That is a really awesome car. I drive a Kia Sorento, choosing that after originally having things narrowed down to a Subaru Forester and a Kia Sportage. I carry 2 bikes regularly, but can fit 3 easily plus equipment and room for front wheels. I also have storage underneath in the trunk area. It’s not a vehicle I would have normally gone with, but it fit all my criteria and I love it.
In the UK tow bar bike carriers are very popular. I have a basic one for 2 bikes but you can buy them for up to 4 bikes. Much easier to lift heavier bikes onto than the roof rack options. I also have a rack for two bikes on the back of my motorhome (RV). Towball racks easy to remove and stored don’t cause additional drag and consumption and means you can use a more fuel efficient vehicle than a big van for everyday.
High Ace. Kinda like a micro bus. Very versatile especially the cargo configuration with bare empty space. Small cars can be fitted with roof racks for bikes
An economical choice is a kei-van. I have a Honda Acty, with the back seats always down so it leaves quit some space behind, I can put a lot of stuff, bikes, surf boards etc... And can sleep inside. But if you have the money, sure the Hiace or the Nissan equivalent is great.
I regret not going slightly bigger with a kei-van. My R-wagon has some folding seats and does a decent job at fitting stuff inside, but I wouldn't mind a little extra space..
Reminds me of the Volkswagon Vanagon from the 80s a little bit, both inside and out. Especially with the step-up front seats and the large room in the back.
Consider the Lucid Gravity. Tons of rear interior space. It's an ev. It's like a smaller Honda Odyssey or a stretched out Toyota Highlander. Three row seating. Considering it as a replacement for my Honda Element. Due out end of this year.
If you wish to really push yourself, you can try out the video game "Euro Truck Simulator 2". This is a simulator where you can drive large trucks. This means also trough narrow streets and awkward corners. It may be a worth while thing to try out as many Japanese people actually love to play it as well. This simulator allows you to learn about how to drive vehicles in general that have a flat nose with the engine below you. It can teach you where to look and how to treat a vehicle like that Toyota van. When I finally manage to move to Japan, you will be welcome to try the game out without needing to purchase it yourself. A van like that is ideal for Japanese roads, or for that matter many Asian roads
Getting into vans... that is what the handle is for! Hiace/Regis version... I suspect the Regis is more intended for people moving, the Hiace for cargo... same chassis...
he Toyota Hiace is awesome and can put a lot of cycling and other things in the van. Also like you said it can be used for sleeping in too. That van is really modified extremely well. Thanks for another excellent video! yes, we love your videos about cycling and culture in Japan. We miss Japan! BTW your small car is cute and cool.
You can buy an used diesel hiace between us$10,000 a u$20,000 and buy DIY customize kits on rakuten or a bargain on yahoo auction. Toyota cars are very durable, an used hiace with correct maintenance can be use for long time. I have and using one for more than 10 yers and 500,000km traveled.
Yeah the Hi-ace is hard to beat. But Honda Stepwagons are fantastic with the folding back seat layout and the modicum of comfort for those touge routes getting to some of the more remote races in Nagano and Niigata.
@@TwoWheelCruise Was really surprised with the current retail price of the DX/DX GL (diesel) Package 2,133,000円 on the Toyota site. Not too shabby for the enter level Japanese Carpenters car, But the prices go downright stratosphere pretty quick for the Super GL Dark Prime II 's, Used a Nissan Cube for a while two bikes max, Terrible visibility. A Chevy Astro lulled us into a false economy with it's plush ride, After a Stepwagon our cycle shop owner in Hanno Saitama has been using multiple mid eighties Volkswagen Camper Vans with nothing but glowing reviews. We purchased a mid 90's Stepwagon and it's been bulletproof and economical. Some more affluent riders have turned up In Alphards. At least they arrive well rested, on the negative side that velour soaks up spilt udon soup real nice ;)
I wish we could buy those in the US but they probably don’t meet safety requirements here because there is no crumple zone in front of the driver and front seat passengers. You would likely break your legs in a front end collision, but in guessing drivers are more careful in Japan. We have fewer and fewer vehicle options here. I would say the best option for carrying bikes and camping in the US would be a full sized van. And you are limited to Ford, Chrysler,GM and Mercedes. Toyota should make a full sized van for the US market.
Nissan Caravan is the same thing, they tend to be a bit cheaper on the used market in Japan. I tour Japan with my music gear, bike and a camp cot in the back. Loads of space, wouldn’t go back to a car, Hi-ace or Caravan do a great job.
