Bike Movers

If you own a bike, there's a high chance you own a car. The chances are also high that you will use that car to haul that bike somewhere. Typical vehicles at the ride meet spot seem to be SUV’s and smaller trucks decked out for the job. Toyota Tacomas with tailgate pads and 4Runners with a trailer hitch rack are usual suspects, but most people are all looking for the same thing…A rig that will move you, maybe a few friends, and a few bikes. I've criticized Tacoma's and 4Runners for being overpriced. They also have shockingly low gross vehicle weights and an appetite for wheel bearings that can be annoying to change. (Dorman took my advice and began offering this to make your life easier. Your Toyota dealership uses them!) I cannot deny their utility, but I wonder if it’s possible to do better? Naturally, with a bit more flare. Maybe even saving you a few bucks in the process?

Buick Regal TourX

There’s a reason why you see station wagons doing the brunt of the bike moving at races. They offer SUV-like utility with car-like fuel economy. Flip the rear seats down in a Regal TourX and you’ll easily fit your Colnago C65 in the back, safely tucked away from anything that could damage it’s delicate, Italian sex appeal. Unlike most Subaru's and Volvo Cross Country wagons, the roof is fairly low, making this an ideal car for a roof rack. Unlike most of it’s GM stablemates, Regal TourX’s seem to be incredibly reliable. Maybe it's because they were built in Germany? Edmunds, Jalopnik, and many other outlets have sung the Regal TourX's praise if you care to fact check me. They’ve been discontinued, like seemingly all the other good cars these days. But unlike the Pontiac Vibe, the secret of this awesome wagon hasn’t spread too far and you can pick one up for less than a similar vintage Tacoma or 4Runner. Svelte enough for date night, practical enough for just about any activity. Excuse me while I go find myself one...

Ford Econoline ('60-'67)

Are you the adventurous type who can drive stick shift, who wants a bike hauler that will stand out, but not one you have to worry too much about? Look no further than the 1st generation Ford Econoline. Available as a 4 door, window-less van as well as 6 or 8 door window-ed variants, these scream practicality and ooze character. Compared to a similar vintage Volkswagen Type 2, these vans are an absolute bargain. Plus with the front-mid engine layout that places the engine in the center console, the floor of the van is flat for easy loading. Open the side doors, throw up an E-Z-Up tent, set up the turbo trainers, and you have the ideal race basecamp. Available engines were inline sixes of varying sizes and the most common transmission is a 3 speed column shift. I won’t lie, this van won’t get you or your bike anywhere fast, but you’ll get there in style. They’re incredibly simple and parts don’t hit the eye-watering prices you’ll see for a VW Bus. Since it’s a column shift, you won’t have to worry about someone stealing it if you leave the keys in it during your race. It’s so unique, (and slow) they won't get far before getting caught anyways. Prices vary drastically on vintage cars like this, but I've seen sellers asking mid to low teens for decent examples. You'll certainly need another daily driver, but if you're in the market for a well equipped Tacoma, you can pull it off.

Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon 2.8L (’04-’12)

In keeping with the ‘Murica theme so far, I have to mention the first generation Colorado/Canyon with the 2.8L inline four. This staple of delivery fleets everywhere is vertically indestructible. My company has had over a dozen of them rack upwards of 250,000 miles needing nothing more than routine maintenance. Interior quality is low, but that’s to be expected for a GM product of the bailout era. The 4L60E transmission is stout enough to see reliable use in larger GM vehicles, so it’s unlikely to give you any troubles. Plus with nice examples trading hands for less money than that new bike you’re drooling over, you’ll have enough money leftover to pay for gas, post-ride beers, and season’s passes to Highland. The cool kids want Tacomas, but the smart kids want a Colorado. Based on what I've seen of the 2nd generation 4 cylinder Colorados, they will likely make this list in the future. Stay tuned.

Honda Accord CrossTour

Though not as well known as the Honda Element, a favorite amongst cyclists and car nuts everywhere, I think the CrossTour could be superior. Though it’s looks were heavily criticized when it was launched, I think they’ve aged incredibly well. Particularly the 2013 and later facelifted ones. Occupying a strange area between a hatchback and a station wagon, I view the CrossTour as a modern take on the AMC Eagle. Another car that was looked down upon in its day, but now seen as remarkably ahead of its time. The only real downside to the CrossTour is its marginal reward visibility, a problem that’s all too common on cars these days. Personally, I’ve stuffed two road bikes and a long weekend’s worth of luggage in the back of one with room to spare. Like many vehicles these days, you’ll have to budget in a timing belt service every 90,000 miles or so, but it’s a reasonably straight forward job for most competent mechanics. Acceleration, gas mileage, rear seat room, and handling are all excellent. Roof rack afficonados will love the low roof line for easy loading while MTB riders will appreciate the AWD that can handle most sloppy roads to the trailhead. I’m shocked this car hasn’t become a cult car like the Element. But maybe that’s for the best, it means you can pick one up cheap!

This isn't an exhaustive list, just one thats been floating around in my brain for awhile. And I think it's a list worth revisiting in the future. There's definitely more upscale cars out there, but if you have a lust for bikes that come with financing options, sometimes saccrifices must be made! What do you think? Have I made any glaring omissions?