http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Buying a new car for bike reasons... en Thu, 21 May 2026 11:52:31 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3523&page=2#post-39791 Fri, 02 Sep 2011 00:09:16 +0000 Tulyar 39791@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Not owned a car full time since 1976 and now hire regularly or car club.</p> <p>You don't need a roof rack - all cycles come with 2 rubber cushions to place on the roof and it works perfectly for 2 bikes (or a trike on its own) </p> <p>Lean 2 bikes in A form facing same way with inside pedals up at TDC. and with non-stretch ties (webbing straps work well for this (Wilkinsons - hardware chain, Bills Tool Store in Glasgow, Lidl offers from time to time)</p> <p>Bikes should be a 'rigid' A and at least 1 wheel of each should be locked (tied with the tying system) </p> <p>Lift on to roof and pass one - or two long ratchet webbing straps (1" with heavy duty material (you'll notice variable quality here if you check out available products). Pass strap(s) through doors (with doors open or windows for 3-door car) making sure that strap position inside does not interfere with driver's head space. Ratchet down carefully bearing in mind the the 1" webbing can pull with a force of up to 5000Kg so make sure it does not bend the roof with excessive loading,.</p> <p>And of course the smartass note from US cycling magazine - Best car for transporting bikes - any hire car. Best method for securing bikes to car - gaffer/duct tape run several times over the bikes and through the car doors/windows. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3523&page=2#post-39695 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 21:34:21 +0000 gembo 39695@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Anthony - yes it is when I think about decluttering my life but who am I kidding, I can't even declutter my garage.</p> <p>However, sounds like the clubman is a result [we had an olive green one when we were kids with fake mahogany stripe - we loved it, it had two wee back doors.] Also looks good with bikes on top.</p> <p>Sometimes the old thinking outside the box works out - buying a new car that results in more cycling. Nice. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3523#post-39610 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 16:10:19 +0000 Wilmington's Cow 39610@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>You might be onto something there gembo...</p> <p>Looks like being used again tonight, taking the bikes down to Granton and going for a ride along the prom/esplanade to Cramond and back.</p> <p>We got out on Sunday up to Loch Leven and had a ride round (well, as far round as you can go - really nice route, it'll be great if they complete the loop). </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3523#post-39453 Sun, 28 Aug 2011 10:45:03 +0000 gembo 39453@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Sometimes I think a Winnebago is the answer. A house, a motorised vehicle and a way of transporting bikes easily, they sit nicely on the back - all in a single entity </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3523#post-39448 Sat, 27 Aug 2011 22:24:53 +0000 Smudge 39448@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Arrelcat, great link! B-)</p> <p>(Though I do feel a bit hypocritical saying that having just put my series landrover into our garage ready to start sorting it out :-/ ) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3523#post-39423 Sat, 27 Aug 2011 18:49:45 +0000 Min 39423@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Nice transport collection. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3523#post-39422 Sat, 27 Aug 2011 17:58:59 +0000 Wilmington's Cow 39422@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Et voila...</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackpuddinonnabike/6085440245/"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6191/6085440245_cfe05e6297.jpg"></a><br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackpuddinonnabike/6085440245/">Untitled</a> by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/blackpuddinonnabike/">blackpuddinonnabike</a>, on Flickr </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3523#post-36864 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 15:55:22 +0000 wingpig 36864@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>You could use something other than (lighter than) perspex for the fairing; if it was just over the bikes on the roof there'd be no need for it to be transparent.</p> <p>Sidewinds are rarely relevant at driving-speeds but racks which allowed bikes to be mounted side-to-roof would reduce the area exposed to and leverage of side-gusts, improving handling and reduce the height above the roof requiring fairinging. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3523#post-36863 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 15:11:41 +0000 Arellcat 36863@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>...to reduce drag you need a huge perspex aero fairing at the front of the roof, a big spoiler at the back ... side skirts and a front spoiler...</em></p> <p>Sounds like someone's being reading ecomodder.com :-) Though you need the blunt end first and the long, pointy bit at the back to reduce negative pressure vortices. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3523#post-36862 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 14:52:52 +0000 crowriver 36862@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Nah, clearly to reduce drag you need a huge perspex aero fairing at the front of the roof, and a big spoiler at the back to stop the car taking off. Adding side skirts and a front spolier will help to create a hovercraft effect so the vehicle will float over the road, negating the extra weight caused by the bikes... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3523#post-36860 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 14:40:05 +0000 amir 36860@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>To help measure air resistance, you could simply count the flies splatted on the bike. