Car rack

[Monsieur Remings]

Can anyone recommend me a decent car rack, fitting to the back of the car as opposed to one of those things on high. Preferably from somewhere mainstream like Argos and what other precautions, bits and bobs you need to keep the frame etc safe?

Thanks in advance.

 

[screenman]

What sort of car? do you have a tow bar fitted?

 

[Monsieur Remings]

NO, I don't and it's a fairly new Fiesta. Sorry, thought a lot of them were fairly universal these days.

 

[Piemaster]

I use a towbar mounted one, mostly as I needed a 4 bike capacity, but did consider some of the strap on 2 bike ones at one point. Theres a few reviewed on bikeradar with user comments.
Only thing I would say to watch is your number plate and lights not being obscured - I have to use a towboard. Not worth getting a fixed penalty for.

 

[Monsieur Remings]

Cheers, I literally only need it for one bike but thanks anyway. Looks like I'll be riding to Keynsham on Sunday morning before the Sportive. Anything on the rear end is likely to obscure number plate and lights.

 

[screenman]

I like all the Thule kit, never mount a boot rack on anything with a plastic tailgate (whichis why I asked what car) also I very much like the Thule towbar ( which is why yep! you get it) mounted one with built in lights and number plates. For one bike I am normally wheels out and pop in the back of the car type guy.

 

[Piemaster]

I normally throw it in the back for one bike too but used the rack yesterday when taking car to garage for some work. didn't fancy putting wet/grubby bike in the car

 

[Herzog]

For one bike I am normally wheels out and pop in the back of the car type guy.

Agreed. For one bike, the backseat/boot of the car is good enough. Of course, this depends on the size of your car and how much cr*p you have in it.

 

[mr_cellophane]

Talk to your Ford dealer first. I can't put any sort on the back of my Mondeo Estate (not enough strength under the bumper I think)

 

[Oxo]

Thule racks have adaptor kits which you buy to match your car. Also, depending on the model of your car, you can carry bikes high enough not to cover number plates and lights.

 

[pepecat]

Silly question, but how the heck do you get bikes up on to the top of a car? Is it just a case of huffing and puffing and trying to lift them on to the roof?

 

[fossyant]

Silly question, but how the heck do you get bikes up on to the top of a car? Is it just a case of huffing and puffing and trying to lift them on to the roof?

Don't buy a bike that is a tonne ? I've always use roof mounted racks, and the latest Thule ones are great.

As a racer, I used front fork mounted racks for 3 bikes, fine.

When I got married and the kids 'turned up' this was a pain, as the bikes weren't quick release etc. etc, and you have other luggage. Got the Halfords Advanced racks (which are the Thule basic racks) and it's really easy for me to get them fixed on the roof of a family car - I'll add in my left shoulder is fubar'ed from a cycling accident - so pop bikes on rack, slide bike fore/aft, raise clamp and we are off. Also helps is I got nailed into getting my wife a great hybrid and a Trek tag-a-long for my daughter last year....

My son takes after me..ride/ride /ride.... my wife had a basic bike, and now loves the Pinnacle hybrid, my daughter, although can ride, likes the tag-a-long. Keep them happy.....