Donga wrote:
> On Nov 12, 5:16 pm, cfsmtb <cfsmtb.2zx...@no-
> mx.forums.cyclingforums.com> wrote:
>> Donga Wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>>> I fit three large boys and their bags and instruments inside a Honda
>>> Jazz, plus a bike on a towbar rack on the back, then ride to work from
>>> their school. Other people require an SUV for the same job and use
>>> double of everything else too. Mate, that makes me **** hot, and the
>>> others wankers. But we're not as good as those whose kids ride their
>>> bikes to school, but I've not seen one of those. Oh, and yes the Jazz
>>> is cleverly done inside.
>> Read Bike Snobs latest instalment about niche cycling publications?
>>
>> "Putting All Your Fabergé Eggs In One Basket": How many Colnagos can
>> you fit in a BMW X5?"
>>
>> --
>> cfsmtb
>
> Yes, BSNYC is always good for a laugh. One thing I've noticed about
> cyclists' X5s - the bikes are often on top. Now I reckon people who
> carry bikes on top of cars are like riders who have never fallen -
> haven't been at it long enough to drive under the carport.
>
Donga,
Nope. I'm a short **** and I transport bikes on top of my X-trail. Which
means I need one or more milk crates to use as a step. I have been
carrying my bikes on top of the car for years, with literally thousands
of kilometers of journeys and my experiences so far are:
- Someone else did drive into the garage door once. Very slight damage
to car, none to rack or garage, had to get new forks for the bike. That
was about ten years ago.
- Hit one low flying tree somewhere out past Brindabella one day.
Knocked the bike half off and bent a fork tip.
Since then (about eight years ago) it has been both-wheels-on Thule
carriers, sometimes up to five bikes on top and not one accident.
On the other hand you can stop at a shop, even go for a beer with little
concern that someone will nick your seat or computer or whatever.
Everything is locked on and out of reach for most folks.
Out in the bush it might seem inconvenient to have to worry about the
extra clearance but I have seen too many bikes knocked around by flying
stones etc. when mounted on the back. I won't carry bikes on my Golf,
instead I purchased one of the bike bags from Ground Effect and the bike
can go inside the car no problem in the bag, with plenty of room for
luggage. There are some advantages to being short!