Bike carrier

[L Q]

I am just in the process of buying an estate car with a towbar already on it.

Normally my bike just gets thrown in my car as I can put the whole thing in without taking the wheels off but as its a newish car I had better keep it clean and tidy inside and dirty wheels and oily chains are not going to impress the missus.

So the question I have is the better option to have a towbar bike rack or just one that hooks on and off, any suggestions on what to have, I don't want to go mental and spend hundreds of pounds.

 

[mjr]

I think towbar racks, the sort with channels for the wheels and supports for the frame. I don't have a towbar

 

[JtB]

I didn't have a towbar either but I got one fitted just so I could attach one of these Thule carriers.

 

[KneesUp]

I have a MaxxRaxx. You can tow whilst you use it, if you have enough nose weight capacity. It also comes apart - it's basically two square cross section steel tubes - and fits entirely in the compartment in the boot floor of my car, along with the light board. Well made, well thought out, significantly cheaper than Thule - and easier to store - it's always in the car so if, for example, I need collecting from somewhere, I know there is room for the bike.

 

[Debade]

I love my Saris https://www.saris.com/product/superclamp-2 . No parts of the rack touch the bike frame and it fits two bikes with fenders (our touring bikes.Although on the touring bikes, one of the arms does go on the fender). We have driven many miles with no problems. Easy on/off. And, I have used the lock that comes with the rack several times, including today. To be clear, the lock is not great but if driving a long distance and you stop for a meal, the lock will be a good enough deterrent and provide piece of mind.

Be aware of one thing. I tried another rack and it would not fit my car. The clearance from the trunk is VERY important. Given the rack dimensions (length of bar that attaches to the tow bar and the shape of my trunk/boot) the pedal touched the car. Make sure you measure correctly especially if you do not buy it from a nearby shop or get it used.

 

[rockpig]

I've used both and find the towbar ones easier to fit to the car although they're also a bit heavier. Some of them tilt so you can get into the boot even with bikes on the back.

The ones with channels for the wheels keep the frames apart better than the hang on ones but if you're only carrying one bike that wouldn't matter so much.

How many bikes do you need to carry at once?

Worth having a look at The RoofBox Company - I've bought a couple of racks from them over the years and the service has always been good http://www.roofbox.co.uk/bike-carriers/bike-carriers-racks-range-towbar-mounting.php

 

[Big Andy]

I have one of these. http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...goryId=319423&productId=1109315&storeId=10001

Just cips on to the towball

 

[KneesUp]

I have one of these. http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...goryId=319423&productId=1109315&storeId=10001

Just cips on to the towball

I have one of those as well as the Maxx Raxx except mine was slightly cheaper at fifteen quid. Worked well enough the one time I used it for a few hundred miles, although it's supposed to hold four bikes I could only for three and that was with one upside down an with all he pedals off. You can't use it and tow at the same time though so it's a little redundancy now.

 

[L Q]

Cheers for all the replies so far.

I am only going to be carrying one bike mostly but occasionally I will be carrying two bikes.

I like the look of the Thule one pictured above. Looks quite sturdy.

It's a Renault laguna estate I am getting. New shape one.