bars. Works great, and is secure. Also, one of the most comforatble cars you`ll find for driving distance, due to upright, high driving position and decent front seats. Drove 650 miles in one hit back from France last year, no probs at all. Regularly done 500 miles round trips.

Daimler

JohnnyAllez wrote:

Citroen Berlingo Multispace, easily fit three bikes in with just the fornt wheels out, I`ve got a rack bar in mine that the forks clamp onto with some of the fork clamps you can buy for roof bars. Works great, and is secure. Also, one of the most comforatble cars you`ll find for driving distance, due to upright, high driving position and decent front seats. Drove 650 miles in one hit back from France last year, no probs at all. Regularly done 500 miles round trips.

Thanks....might have a look into one of those.
I know the Diesel engines in those are pretty tough with good servicing too.

hopper1

I'd go for a people carrier, with privacy glass.
A friend of mine uses an old Renault Espace.

POHB

My Peugeot 406 Estate easily takes a couple of bikes (lying down) in the back with the back seats folded. No need to remove bike wheels or seats. Blanket between and over the bikes.

taz3611

Popemobile

Radioactiveman

Hearse FTW

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1989-FORD-GRANADA ... 1522wt_958

JohnnyAllez

Daimler wrote:

JohnnyAllez wrote:

Citroen Berlingo Multispace, easily fit three bikes in with just the fornt wheels out, I`ve got a rack bar in mine that the forks clamp onto with some of the fork clamps you can buy for roof bars. Works great, and is secure. Also, one of the most comforatble cars you`ll find for driving distance, due to upright, high driving position and decent front seats. Drove 650 miles in one hit back from France last year, no probs at all. Regularly done 500 miles round trips.

Thanks....might have a look into one of those.
I know the Diesel engines in those are pretty tough with good servicing too.

On my second one, their diesel engines (HDi) are IMHO about the best diesel engines going. DON`T get a 1.9D (non turbo) though, it`s the old dog-slow engine, the 2.0 HDI and the new 1.6 HDi engines are brilliant, I`ve had both, the new 1.6 HDi 16 valve engine is a lot better than the older 2.0 HDi engine, and that was good Same power, same torque, more economy, cheaper tax, pulls like a train

stevenb

JohnnyAllez wrote:

Daimler wrote:

JohnnyAllez wrote:

Citroen Berlingo Multispace, easily fit three bikes in with just the fornt wheels out, I`ve got a rack bar in mine that the forks clamp onto with some of the fork clamps you can buy for roof bars. Works great, and is secure. Also, one of the most comforatble cars you`ll find for driving distance, due to upright, high driving position and decent front seats. Drove 650 miles in one hit back from France last year, no probs at all. Regularly done 500 miles round trips.

Thanks....might have a look into one of those.
I know the Diesel engines in those are pretty tough with good servicing too.

On my second one, their diesel engines (HDi) are IMHO about the best diesel engines going. DON`T get a 1.9D (non turbo) though, it`s the old dog-slow engine, the 2.0 HDI and the new 1.6 HDi engines are brilliant, I`ve had both, the new 1.6 HDi 16 valve engine is a lot better than the older 2.0 HDi engine, and that was good Same power, same torque, more economy, cheaper tax, pulls like a train

Was it the van version you bought?
Where did you get your rack bar and how does it fit inside? Was it an accessory option?
They are still quite expensive.

fatandwheezing

Would normally never say this, but the multispace is a good car - my dad bought one last year, and it's perfect for his needs - easy to load bulky stuff with the flat and high boot, easy to get in/out, good visibility etc.

I'm secretly looking forward to driving it next time I visit.....

My mum isn't quite so keen though as the driving position isn't quite as adjustable as she wants.

Fat Head

taz3611 wrote:

Popemobile

JohnnyAllez

Mine`s the car, not the van. The internal bike rack isn`t any Citroen option it`s something I made using a length of 1" steel box-section and some bolt-on fork clamps from CRC (in their racks and accessories section, about 15 quid each, but top-quality and lockable) The bar is bolted across the front two tie-down eyes fitted in the rear of the car, under the fold-up rear seats. They allow it to hinge up and down so the seats fold back up when required. Can be useed with the split-fold rear seat so 3 people can still travel, as well as bikes.