Advice on cycle rack for hatchback

[philinmerthyr]

I need to get a new cycle carrier for the car. I need to to carry 2 bikes. A hybrid and a road bike.

Any suggestions welcome.

 

[jowwy]

Saris bones are good bike racks or if you have a toe ball - go for one of the more expensive thule bike racks

 

[PaulSB]

When we had the kids bikes we had a very expensive tow bar mounted rack. It was excellent and carried four bikes with another on the roof. If you have the cash this is the way to go. Don't forget buying and fitting a tow bar can be costly £125-150 from what I recall, possibly more. I change cars every three years so its a cost every time.

These days I just use a cheap and cheerful one from Halfords that sits on the rear window. It only has to carry one bike and I never have problems.

One tip. Cover the rack with pipe insulation, protects the bike, car and rack from rubbing and scratching far better than what is supplied.

 

[amaferanga]

Don't forget that if your rack obscures your number plate or tail lights then that's illegal. Judging by how many people you see driving around with obscured lights/plates I guess the police don't have the time or inclination to stop folk, but bear in mind that no insurance company is going to pay up if you get rear ended.

Towbar mouted is the best IMO, but more like £300-£400 to get one fitted these days. There are very good towbar racks that are a fraction of the price of Thule - I have a Buzzrack carrier which is brilliant, but only cost around £100.

 

[Joffey]

I have a Saris Bones. Brilliant rack. It covers my lights a bit but I haven't been stopped.

 

[amaferanga]

I have a Saris Bones. Brilliant rack. It covers my lights a bit but I haven't been stopped.

Yeah you won't get stopped, but that doesn't mean your insurance company will pay out if you have a crash. Can you afford to pay to replace your car?

 

[Pale Rider]

Decent tow bar rack for £70 including a light board:

http://www.wilcodirect.co.uk/product/cycle-carriers/summit-2-cycle-carrier

 

[Joffey]

Yeah you won't get stopped, but that doesn't mean your insurance company will pay out if you have a crash. Can you afford to pay to replace your car?

Yep

 

[jowwy]

Decent tow bar rack for £70 including a light board:

http://www.wilcodirect.co.uk/product/cycle-carriers/summit-2-cycle-carrier

im liking that a lot.

 

[amaferanga]

Yep

Great. It's lucky not everyone is as irresponsible as you.

 

[roadrash]

i can reccomend saris bones but if you want tow bar mounted decathlon have one ot £50 that can carry two bikes.

 

[nappadang]

I've recently acquired a Hollywood F10. It's high mounted and fully adjustable so it shouldn't be a problem keeping your lights clear and your insurance in tact.

 

[ribbleboy]

Saris gran fondo all day long! Holds two bikes, doesnt touch the bikes frane, doesnt obstruct lights or number plate. Really happy with mine