Which bike rack?

[Tinkerbee]

I'd really like one of those frame thingys that you use to put your bike on the back of the car. (don't even know what they are called! Lol ). But which one?

Ive got a Marin mountain bike with front suspension and the car is a Peugeot 5008. I need it to be safe, easy to use and quick release etc. I just want to do the school run with my three little ones, the leave the car at the school and cycle the mile or so home then do the reverse at home time. (we all gotta start somewhere - right?) So I need to still be able to use the boot etc. Any ideas gratefully received!

 

[Oxo]

Check out the Thule website, they have a full range of options. If you need access to the boot when the rack/bike are attached a possible option is a rack fitted to a tow bar. Not the cheapest of options but a versatile one. If you intend leaving the car with rack/bike attached give some thought to security.

 

[ian emmerson]

If you have a tow bar I can recommend a one made by thule , simple to fit and holds up to 3 bikes.
The rack also tilts to allow access to the boot.
I use mine quite often and particularly like the ease of how you fit the bikes , no awkward lifting and really easy to secure them.
I normally store the rack in the boot of the car when out on rides but another advantage if this is not possible is to secure it with a bike lock to the tow bar itself.

When I next change my car , I have been so impressed I will happily pay a bit extra for a tow bar

 

[smokeysmoo]

I've never liked the idea of hanging my bike on the back of the car TBH.

I use Thule Proride 591 cycle carriers and they are superb, http://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rb..._591/njNA_vVotQS84bRMCktLGSo.9oO2bzgo9bQdIV6t

Yes you need to buy roof bars as well so the initial cost can be quite high, but the added security and safer fitment far outweigh boot mounted ones IMO.

 

[vickster]

I would think lifting a suspension mountain bike onto the top of an MPV like the 5008 would be quite a feat for most women (myself included and I am 5'10) Probably best to go to Halfords and ask their advice

 

[Tinkerbee]

I can't consider a roof rack for the reasons vicksteer pointed out. I am only a wee shortie - I have to get the ladders out to clean the glass roof on my car. I can't imagine how much stress it would introduce into my already stressful mornings trying to hoik my bike up onto the roof with three kids (5and under) zooming about! Lol

I need smth simple and user friendly as possible. I liked he look of this jobby http://www.peruzzosrl.com/bike-carrier.php?id_tip=2&id=31 purely because I can put the older two's bikes on it as well as mine. Has anyone used this one? I like the price tag as I don't have a huge budget for this!

 

[Tinkerbee]

Smokeysmoo. I take your point about hanging your bike on the back of the car. I am crossing my fingers on that point.

 

[vickster]

You could always strap the kids into the car first. As much as Halfords have a mixed rep, I would try there first as they should be able to tell you which is best for the car

Can't help on racks, sorry - no kids here, bike goes in the back of the Golf with the seats down

 

[Dave7]

I would think lifting a suspension mountain bike onto the top of an MPV like the 5008 would be quite a feat for most women (myself included and I am 5'10) Probably best to go to Halfords and ask their advice

As a shortish (5' 6") male I often wonder how people get thier bikes onto a roof rack????
I also have a Thule that fits on the tow bar. It's good but if you have reversing sensors it causes slight probems as they see the bike.

 

[Tinkerbee]

I do have reversing sensors. I loathe them and their screeching, nagging ways as it is. No option to turn the buggers off either. Apparently it is safer with them? *rolls eyes*

Thx for pointing that out tho. Hadn't thought of that.

 

[Paul_L]

I'm keen on the Thule ProRide, but can i just ask is it suitable for kids bikes as well as adults? I need to get two, one for mine, and one for the lad's 20inch wheel bike.

 

[sidevalve]

I've used both the towball mounted and strap mounted cheapo racks and never had a moments trouble [including some 90+ mile runs]. Either can be off - on in 5mins and for your needs would do the job fine. If you want to use the car for everyday use and not as a dedicated cycle tug then simple is an advantage. You arn't leaving the bike unattended so security isn't a real issue here.
Note, however, if you use a rear mounted rack,try and leave the no plate visible, not a prob with one bike but can get tricky with more, unless you use a trailer board. The police can and do stop cars with hidden plates.