4 things a cyclist should consider when buying a car
We have come up with a list of things to look out for when shopping for a car to suit your cycling lifestyle and have also provided four examples, one below R200 000, one below R350 000, one below R700 000 and one below R1.3-million.
Cycling, in terms of road and mountain biking is big business these days, with thousands of South Africans taking up the hobby as a way to stay active, keep fit and interact with their friends and family. Many of the best cycling races, events and safe zones in which to ride are far away from our homes, meaning that we need to transport our bikes and accessories by car. Therefore, the car that an avid cyclist chooses is important to ensure fuss-free transportation both to and from various events and venues.
Important things to consider
1. A tow bar
This may seem like an arbitrary statement, however, there are a surprising number of cars that do not support the fitment of a tow bar. Make sure that your next car is tow bar-ready from the factory. With one of these handy items installed, you can purchase a third-party bicycle rack. These racks come in varying sizes and with a wide price range to suit most budgets.
2. Reasonable ground clearance and off-road ability
This is especially relevant for mountain bikers, where trails are often accessed by dirt road, making a low-slung sports car less than ideal. Many road-based race events also have parking that is off-road; therefore, your vehicle needs at least a light degree of off-road ability.
3. A big boot and foldable seats
Some cyclists don't have a third-party bike rack to make use of, leaving them no choice but to place their bicycles inside the car. Some may simply want their expensive bikes tucked safely inside the car, particularly during long journeys with frequent stops, where constant monitoring of your precious rack-mounted two-wheeled companions may prove irksome. A large boot, with folding rear seats, that preferably fold flat, will allow two bicycles to be carefully placed inside the car while leaving space for all of you cycling paraphernalia.
4. Roof racks
Factory-fitted roof racks will allow you to purchase third-party racks that will allow you to mount up to three bicycles on your roof, freeing up interior space and allowing access to your boot. Beware, as taller vehicles will require a step ladder in order to mount the bicycles on the roof while many a cyclist may forget that their bikes are on the roof, leading to damage when going under lower obstacles.
4 recommendations of cars ideal for cyclists
Being one of the largest automotive websites in South Africa, we have decided to help narrow down our top options within various price ranges to consider when looking for a car to fit into your cycling lifestyle.
1. Sub-R200 000- Renault Triber 1.0 Prestige R 196 900- The compact MPV Triber is a newcomer to the local market. Its tiny 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine will sip fuel at a rate of 5.5 L/100km while offering seating for seven, or, with the third row of seats folded flat, 625-litres off boot space. The micro-MPV also offers 182mm of ground clearance and comes with roof rails.
Related: Renault Triber (2020): First Drive Review
2. Sub-R350 000- Suzuki Vitara 1.6 GL+R 332 900- Suzuki's Vitara crossover received a makeover in 2019 and suits the budding cyclist's lifestyle perfectly. In addition to a tow bar being a genuine accessory option, the Vitara is also available with a roof bar. The Vitara also offers a configurable boot that expands from 375-litres to 1 120-litre while ground clearance is a respectable 185mm.
Related: Suzuki Vitara vs Honda HR-V vs Ford EcoSport: which one has the lowest running costs?
3. Sub-R700 000- Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 2.0TSI 4Motion Highline R 635 300- Volkswagen's popular Tiguan was made more practical with the addition of the seven-seat Allspace version. In addition to 4Motion all-wheel drive, the potent 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine will provide the goods when heading off-road. With optional roof racks, tow bar and up to 1 775-litres of boot space, you have a safe, practical and stylish way of getting from A-to-B or from trail-to-trail in absolute comfort.
Related:Top 5 optional extras for your new Tiguan Allspace
4. Sub-R1.3-million- Land Rover Discovery SE Td6 R 1 268 656- The Discovery is the ultimate lifestyle SUV for cyclists, with the British brand offering a complete cycling package as an optional extra. The variant selected features a torque-laden 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine with 190 kW and 600 N.m along with an exceptionally clever Terrain Response system and a monstrous 283mm of ground clearance. The Discovery can go anywhere, and thanks to its capacious cabin and clever seat-folding system, it can easily carry four cyclists, their bikes and kit, in comfort.
Related: An Overland Adventure with Kingsley Holgate in the All-New Land Rover Discovery
Our verdict
Our top pick however goes to the Volkswagen Tiguan. It offers all the practicality that is needed, it is a quality product and it is a product that will hold its value thanks to that Volkswagen badge on the front. Its range of efficient engines will get you to the cycling event effectively and the 4Motion system will ensure you get back home, no matter the conditions. This is one to consider when shopping in the segment.
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