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3523#post-36859 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 14:29:36 +0000 LaidBack 36859@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I was thinking aero seatposts and low profile stuff would be useful for bikes that travel by car. Worth doing if it saves petrol ;-)</p> <p>Could have an award for the best performing bike on a car roof.... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3523#post-36858 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 14:25:35 +0000 kaputnik 36858@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>LaidBack - yes to counteract this you need to wear an aerohelmet at the wheel and turn your windscreen wipers inside out. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3523#post-36854 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 14:08:59 +0000 LaidBack 36854@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Don't bikes on your roof create drag - thus making your drive less green? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3523#post-36852 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:57:01 +0000 Wilmington's Cow 36852@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The one time I've seen bikes coming off a car it was a boot-mounted carrier. Like you say it's perception - I've personally always felt more relaxed with them on the roof. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3523#post-36851 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:55:13 +0000 amir 36851@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"Now Dave, you know as well as anyone that anecdote does not equal data... ;) "</p> <p>Ah but it's not really about reality, it's perception ...</p> <p>When I have carried bikes on the back before, I've been so nervous about something happening. If the bikes are the real priority, put them inside in luxury where they belong. If you have luggage or pets or kids .. put them on the roof. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3523#post-36850 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:51:59 +0000 Dave 36850@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>No indeed. In our case we think the plastic retaining strap that holds the wheels on the tray had fatigued (or perhaps UV damage?). Once it snapped, the wind was able to work at the front of the bike and at some point after, the rest of it went.</p> <p>My point was not that all bike racks are unsafe, just that they aren't foolproof either. One could easily cause a Hatfield-style crash by shedding a bike in the fast lane and it would be nobody's fault but one's own. </p> <p>The only possibility would be to claim the bike was already in the road and "he came out of nowhere" (then rapidly limped off). That way you'd be able to bargain it down to a handful of points and a wee fine. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3523#post-36844 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:21:20 +0000 Wilmington's Cow 36844@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Now Dave, you know as well as anyone that anecdote does not equal data... ;) </p> <p>I wonder what the actual stats are for bikes leaving the safety of the roof carrier without external circumstances (such as driving into a low roof etc). </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3523#post-36842 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 12:47:39 +0000 Morningsider 36842@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>wingpig - not paranoid at all. I once saw someone load a new/repaired bike from Halfords at Straiton onto a roof mounted bike rack and drive it straight into the high vehicles barrier at the car park entrance. Ripped the carrier and bike off the roof, smashed car lights, dented bodywork etc. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3523#post-36841 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 12:31:00 +0000 wingpig 36841@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Hmm. I was going to say something about not being able to constantly watch bikes on a roof rack the way you can when they're obscuring the view to the rear and that there would therefore be no warning of there being a problem until there was a crunch and squeal from behind but was worried that I'd've come over a bit paranoid. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3523#post-36839 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 12:09:37 +0000 Dave 36839@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>We lost a bike off the (otherwise apparently invincible) Thule bike racks fitted to the roof rails of our estate, since when we've started putting them inside (fine, you just need to take off the front wheels and they sit upright).</p> <p>Luckily the car behind was able to stop and doubly lucky that we hadn't joined the motorway (we were about 30 minutes from a Friday night run down the M6).</p> <p>Be careful... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3523#post-36838 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 12:09:13 +0000 crowriver 36838@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Lots of cyclists drive cars. The majority I'd say. Those that see cycling as a sport even more so.</p> <p>I'm part of a (so far) tiny minority that choose to live car free. I don't own a car, don't drive, instead cycling and using the train, occasionally a bus. I'm not what I would call a 'serious' cyclist. I can't be as I don't own any bikes that are worth anything much. </p> <p>Mostly I'm a utility cyclist, with a few day rides and a bit of cycle camping thrown in. Would like to do a bit more serious touring at one point, and maybe a brevet or three once I'm ready. Probably need some better bikes first, though!</p> <p>One advantage of not running a car is I should be able to afford them. Just need to get a garage sorted... