Comments on: The Perfect Car for Cyclists

By: Clive Lackey

Clive Lackey — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 00:21:55 +0000

If you don’t mind its quirky styling the Skoda Roomster ticks all the boxes. It will take bikes upright, is light on fuel, lighter than the Golf and, unlike many of its rivals, has a proper full size spare tyre. Downside is that Skoda failed to market this model so its resale value is poor.

By: mrfixee

mrfixee — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 03:04:36 +0000

I’d go the GTI (if the GF means anything to you) or the Vito (if GF doesn’t matter).

By: Jarrod

Jarrod — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:26:15 +0000

"If you ask any of my ex girlfriends, they’ll tell you I’m a genius at reading the traffic and taking corners on a dime. Sure they will."

I've seen you drive, no they wont.

Another car that deserves a mention is the Renault Megane station wagon. Seriously! We spent 8 weeks living in the back of one driving through Europe and it was the business. Went the diesel option and it was cheap as, but still super fast. I get a bit racey in the car, and have a photo of the speedo sitting at 180 while driving along an Autobahn in Germany. And that was after slowing down a bit to take the shot, safety first after all.

By: Cycling Maven

Cycling Maven — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:53:32 +0000

That's a lot of gear Ian. I bet the dogs were pissed at you.

The Ford Territory was very close to getting a mention in the post. I owned one a couple of years ago and so far, it's the best cycling car I've owned. Very heavy on fuel though.

By: Cycling Maven

Cycling Maven — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:49:01 +0000

I’ll check it out Shane. I like the look of them anyway.

By: Atomic Kitten

Atomic Kitten — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 03:49:57 +0000

Skoda turbo diesel DSG wagon. Zippy, fuel efficient, roomy. Classy looking. TdF sponsor too. Golfs are very common on the road - good for repairs, but too common for my liking.

http://ak.thebigring.com.au/blog.cfm?blogid=56

By: James Foran

James Foran — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 03:39:36 +0000

I have a 2001 Golf GTI which has served me well. Looking to downgrade so I can teach my girlfriend to drive. Automatic all the way. Looking at a not so zippy, but very versatile Honda Jazz. will fit two bikes inside with ease! I am against having bikes on the roof. Just doesn’t sit right with me. It goes against everything I believe in, but, in a years time, I will let her have the car, then a new Golf GTI will be on the cards.

By: Ian McGinley

Ian McGinley — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 03:39:00 +0000

I went through this a bit over 12 months ago, but I was spending my own money. it just got to the point where we needed two cars. My partner had a work provided car and the secondary needed only be practical, not sexy or agile. Ended up with a Falcon wagon.

Considered a Vito, but too expensive on the second hand market (hold their value well!) and actually even looked at an ex-ambo Mercedes van.. would have been soooo practical as a cyclist, but for the occasional run to the shops and trying to park would have been painful - not to mention that they have been driven pretty hard.

When we tripped up to the World Masters Games, we took the work provided Ford Territory Ghia. Everything went inside the car.

4 bikes (wheels off, in cardboard packing boxes)
11 wheels (track, TT, road, training)
2 stationary trainers
Clothes for 2
2 dogs
2 laptops
lots of other things. Everything fitted in the back of the car.

putting bikes on the roof is handy but it destroys your fuel consumption. We averaged 8.9L/100km in a comfortable car (albeit aerodynamics of a house brick) with everything in it possible for 3 weeks of training and racing in Sydney.

Could almost do the same in the Falcon Wagon if it came to it.

By: Shane

Shane — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 03:35:52 +0000

Subaru Outback. Not as dopey looking as a Forester, but also not as fast looking as a Liberty. We picked up a 2005 Outback premium 3ltr two years back — best car purchase to date, love it.