What Car? The Cycling Edition

I know this does not help you exactly.. but in a taller vehicle like my Discovery, I cut a piece of half in ply to fit the floor with about an inch to spare on both sides (I was not worried about fore and aft size) and covered it in a matching black automotive carpet.

I then took a Thule' quick release bracket and bolted it to the plywood. Now I can fold the driver's side rear seat forwards, take off the front wheel of the bike and roll it back into the back of my disco. the rear wheel fits tightly against the seat and the forks secure nicely to the quick release bracket. It is tight, secure, and nothing rattles around or moves. Getting it out is as simple as releasing the bracket and rolling it out of the back of my truck.

I'd be curious to get your opinions in driving all these cars. I too struggle with going the way of The Answer due to limitations with bike, dog, SUP, tailgating stuff, etc. so would like to hear what you think is the most Miata-like of the bunch.

I do like the Tacoma X-Runner with a bed cap like was said above, but not sure it will feel particularly Miata-like

I don't care for roof racks but have used them. Absolutely hate hitch racks for the abuse the bike receives. I used a full size late 80s Pontiac S/W. Bike went in fully assembled w/ease. Fun to drive=2, cool factor=10. Fox body Mustang 5.0 hatch, Fun to drive=10, had to remove wheels and be careful loading for bike and car=5. 98 Escort S/W. Removed both wheels and was careful loading, unloading and taking care of bike and car. Slow car fast=5, good looking utility unit=10. Presently use a Tacoma w/home built rack for bikes to stand up. Quick and easy=10, Security/out of the elements=0. Since I have a NB and a Mazda 3 hatch I would vote for the 3/Speed 3 hatch. With the tinted rear windows/cover, no one will see your bike. If you care for your bikes, you won't mind the extra time it takes to transport and you will have your tossable fun car.

If you are going to do something in the car, at least do something like this:

Not my Xterra but mine is set up very similar to this with an additional cradle I put the wheels in. Much better than having the bike bouncing around in the back of the car on the crank and derailleurs. The whole thing was about $50 in parts and I can use it to wall mount the bikes while at the house too.

In reply to CobraSpdRH:

No, my Tacoma does not feel anywhere close to my Miata. Returning from a bike ride w/bikes in bed of Tacoma last night, SWMBO quietly asked if I was trying to roll us on the off ramp.

I carried my bike in my neon. Seat and front wheel in the trunk, bike in permanent residence in the back seat. No QR anything. 10mm wrench to open the front brakes. 15mm wrenches for front wheel removal. Hex key for seat post clamp.

Ditch the bikes and take up roller blading.

You can haul them in the Miata and remove all of that pesky "pressure on the perineum" that cyclists suffer.

There, solved

My 140mm travel 29er with 750mm wide handlebars easily fits in the back of my Subaru Outback wagon without the wheels removed. It's a fun car to drive, but more in a jumping train tracks and hopping curbs kind of way.

T.J. wrote: How about a Fit? I don't know how easily a bike fits in one, but should be able to handle on if a Fiesta can.

Not my photo, but I used to put two mountain bikes, standing up with the front wheels removed, in the back of a 2009 Honda Fit. I mounted two of those fork mount clamps onto a piece of 2x6. Super easy.