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3523#post-36836 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 12:02:58 +0000 Wilmington's Cow 36836@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Put me in my Mini Cooper S, and Sabine in a Reliant Robin, send us both round the Nurburgring, and I know who would win... (hint: not me)</p> <p>Always think Top Gear missed a trick not making her a guest presenter. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3523#post-36833 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 11:36:45 +0000 Arellcat 36833@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>When I went to Cyclefest in 2004, I had a look at the vehicles other people had used. I especially remember someone (who may even have been Mike Harrison) unloading a trike from a seemingly caverous Citroen Berlingo. I think it was a similar vehicle that a friend of mine hired to transport a trike and three bicycles to a show.</p> <p>Of course, I don't suppose a Berlingo is going to be the first choice towards a 'driving machine', though I daresay Sabine Schmitz could wring its neck. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3523#post-36831 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 11:08:29 +0000 splitshift 36831@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>buy a van ! like i said elsewhere, a transit sized van can carry hundreds of wine,bikes, people in almost any combination you can imagine ! Most come with almost efficient diesel power and saxo boy keeps out of their way ! esp if white and covered in dents !<br /> cycle to cycle or drive to cycle ? who cares ? just enjoy yourself ! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3523#post-36829 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 10:29:38 +0000 Wilmington's Cow 36829@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Like I say, the endpoint is hopefully that it actually reduces the use of the car in the long-term. Just seems strange, buying a car in order to do that.</p> <p>As for choice of car - won't be swayed on that I'm afraid, for the aforementioned 'enjoyment of driving' reasons... ;) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3523#post-36828 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 10:26:15 +0000 kaputnik 36828@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'd like to second Amir's choice of car, as I've made use of its ample cycle-storage space to get to an early morning Audax start. </p> <p>I don't think there's anything wrong with going somewhere to cycle if you can't cycle for whatever reason - don't get me wrong, I'd much rather cycle than drive anywhere - but sometimes it's just not practical. If you're doing a Sportive or an Audax or a Race, or whatever, and are saving yourself for the event, I guess that's not really any different than driving to Glentress to play in the mud when it comes down to it.</p> <p>But best not to make too much of a habit of it :) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3523#post-36827 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 10:24:07 +0000 Wilmington's Cow 36827@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>It would turn a nice cycle into a big faffing-operation.</em></p> <p>That's why I like roof racks. Much more secure and no disassembly of the bikes. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3523#post-36826 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 10:22:17 +0000 Wilmington's Cow 36826@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The fuel performance issue is, well, an issue. Annoyingly Mini do have a bike rack which can be integrated into the bumper which keeps the bikes further out of the airflow, but it's not available for the standard hatch (and I can't put a tow bar on an S cos it has centrally mounted exhaust pipes, which look cool, but still, grrrr!).</p> <p>Mel had started to ride to work, with me chaperoning, though she'd occasionally ride home herself (I worried like an over-protective parent), before the Saxo incident. I'm hoping if we can get riding more often again she might give it another shot. At the moment bussing to work <em>is</em> possible for her, but it takes twice as long, and the area her office is near isn't somewhere late-night-in-the-dark wandering to a stop and hanging about would be advised...</p> <p>Plus, unpopular a position though it is on a cycling forum, I do actually enjoy driving, and enjoy having a fun car. Weekends only, and with a purpose (hillwalking and the like), having it <em>does</em> make life easier a lot of the time (other lifestyles and needs are available). </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3523#post-36825 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 10:20:31 +0000 wingpig 36825@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><blockquote><em>"(dare I say slightly arrogant?)"</em></blockquote></p> <p>It's another example of a visible minority attracting the attention of a vocal minority and spoiling it for the rest. I daresay people-who-think-themselves proper cyclists might deem people who only drive-to-cycle as improper cyclists, though it could be because the drive-to-cycle cyclists' only cycles are knobble-tyred full-bouncing MTBs which don't work on roads where their owners live. Though you're not going to see them as much as Glentress-bound MTBers in the city there must surely be drive-to-cycle cyclists who live in remote cottages at the ends of bumpy farm tracks, who have to drive to the nearest flattish tarmac road before unfastening their skinny-wheel road bikes.</p> <p>It's the inconvenience of drive-to-cycle which gives me the willies. I hate driving, worry about leaving the car somewhere stealable or please-break-into-me-tastic (especially remote places or non-official-car-parks), fear everything falling off and simultaneously causing an accident, causing lots of expensive damage and being destroyed when using the rear rack thing, fret about everything being safely reconstituted at the destination after being disassembled for transport and then worry/fret about the reverse in reverse order on the return journey. It would turn a nice cycle into a big faffing-operation. </p>