im looking at getting a bike carrier. I drive a Skoda Fabia est and even though I can get a bike in the boot I would rather get a cycle carrier. However I don't know what to go for either roof or hang on the boot style. I don't want damage done to my car so which would be best. I would welcome any advice.
Bike carriers
- Thread starter Tank63
- Start date
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fossyant
Ride It Like You Stole It!
- Location
- South Manchester
I prefer roof racks as it gets the bikes out of the way and I regularly carry 4.
Remember with a boot rack you'll need at least an extra number plate and possibly a lighting board if your rear lights are obscured.
If you only carry one bike then I'd stick with putting it in the boot. I do that.
Remember with a boot rack you'll need at least an extra number plate and possibly a lighting board if your rear lights are obscured.
If you only carry one bike then I'd stick with putting it in the boot. I do that.
KneesUp
Guru
I personally don't like the 'hang on' type - I used a Saris Bones once and it was a faff to set up and didn't feel that secure, albeit it took the two bikes it was designed for and didn't fall off. However, the straps loosened on the relatively short trip (40 miles) I wouldn't want to go a long way with one. It also covered the rear numberplate, so although the (hired) car had no socket for it, it needed a lighting board really. I winged it without one, planning to play the naive card if I was pulled, but I wouldn't want to do it often.
Roof ones are much more secure, but worse for fuel economy and you have to lift the bike higher to get it on.
The 'ideal' solution is a tow ball mounted rack - they're stable, easy to fit, keep the bikes in a relatively good place in terms of aerodynamics - you do need a tow bar, but you need the electrics for many of the strap on racks anyway, and depending on your car you can probably get a secondhand tow bar from a breaker and get an arches mechanic to fit it quite cheaply - I paid a mobile guy £60 to fit mine.
Roof ones are much more secure, but worse for fuel economy and you have to lift the bike higher to get it on.
The 'ideal' solution is a tow ball mounted rack - they're stable, easy to fit, keep the bikes in a relatively good place in terms of aerodynamics - you do need a tow bar, but you need the electrics for many of the strap on racks anyway, and depending on your car you can probably get a secondhand tow bar from a breaker and get an arches mechanic to fit it quite cheaply - I paid a mobile guy £60 to fit mine.
Spiderweb
Not So Special One
- Location
- North Yorkshire
I use roof bars and a pair of Thule 591 bike carriers, never had issues, great bits of kit.
NorthernDave
Never used Über Member
- Location
- The real Northern Powerhouse
I've had a rear carrier and although it always worked fine and the bikes never fell off once, I was never 100% happy with it and I was always conscious that the bikes were slightly wider than the car. I was fortunate that with the design of the car I didn't need an extra light bar or number plate.
I've now got roof bars and a pair of Thule 598 carriers and they're a world better. Takes a couple of minutes to set up, load the bike and I'm on my way. Get where I'm going and the bike is unloaded in seconds. Impact on fuel economy has been negligible too, maybe 5% worse if that.
I've now got roof bars and a pair of Thule 598 carriers and they're a world better. Takes a couple of minutes to set up, load the bike and I'm on my way. Get where I'm going and the bike is unloaded in seconds. Impact on fuel economy has been negligible too, maybe 5% worse if that.
D
Deleted member 26715
Guest
I used to have roof bars but I didn't like having to lift the bike above my head then try to hold it in position whilst I strapped it on. I've now got a Thule towbar one which I think is far better, wouldn't have one of those that are held on by straps over the tailgate.
[QUOTE 4935557, member: 45"]I used to use 591s. Have you seen how easy it is to twist the bike out of the jaws?
View: https://youtu.be/WB4ThUOTT0s[/QUOTE]
That is not good at all. Think I will just put the bike in the boot.
View: https://youtu.be/WB4ThUOTT0s[/QUOTE]
That is not good at all. Think I will just put the bike in the boot.
I might have a look into this, thanks
Why not go for both? I've a Seasucker Mini Bomber and it can be mounted on various places on almost any car. I've been using it for 18 months now with little to no issues. When you change car, least you know it'll fit your next one too!
Kestevan
Last of the Summer Winos
- Location
- Holmfirth.
Get a towbar mounted one... best way by a long chalk.
Tailendman
Regular
- Location
- Milton Keynes
The tailgate mounted rely on straps around the frame of the door. I think if you are worried about paint/panel damage then they should be avoided. Car manufacturer's do not sell them, and lots of newer cars really aren't compatible due to large plastic roof spoilers.
The roof is a bit better, but probably best to invest in the manufacturer's cross rails as they will be tuned and tested to fit without damage. Biggest problem is if you forget they are there.
Best is at the rear on a towbar, but it is a big investment.
The roof is a bit better, but probably best to invest in the manufacturer's cross rails as they will be tuned and tested to fit without damage. Biggest problem is if you forget they are there.
Best is at the rear on a towbar, but it is a big investment.