I love the car styles in Japan, they are so compact and cool looking, even the van-camping vehicles are so practical :-) The van your are showing is actually very big! Funny, I also have following "Animal Land as well :-)
My problem is i've moved to Tokyo and been allocated a space that only allows cars up to 1.55m in height! Anyone got a recommendation for an estate car or other which can meet these requirements?! Thanks!
If you changed the way tou put the bikes in I am sure you could still get the bikes in and some other stuff and not mess around taking the front wheels off.
And meanwhile in the USA for the same use they buy humongous 4wheel drives that get half as far on a litre of fuel. I drive a Mitsubishi minicab miev electric van I imported to Tasmania.
Heyy Cruise , i have been watching your video lately and it is excellent 🤯 Great contenttt. I just want to ask your opinion about my average km/h. For now, i am able to reach 30km in 1 hour on mountain bike crusing on road. Is that enough criteria for me to convert to road bike ? 🥺🥺🥺🥺
There is no criteria like that. Only worth buying though if you want the extra bike or feel disadvantaged on group rides, ets.. generally mtb people who convert to road are stronger in my biased opinion 😅
The big problem with these is that there is no pure electric one. That’s the next big step they need to take and it’s years overdue at this point. But Toyota especially are very resistant to EVs, because they want to protect their hybrid business basically. Even though hybrids are now old tech. From what I’ve heard, Japan has more than enough fast charging points to make it work fine. It’s just the cars that they’re missing. Which doesn’t make much sense.
Two Wheel Cruise This is a map of the Japanese Chademo rapid chargers. Chademo is the main Japanese standard connector that Nissan and I think the rest of them use. www.chademo.com/about-us/fast-charger-maps/japanese-map/ There aren’t many gaps :) But yes they often put them in places people don’t notice them until they’re directed there by a map.
@@brucewayne3141 bikes just keep getting more expensive so I would say yes. Been thinking about getting a new mtb in a year or two, an the price of the bikes I want are around 8k. Upgrades tend to cost you more in the long run.
I have a Citroen multispace 1.6 Hdi diesel 5 speed manual Black and chrome roof bars alloys can sleep in it in comfort love it and its does 45++ Mpg.all the seats fold flat 146,000 miles will buy another.-Toyota Hiace are what the knackers drive here so no way do racers use them.and the engine noise is crazy no luxury at all in those things .picclick.co.uk/2011-11-Citroen-Berlingo-16HDi-Diesel-WAV-Multispace-322666779763.html#&gid=1&pid=1
That is a really awesome car. I drive a Kia Sorento, choosing that after originally having things narrowed down to a Subaru Forester and a Kia Sportage.
I carry 2 bikes regularly, but can fit 3 easily plus equipment and room for front wheels. I also have storage underneath in the trunk area. It’s not a vehicle I would have normally gone with, but it fit all my criteria and I love it.
In the UK tow bar bike carriers are very popular. I have a basic one for 2 bikes but you can buy them for up to 4 bikes. Much easier to lift heavier bikes onto than the roof rack options. I also have a rack for two bikes on the back of my motorhome (RV). Towball racks easy to remove and stored don’t cause additional drag and consumption and means you can use a more fuel efficient vehicle than a big van for everyday.
High Ace. Kinda like a micro bus. Very versatile especially the cargo configuration with bare empty space.
Small cars can be fitted with roof racks for bikes
An economical choice is a kei-van. I have a Honda Acty, with the back seats always down so it leaves quit some space behind, I can put a lot of stuff, bikes, surf boards etc... And can sleep inside. But if you have the money, sure the Hiace or the Nissan equivalent is great.
Yeah, I've driven a few kei vans when visiting Japan. Very versatile with folding/removable rear seats.
I regret not going slightly bigger with a kei-van. My R-wagon has some folding seats and does a decent job at fitting stuff inside, but I wouldn't mind a little extra space..
Once again great vid! Love the Appalachian Trail style guitar outro!!
Thanks! 🙂
You doing so well. Happy for you pls! Hoping i pass my exam and start working getting frustrated.
Reminds me of the Volkswagon Vanagon from the 80s a little bit, both inside and out. Especially with the step-up front seats and the large room in the back.
Consider the Lucid Gravity. Tons of rear interior space. It's an ev. It's like a smaller Honda Odyssey or a stretched out Toyota Highlander. Three row seating. Considering it as a replacement for my Honda Element.
Due out end of this year.
If you wish to really push yourself, you can try out the video game "Euro Truck Simulator 2". This is a simulator where you can drive large trucks. This means also trough narrow streets and awkward corners. It may be a worth while thing to try out as many Japanese people actually love to play it as well. This simulator allows you to learn about how to drive vehicles in general that have a flat nose with the engine below you. It can teach you where to look and how to treat a vehicle like that Toyota van. When I finally manage to move to Japan, you will be welcome to try the game out without needing to purchase it yourself.
