Advice on bike racks!

[CLEAVER]

Hi all
I have a VW golf and looking for the best, most affordable options for carrying 2-3 bikes (x2 children and one 1 adult). Is there such an option? Also I'm looking for the most comfortable ladies saddle as I struggled after 21 miles!

Any help or advice appreciated.

Many thanks
Claire

 

[Dom_500]

I have got a Seat Leon so similar in size and i have decided to go for roof bars and cycle carriers for 2 bikes ( both adult bikes) i am not sure if i can link to other website but this set up cost £100 and imo a much securer and safer way to transport bikes. the rear mounted carriers normally block out or at least obstruct the number plate and lights which is not ideal.

 

[Markymark]

Roof: More out the way, greater increase in fuel consumption, risk forgetting over-height and damaging bikes..

Friend of my brother, 2 bikes trashed due to tunnel height restriction bar.

 

[KneesUp]

Friend of my brother, 2 bikes trashed due to tunnel height restriction bar.

There is no accounting for stupid

(he's not a big bloke is he - in which case - damn the council people for not making the signs more obvious)

 

[KneesUp]

I used to have a Leon too - I'd suggest getting a tow bar fitted and getting a rear rack that fits on that as it is to my mind the best option - least extra wind resistance, easier to load up because you don't have to lift them as high, maximum chance of being able to use the rack on the next car (as long as it has a tow bar), more secure than the 'strap-on' ones and easier to remove when you get where you're going. They also seem to be cheaper than the ones that go on roofbars - plus if your packing is anything like ours you're going to need a roofbox for non-bike stuff

But you need a towbar ...

 

[smokeysmoo]

Friend of my brother, 2 bikes trashed due to tunnel height restriction bar.

Sorted

 

[KneesUp]

You also need a separate rear-light and numberplate bar to be legal I think.

True, assuming your own plate is obscured, which it probably will be unless you get a 'high' rack - as I recall the 'plate is quite low on a Golf so you might be ok - but probably not.

 

[KneesUp]

[QUOTE 3162466, member: 45"]Number plate and lights.[/QUOTE]
Yes - as I said, you'll probably not be ok - but there are some high racks which might be ok - especially the ones designed to give clearance for trailers - it depends on where the rear lights are - but I agree it would be best to get one in case.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

We had have had a towbar fitted to all of our vehicles over the years. Towbar mounted bike racks have made my life so much easier, not being able to fit a bike very high. It is quite easy to get bike racks that take 3 or 4 bikes. Ours (a thule model) take 4 adults bikes without problem. It is an older design of this Thule model . Its not a cheap solution to purchase but it is a really good solution and the bike rack locks to the towbar and the bikes lock to the bike rack so you can leave the car at a service station without having to worry about the bikes. Our current car is a saloon and with the bikes on the rack we can get into the boot easily.

 

[Specialeyes]

Saris Bones racks are brilliant (and funky-looking too, if that matters)!
http://www.saris.com/Catalog/racks to check which models are suitable.
Much sturdier and more confidence-inspiring than a Halfords jobbie. Evans and Wiggle sell them, amongst others.

 

[evo456]

If you need the option to access the boot while the bikes are loaded (very likely with children) then a high rear hanging rack isn't going to suffice.
If you are okay with lifting weights above your head/shoulders and you'll be carrying bikes often roof racks are more suitable, it's time consuming to remove a roof rack versus a tow ball mounted one, leaving it on also taxes your fuel economy. Otherwise a tow bar mounted rack will probably give you the most flexibility.

 

[Archie_tect]

I would go with roof rack too as we've not had any problem with ours. Borrowed Halfords Type E bars from a friend for our Passat with roof rails... you can get Golf hatcgback versions on Ebay for £15-20 .

Interested in responses to Cleaver's second question about lady's saddle as Mrs A_T also would like to know the answer!

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

I would go with roof rack too as we've not had any problem with ours. Borrowed Halfords Type E bars from a friend for our Passat with roof rails... you can get Golf hatcgback versions on Ebay for £15-20 .

Interested in responses to Cleaver's second question about lady's saddle as Mrs A_T also would like to know the answer!

me too... (in answer to your bold...)

My road bike I currently have a men's saddle which I find quite comfortable (Spech Phenom Expert) for up to 60 miles or so... I have an attempt at my first +100 miler this week, which is probably going to test it to my limit!
My mountain bike, I can manage 7 or 8 hour in the saddle and its OK. It's the stock saddle off a 2011 model Spech Rockhopper SL. Again, another man's saddle.
My touring bike, well that's another story and I am trying get another saddle (after my old comfortable one wore out). I have just purchased a Selle Italia Lady Gel Flow saddle for it after having tried and parted company with quite a few others. By the end of 2 weeks time I should know if it and I are going to get on... I have a 7-10 day tour coming up.

The problem is that each person is different and even taking that into account, each style of bike also requires a different saddle. The saddle off my road bike, was originally purchased for my touring bike. I used it initially on my road bike thinking it might help me get used to it. Loved it on my road bike, couldn't last 45 mins on it on my touring bike - the difference was simply the style of bike and riding position.

'Fraid the only answer is to keep trying different saddles and if you can get yourself measured (LBS or Specialised Concept Store) and try various saddles on your bike, (wear your normally cycling attire for this) and if the shop wont allow you to try different saddles on your bike (whilst in the shop) then find another shop that will. Specialized Concept Stores are pretty good at this and also offer a 30 day exchange on any saddle (but read their T&C's first) so if after a week's riding you find you are not getting on with it, you can exchange it for a different model and don't rule out men's saddles either - their design is now is much the same as women's saddles were 10 years ago, but with a slightly longer nose.

 

[CLEAVER]

Thanks everyone for your top tips. Better go and get myself sorted now.