Car bike racks?

[john12]

Hi all..

I'm after any recommendations on bike carriers....

I need a rack that will fit on the back of a zafira which can carry several bikes (up to 5 - three of which will be just small kids bikes).
I don't have a tow bar fitted and the roof is already taken with one of those large boxes.

Any gooduns out there or are they all much of a muchness?

Cheers, john

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

I don't have a Zafira but having looked at various conventional car racks I bought a Hollywood some time ago, for the reason that they seem somewhat more stout than others I saw. This is their UK fit list. I haven't looked at all the compatible models but possibly the F4 Long might suit (if two of the bikes are kids bikes) since it has a 150lbs capacity.

 

[Nebulous]

I've not had quite your problem - but I've struggled with even carrying 4 bikes.

I would second the Hollywood carriers, but the issue with carrying that many bikes on it is that they will rub and take some damage. I carry 4 and I have to be very careful loading them and put padding between the contact points. I bought blue expanded soft floor covering stuff and cut it up into appropriate sizes.

Incidentally I have a fairly big roof box on a Meriva, and moved the box as far to the end of the bars as I could. That lets me get a single thule roof bike mount alongside it. That's where my road bike goes.

 

[Alembicbassman]

A roof carrier always looks safer than several bikes strung out over the rear bumper held on by nylon straps.

5 bikes is going to be something like 50kg resting on the rear window and tailgate.

Most I see have no rear light board, lights and number plate obscured.

The police will not let you continue your journey if your lights are obscured.

Trading Standards conducted an investigation into rear mount carriers followng a fatal accident where the carrier came off and killed a motorcyclist.

They concluded that none of the current designs were foolproof.

Many places now rent bikes, the fuel saving (bikes create a lot of drag) would help pay towards the rental.

 

[john12]

Thanks gents.
Appreciate you taking the time to reply.
I do prefer the roof mounted option to be honest but like I say the roof is taken up by the box....hadn't considered trying to shift the box over to make room for one bike on the roof.
I'll check out these Hollywood ones....

 

[carlito8]

Thanks gents.
Appreciate you taking the time to reply.
I do prefer the roof mounted option to be honest but like I say the roof is taken up by the box....hadn't considered trying to shift the box over to make room for one bike on the roof.
I'll check out these Hollywood ones....

Never tried 5 but had a right carry on trying to get 2 adult bikes and 2 kids bikes on our halfords rack. Definately going for a tow bar on the next car later this year.

 

[jay clock]

It doesn't answer your question in the sense that it needs a towbar but I have "invested" in an Atera Strada with a 4th rail added. Stunning bit of kit and provides the peace of mind that my previous Thule hang-on did not.

 

[coffeejo]

It doesn't cost as much as you think to have a tow bar fitted.

 

[john12]

...had a couple of towbar quotes - 190quid?
I must admit I was expecting half that hence writing it off and just looking at these strap-on racks.
I'll call around today and see if I can get the towbar down in price.
I'll have a look at the astra strada one also.
Thanks....John

 

[e-rider]

The strap-on type racks are crap and dangerous - google and you will find cases of bikes/racks falling off on motorways! Same with roof bars - fittings sheering off etc.

The best and safest way is to use a good quality towbar mounted rack.

My towbar cost £250 to have fitting (which I agree isn't cheap)

 

[Andrew_P]

I tried a decent hang on rack on my car, was not confident on its safety, seemed to be flexing all the time, bikes shaking etc no matter how tight I tried to get it. Also looked like a long journey might damage the car.

Faced with getting 4 bikes to south west france I invested in a detachable tow bar and thule tow bar rack. TUV approved to 85mph. I lugged 4 bikes and an estate full of luggage 2 adults and three kids 500 miles without any worries about the bikes, in fact the longer I drove the more confident I became. Have used it much more than I thought I would and I think it was worth every penny.

 

[SimonC]

I used a Halfords strap on 3-bike rack on a Meriva until it fell off. Fortunately we were only driving in the city, not on the motorway, and we were not far from Halfords so I bought another 'cos I was a bit stuck otherwise.

Had no issues with it until it fell off. Easy to fit, easy to fit bikes on (road bike and 2 kids bikes)

Just bought a new car though so getting a towbar one this time.

 

[john12]

Had no issues with it until it fell off

ugg...not sure I fancy that!

 

[john12]

well i got a quote...


towbar 215

4 bike rack 157

lightboard hanger 12.50

lightboard 16.50

numberplate 10



£411... i think not....back to the drawing board!

 

[Bromptonaut]

No tow bar on either car. Both (Xantia & Berlingo) have 'plastic' tailgates who's potential fragility and capacity to flex add another risk to those outlined above.

The only viable solution I've found is to put them on the roof. Height is an issue with the Berlingo and I've never tried putting bikes on it though I see others do so. Most cars will take 4 adult bikes carefully arranged and in alternating directions. A friend does that with bikes for him/her & two teenagers & then attaches primary age son's bike with heath robinson bungee/straps set up. Won't be viable after the kid hits 10.

I think for five you're going to struggle to find anything that does not involve at least an electric connection if not a full tow bar.