A van like that is ideal for Japanese roads, or for that matter many Asian roads
Sounds like a fun game. Our work van is an extra wide version of this car, which is a bit of a challenge driving on some tiny Japanese roads 😅
Toyota hiace is really ideal for outdoor and has so much space.
I really want one now 😅
Hey man, your videos are the best! Car prices in Japan seem to be crazy HIGH! As always love your content see you soon :)
Thanks! :) This one is pretty high, but kei-cars are pretty cheap :)
I love my Hiace!!! I have a 1996 it’s amazing. Fits soo much stuff. I have a video on it on my channel. The new Hiace looks like a minivan.
thanx for the video!
I remember watching one of your Taiwan videos. I recommend a drone for some video and pic shots that are 100
Nice info, got Nissan Xtrail T31, still thinking to mod it, not in the extreme way but able to load and ride to bike park to bike park or else where
Yup, I will take this Toyota van or even our old Previa over our current Honda Odyssey any day.
For sure
Getting into vans... that is what the handle is for! Hiace/Regis version... I suspect the Regis is more intended for people moving, the Hiace for cargo... same chassis...
I usually only use the handle when I'm with a dangerous driver 😂
@@TwoWheelCruise Yes... that is the other purpose... :) The reason we call it the s%#T handle
he Toyota Hiace is awesome and can put a lot of cycling and other things in the van. Also like you said it can be used for sleeping in too. That van is really modified extremely well. Thanks for another excellent video! yes, we love your videos about cycling and culture in Japan. We miss Japan! BTW your small car is cute and cool.
haha thanks! Guess we gotta make that tiny car intro video soon :)
Can you do a vid on the best way to ship a bike overseas on a flight (as checked luggage)?
I've been meaning to make this one for a while. Checked luggage in a cardboard box is my standard method.
You can buy an used diesel hiace between us$10,000 a u$20,000 and buy DIY customize kits on rakuten or a bargain on yahoo auction.
Toyota cars are very durable, an used hiace with correct maintenance can be use for long time. I have and using one for more than 10 yers and 500,000km traveled.
if such modern/new van like Hiace kinda expensive, why not give a look at older model of those minivan ?
Yeah the Hi-ace is hard to beat. But Honda Stepwagons are fantastic with the folding back seat layout and the modicum of comfort for those touge routes getting to some of the more remote races in Nagano and Niigata.
Not much comfort with the Hiace 😅
@@TwoWheelCruise Was really surprised with the current retail price of the DX/DX GL (diesel) Package 2,133,000円 on the Toyota site. Not too shabby for the enter level Japanese Carpenters car, But the prices go downright stratosphere pretty quick for the Super GL Dark Prime II 's, Used a Nissan Cube for a while two bikes max, Terrible visibility. A Chevy Astro lulled us into a false economy with it's plush ride, After a Stepwagon our cycle shop owner in Hanno Saitama has been using multiple mid eighties Volkswagen Camper Vans with nothing but glowing reviews. We purchased a mid 90's Stepwagon and it's been bulletproof and economical. Some more affluent riders have turned up In Alphards. At least they arrive well rested, on the negative side that velour soaks up spilt udon soup real nice ;)
I wish we could buy those in the US but they probably don’t meet safety requirements here because there is no crumple zone in front of the driver and front seat passengers. You would likely break your legs in a front end collision, but in guessing drivers are more careful in Japan. We have fewer and fewer vehicle options here. I would say the best option for carrying bikes and camping in the US would be a full sized van. And you are limited to Ford, Chrysler,GM and Mercedes. Toyota should make a full sized van for the US market.
That's one thing that really scares me about this van.. the sprinter van is a good alternative in the US
Two Wheel Cruise Definitely. Especially since it comes with a high top, it is really good for taller people.
Nissan Caravan is the same thing, they tend to be a bit cheaper on the used market in Japan. I tour Japan with my music gear, bike and a camp cot in the back. Loads of space, wouldn’t go back to a car,
Hi-ace or Caravan do a great job.
Good to know, thanks!
Nissan did a van called the 'Vanette' which was a rival to the Hiace, not sure if they still make them though?
Vanette is a bit smaller than Hi-ace or Caravan.
Here in Italy we have the Fiat Ducato, also available with a long wheelbase
www.fiatprofessional.com/it/ducato/furgone
I love the car styles in Japan, they are so compact and cool looking, even the van-camping vehicles are so practical :-)
The van your are showing is actually very big! Funny, I also have following "Animal Land as well :-)
We actually live very close to each other and share some of the same commute path
I thought double cabin is the best LoL
Looking forward to see your car Cruise, I hope it's an itasha XD
wagon-R ;)
My problem is i've moved to Tokyo and been allocated a space that only allows cars up to 1.55m in height! Anyone got a recommendation for an estate car or other which can meet these requirements?! Thanks!
