Cycle carrier which is best for small car ROOF or rear

[miremare]

Hello

i need to get some sort of cycle carrier for my car.
im tied between a roof mounted carrier or a back of the car carrier.

i have a small car.
i know cost will come into it but am wondering if there are any specific differences ( and benefits) from having a roof mounted carrier or a rear mounted carrer ( that doesnt cover the numberplate)
many thanks

 

[NeilEB]

Hello

i need to get some sort of cycle carrier for my car.
im tied between a roof mounted carrier or a back of the car carrier.

i have a small car.
i know cost will come into it but am wondering if there are any specific differences ( and benefits) from having a roof mounted carrier or a rear mounted carrer ( that doesnt cover the numberplate)
many thanks

Well - a roof one will allow you to access the boot, whereas a rear one won't.

 

[Dan B]

Fuel economy? I don't actually know which would be better (I'm assuming the rear mount) but it probably makes a difference

 

[cloggsy]

Roof carriers also cause less drag than rear mounts; so you won't see a drastic drop in your mpg as the bikes are mounted in line with the direction of the car and not across the back (like a big sail...)

What car have you got & we can have a look for options...

 

[fossyant]

My personal preference has always been on the roof. Having 4 bikes up there does affect fuel when driving at speed on a motorway. Roof mount is you still need boot access

 

[miremare]

Hi

Ive got a peugeot 107.
MPG is amazing, not sure how practical it will be carrying a cycle on it though.
they do have roof bars and rear cycle carriers for the 107

many thanks

 

[LabRatt]

I'll join in here as I'm thinking the same question at the moment. I too have a small car (Kia Picanto - a hatchback) and will hopefully be after carrying two bikes in three weeks time.
As my car's a five door access through the rear isn't so important, and so far I've been thinking of this one.