cycle rack suggestions

[pompey]

Hi, all.

Do any of you have any suggestions for bike racks for an estate 9-5 please? I'm not sure whether to go with roof mounted or boot mounted (if that's even an option). At the moment it's for 2 adult bikes and 1 kids bike.

[idlerider]

We tried a 'boot' mounted one on our estate but it's a long vehicle and, even with one bike, the overhang seems enormous. I'd also be chary of the handling (never mind low bridges!) with bikes on the roof.
We simply fold down the seats, take off the bike front wheels and fling them in the back!

[jmblack]

I've used the basic Thule ones. They were excellent and secure even at high speed on French motorways. Could carry 4 on a 9-5.

However my wife found them hard to load as high. Got a three bike towbar mounted one. I got a relatively cheap one by buzzrack. I've been impressed by it. Easy to load and secure.

Tried a bit mounted one. Horrible. Wobbly and scratched paintwork. Also had to remove completely to open boot.

Try roofbox.com. They have a good range.

J

[Audax]

I've got a tow bar mounted 3 bike Thule carrier which has tilt if you forget to put something in the boot which is handy. Of course I didn't think this through and now need a 4 bike carrier so will be looking to purchase a 4 bike tow ball mounted carrier from http://www.aistoncycleracks.co.uk/ but I don't think these tilt.

[nine-fiver]

My tow ball mount tilt rack works well. Great to be able to get in the back when you think you have everything sorted, and you don't. But 4 bikes on the tilt gets pretty heavy. The rear overhang is a bit if an issue backing out, but it's ok overall. The main hassle is the kids bikes with no gap in the frame to get it over the tube on the rack. Then things get tense...

[Audax]

But 4 bikes on the tilt gets pretty heavy.

What carrier do you have for 4 bikes?

[Mark B]

I have a Twinny Ergo tilting rack that sits on the tow bar.  You need to be aware that some of the cheaper towbar mounted racks need a bracket bolted to the towbar mounting, so will not work with a removable towbar.  Also, most racks clamp onto a stadard bike frame, so cannot accommodate odd bike designs.  Some of the Twinny designs grip the pedal crank so can take any bike design.  Twinny make ones for more than 2 bikes.  Some can be extended as required.

Avoid any of the cheap stuff that attaches to the tailgate with straps.   The German RAC did an emergency brake and lane change test with bike carriers.  Every single one of ones held on with straps came off the car completely during the test.

[Audax]

I just found that Halfords do a 4 bike towball mount carrier for £180 (I think it used to be vastly more expensive), given that I can get a 10% discount I'm going to go for that.

[Norfolk Jim]

I have a Thule one that tilts on tow bar. Mine is GDW removable tow bar - incredibly strong and double secure - seem bit like hens teeth - original bill from 2009 says parts alone were £385.

Was very wary to start with but it's amazingly secure!!! No rocking - nothing with two large adult bikes on it.

Mind you just bought a Fiamma two bike carry for the new camper - got a bargain on Gumtree for brand new in box of £180!! Normally new they are around £350 for mine with twin doors and no number plate alterations or light changes needed!!

[pompey]

Thanks for all these suggestions, folks. I'll start to look around but I guess the first thing I've got to look into is an actual towbar!

[sgould]

The 9-5 towbar has a centre piece that bolts to the body and the metal bumper and also, most importantly, a pair of strengthening brackets that fit to the bumper ends.

The existing bumper has two studs at each end, only has a nut on the upper stud.  When a towbar is fitted a second nut is used along with the C bracket which has a third hole above which takes a long bolt and requires a hole drilling through into the boot.

[Audax]

I've just purchased a Halfords branded Exodus for £130 which is a tow ball carrier that will carry 4 bikes. Now, it does say that you need an 85kg nose weight but all Saabs are rated for 75kg *but* this only applies to the amount of weight you load it up with and as we have light bikes and 2 kids bikes we're within this by quite a large margin. Obviously be sensible...