Kei car, I really like the n van
Shouldn't someone let him know that there's a HUGE caterpillar on his shirt?
😬😬😬
If you changed the way tou put the bikes in I am sure you could still get the bikes in and some other stuff and not mess around taking the front wheels off.
Make some cyclometer reviews and suggestions, please😋
He does... Wahoo elmnt bolt and garmin if im not mistaken
@@spinspinbaby1531 that's cool. I'll check them out.
Yep, made a wahoo review recently after switching from garmin
And meanwhile in the USA for the same use they buy humongous 4wheel drives that get half as far on a litre of fuel. I drive a Mitsubishi minicab miev electric van I imported to Tasmania.
Haha 😅 handy in winter though
another option is the nissan urvan, a lot more power/torque and sportier..:)
I have a honda stepwagon and I can squeeze 3 bikes and two people
Good bike to person ratio
Heyy Cruise , i have been watching your video lately and it is excellent 🤯 Great contenttt. I just want to ask your opinion about my average km/h. For now, i am able to reach 30km in 1 hour on mountain bike crusing on road. Is that enough criteria for me to convert to road bike ? 🥺🥺🥺🥺
The only criteria are love and budget.
There is no criteria like that. Only worth buying though if you want the extra bike or feel disadvantaged on group rides, ets.. generally mtb people who convert to road are stronger in my biased opinion 😅
@@TwoWheelCruise I am afraid that I dont have enough stamina to cycle using rb . Ty Cruise for your opinion 🥺
Nice. 50k is really ridiculous though man. Hack the mini! Thanks again.
Not in my budget 😅
@@TwoWheelCruise Ditto. Better things for that money to be spent on.
Two Wheel Cruise Nissan makes a similar model for less
Bro how can i get ur custom jersey and shorts
Go to my website contact page. We just have a few items left of the current kit
The big problem with these is that there is no pure electric one. That’s the next big step they need to take and it’s years overdue at this point. But Toyota especially are very resistant to EVs, because they want to protect their hybrid business basically. Even though hybrids are now old tech.
From what I’ve heard, Japan has more than enough fast charging points to make it work fine. It’s just the cars that they’re missing. Which doesn’t make much sense.
I don't see many charging areas honestly, and many also charge extra for parking. Would love a hiace sized tesla...
Two Wheel Cruise This is a map of the Japanese Chademo rapid chargers. Chademo is the main Japanese standard connector that Nissan and I think the rest of them use.
www.chademo.com/about-us/fast-charger-maps/japanese-map/
There aren’t many gaps :) But yes they often put them in places people don’t notice them until they’re directed there by a map.
Another vote for the Hiace.
The best car is the cheapest, so you have more money to spend on your bike. 1k car tops and a 10k bike.
why would you ever spend $10k on a bike. Ride upgrade not buy upgrade besides a $1k bike will get you 99.9% of the performance of a $10k bike.
@@brucewayne3141 bikes just keep getting more expensive so I would say yes. Been thinking about getting a new mtb in a year or two, an the price of the bikes I want are around 8k. Upgrades tend to cost you more in the long run.
Tesla Model X
They do a van size?
@@TwoWheelCruise It's an SUV. You didn't say van in the title!!!
First like
Thanks! 🙂
No car is the Best car for Cyclists #carisover
Haha true 😅
The best car for cyclists is one that does not hit you!
Haha true
cool
Cycling is an expensive hobby, i had to change my car so i can put my bike inside
too expensive at times :/
best car for cyclist ? no car :D
😅😅😅
Haven't used my car in over a year. I ride my bike everywhere.
we have same comment haha
I have a Citroen multispace 1.6 Hdi diesel 5 speed manual Black and chrome roof bars alloys can sleep in it in comfort love it and its does 45++ Mpg.all the seats fold flat 146,000 miles will buy another.-Toyota Hiace are what the knackers drive here so no way do racers use them.and the engine noise is crazy no luxury at all in those things .picclick.co.uk/2011-11-Citroen-Berlingo-16HDi-Diesel-WAV-Multispace-322666779763.html#&gid=1&pid=1
I'm pretty sure these vans won't pass current safety standards in a headon...
Definitely not..
best car for cyclist is no car..!!
haha
😅😅😅
two seat for 4 people? you are bad in maths
3 up front, one in a portable seat 😅
its a van, not a car.
Buy trucker