Bike Racks and Women's Bikes

[PlymSlimCyclist]

Hi everyone,

It's been a while since I've posted, but had a fair bit happen, such as passing my driving test in my 20's (passed the day before my 30th), buying a car and various other bits going on.
Don't worry though, I'm still commuting by bike, which annoys all my neighbours.

The reason for my post, is I've recently bought a new bike rack, as my Thule Clip-on won't go onto my mondeo, so I bought a Mont Blanc CM03 Universal, which is shown below, but now having snags getting my partners bike on it.

We recently bought her a Dawes Mojave ladies bike, very nice, however I'm in a quandery.
I either purchase a false top-bar (which I think is the cheapest solution), or I look into roof bars etc, which means I could get rid of the two bike racks I currently own. Both have their ups and downs.

What I was wondering, is am I missing any tricks to putting the bike on the rack, without needing a top bar, or is there something else I should be considering?

The bike she has is:

I've tried putting it so the rear triangle holds the bike and the bottom bar rests, but it makes it awkward to fit my bike next, I've used the support bar (stepover) to hold it along with the bottom bar, and I've tried it upside down.
Unfortunately, I have only just noticed that this bike doesn't have quick release, otherwise, I'd throw it in the car and be done with it.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Sara_H]

I have the same bike but we have a tow bar rack so don't have the same problems.
In the past with similar racks and dropped cross bar bikes I've done what you've already suggested, used the rear triangle and made the best of it using lots of bungees.

 

[Deleted member 23692]

You need a false cross bar that fits between the seatpost and steerer/stem - http://www.halfords.com/motoring-tr...ke-racks/accessories/halfords-false-cross-bar

 

[PlymSlimCyclist]

Thank you @Sara_H, it's handy when you have the same bike.
Have you ever done the rear triangle bit and added a secondary bike to the rack?

Having not long got the car, I'm trying to save the money to get the car fitted with a towbar, and then stump up the money for the different bike rack, as that'd solve an awful lot of problems, and would save a lot of hassle too.

Thanks @Ffoeg, I figured as much, so we're off to Halfords in a bit.

 

[Sara_H]

Thank you @Sara_H, it's handy when you have the same bike.
Have you ever done the rear triangle bit and added a secondary bike to the rack?

Having not long got the car, I'm trying to save the money to get the car fitted with a towbar, and then stump up the money for the different bike rack, as that'd solve an awful lot of problems, and would save a lot of hassle too.

Thanks @Ffoeg, I figured as much, so we're off to Halfords in a bit.

I have done, but always found it a bit fiddly.
I don't get on well with rear mounted racks as I find it really difficult to lift the bike up high enough, hence the tow bar rack. Much easier.
TBH, these days me and the OH both have folding bikes, so often as not we just pop those in the boot! Cheating I know!

 

[PlymSlimCyclist]

Haha, love it!

I personally couldn't have a folding bike, but each to their own.
Just a shame, as we were both up for riding the Camel Trail today, but with the inability to put her bike on the car (and the boot is full of stuff to be given to charities) we've lose the mojo for a ride.
So off to Halfords *throws up* we go. Suppose I prof though, as I can get the false top bar, and get "advice" about a new radio for my car too

 

[Sara_H]

luckily my Mojave does fit in the back of our car with the seats down. Handy when I can't be bothered to ride home and ring for a lift!

 

[PlymSlimCyclist]

I have a Mondeo LX, the bike would fit in it, but I filled the boot yesterday with stuff for the tip & charity shops, but all the charity shops were closed, so I didn't want to unpack the car to put the bike in.
Lazy, I know.

 

[PlymSlimCyclist]

It makes me wish I'd gone for the car I wanted now, a Mercedes Benz Vaneo.
All the bikes could've fitted in that, plus all of our dogs, plus camping gear!

Nevermind, next car will be a Transporter or one of the new Ford Transit People carrier things

 

[ufkacbln]

Quick anD easy answer is a bar that fits across between stem and seat post

Google bike frame adaptor for examples

It then acts as a crossbar and allows the bike to be carried

 

[Sara_H]

We've got a Honda CRV. It's fabulous.

We're actually in the process of turning it into an occasional 2 person camper, believe it or not!

 

[PlymSlimCyclist]

Hi @Cunobelin , yep all bought from Halfords, along with looking at my car radio and dashcam.
Needless to say, I didn't expect much in the way of service, and didn't receive it.

I nearly bought a HRV @Sara_H , but went for the Mondeo due to it's age, cost and the benefits it had. Plus there was next to nothing wrong (that we could see) with the Mondeo, but the HRV needed too much work to start with.

Thanks to everyone who helped with this, I've bought the false top bar, and we'll be trying another cycle attempt this week.

 

[PlymSlimCyclist]

To be fair @User13710 , I bought the carrier ages ago, and only bought her bike two weeks ago, not thinking about putting it onto the carrier.
We bought the false topbar so we'll give it another try later this week, just stopped the original plan of the day, and then to continue clearing out the house.