Anyone know what small cars a mountain bike fits in?



rhondac

New Member
Mar 6, 2004
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I may need to buy a car, and as long as I'm doing that I'd like to find one that my mountain bike will fit into. NO SUV or 4WD! Does anyone know what small cars fit a bike or ideally two in through the trunk, hatchback or back doors? My bike doesn't fold or have easily detachable wheels. (a Honda Civic hatchback looks like it would work, but I know those get stolen a lot, so the insurance rates are higher.)
 
I don't know your car preferences, but a VW Jetta wagon probably fit two bikes wth the seat folded with the wheels on. Also, I think a Subaru Impreza Wagon would work also. We have a Subaru Legacy sedan that I can put my bike in the trunk easily, but that's with wheels off.

I don't think you'll find small, non-wagon car that a bike will fit in with the wheels on.

Why are your wheels difficult to remove?
 
I've never tried taking them off! I bought my bike about 16 years ago when I needed sturdy bike for city transportation. Even if they do come off (although I'm guessing this wasn't a selling point, since it was never discussed), simple is better for me if I'm going to get into serious riding outside the city: "Just put the bike in the car, maybe pick up a friend with bike, and go" sounds best.

I appreciate the car ideas. I'm hoping for more, so I can choose union-made (vw and subaru unfortunately aren't on the UAW lists).

Originally posted by DaveWV
I don't know your car preferences, but a VW Jetta wagon probably fit two bikes wth the seat folded with the wheels on. Also, I think a Subaru Impreza Wagon would work also. We have a Subaru Legacy sedan that I can put my bike in the trunk easily, but that's with wheels off.

I don't think you'll find small, non-wagon car that a bike will fit in with the wheels on.

Why are your wheels difficult to remove?
 
Have you thought about a roof or trunk rack. Roof racks are expensive but a simple trunk rack can be had for as little as $40-$50.

I have a Jeep Cherokee that I can put both my wife's and my bikes inside with wheels on. I will be getting a trailer hitch rack soon, but I also like the idea of having the bikes locked up inside protected from weather and people.
 
Guess what I have....a Honda Civic Hatchback! I can fit my bike in it. But just the same, I've got a Yakima roof rack on it, and that's what I'd get if I were you, whatever car you end up getting. It'll spare your care the beating that it will take if you load it in the back all the time. Trust me, I know. You still have to take the front wheel off to put it in the back too. Unless you get some sort of wagon, or rack, you're probably going to have to take at least one wheel off.
 
I was able to put my old Huffy and new Haro into my Escort GT's (1985.5-1988). It's not easy and probably humerous to watch, as not long after watching me do it a few times, DH ordered a trunk rack for me. They are also not covered so still visible to people.

But you probably don't want to buy such an old car. :)

I would look into a small wagon if you really want them inside. I agree with the ease of just tossing it in the car and going but I do like having my seats up and the hatch cover on when the bike is on the rack. That way all my valuables (well, to me anyway) are truly out of sight.

Good luck!

Diane
 
Is there a reason why you can't use quick-release skewers on your wheels? A pair of those will probably be cheaper than a new car. ;)

If you take one of the wheels off the bike, and fold up the rear seats of the car, a mountain (or road for that matter) bike fits just fine in my little Peugeot 306 (think Honda Civic/VW Golf sized hatchback)
 
My 1998 Nissan Pulsar (don't know what they are called in the US) will hold my Giant AC2, my girlfriends VT1 and all our gear for a 24 hour race.
 
Small pick up (toyota, nissan, s10, ranger) and put a shell with a lock on it. Works for me. I do like the roof rack on the other car better though.
 
i dunno.. depends what you like

hell me and my friend managed to get 3 bikes in the back of his 1990 corola hatchback :eek:

id go for a wagon myself, if your looking at hatchbacks with the seats folded down you could probly fit ya bike in anything
 
I just got a Toyota Matrix and it works great for bikes. I have a front fork mount attached to a piece of wood so I can put the bike inside just like it would be if it was on a rack.
 
I have a '98 Saturn SL1, and when I put the rear seats down, I can fit my mountain bike or my road bike with no trouble at all. I've never tried, but wouldn't be surprised if I could fit them both in at the same time. I also have a Yakima roof rack, which is excellent, but when the weather is bad I prefer putting the bike in the back.
 
I had a 1994 Chevy Cavalier.
I would take the front tire off, put the seat down and stuff my bike in the trunk.
Then I bought a Yakima Roof rack. I would highly recommend getting a roof rack. Not only is it more convenient for your bike but you can put a bunch of other stuff up there too.
I’ve changed cars but have kept the rack.
 
I have a 2001 Toyota Celica and the with the back seats folded down, I can fit the bike in there fairly snuggly and fairly easily with the front wheel off. I havent tried two . . .
 
Take the front and back wheel off both your bike, then most cars should be able to accomodate two bikes...