On your bike

From Cadel clones to sensible citizens, cycling motorists need transport choices

HOW do you transport a bike or three in a way that is safe, secure and easy to unload?

The best way depends on what sort of car you have, how many bikes you want to carry and how often.

There are five main options: in-car storage two-bar bike racks roof racks strap-on racks and floor mounts for utes.

For the sake of security and for people who just won’t buy a rack, there’s a choice of vehicle that can fit a bike or two. As a (part-time) cyclist, here’s my favourite five. I’ve ignored van derivatives because I don’t want to drive a van.

My selections will carry two people, two bikes and do it within a locked cabin. Some disassembly — removing the front wheel — may be required.

TOYOTA PRIUS V

Carsguide likes people-movers for their ability to carry not only people but combinations of passengers and cargo. This longer version of the Prius hybrid can seat seven or carry a clutch of bikes. The wagon is also easy to drive, economical and affordable. Performance is modest, as is fuel consumption. PRICE From $35,990

THIRST 4.4L/100km SEATS 7 LUGGAGE 200L (all seats up), 505L (five seats), 1905L (two seats)

VEHICLE LENGTH 4.6m

HONDA CR-V

Exceptional cabin room for a compact SUV, which why this and not the more fun to drive Mazda’s CX-5 was a 2012 Car of the Year finalist. New diesel model is the one to watch. PRICE From $27,490

THIRST 7.7L/100km SEATS 5 LUGGAGE 556L/1648 L VEHICLE LENGTH 4.5m

SKODA OCTAVIA WAGON

New Octavia gets a pretty face and even better refinement; interior room is huge and the wagon has excellent flexibility. Well priced and the economy is excellent.

A left-field choice is Skoda’s Roomster. Yes, we know what it looks like but it’s a unique compact people/bike-mover. PRICE From $23,040 THIRST 5.7L/100km SEATS 5 LUGGAGE 588L/1718L VEHICLE LENGTH 4.7m