Tesco bike rack

ciaron
ciaron Posts: 80
edited August 2007 in MTB general
I just noticed Tesco are doing a bike rack (a boot one, not roof). As far as I can tell it just clips into the gap between the boot door and the rest of the car, and doesn't attach to the towbar.

Does anyone have this rack or one similar? What are they like?

My two main worries are the rack shaking off, or something clipping the bit of bike sticking out at the side.

Comments

  • S_J_P
    S_J_P Posts: 908
    I've not seen the Tesco one (how much?) but I have an old Paddy Hopkirk one which clips on in the same way (four bent pieces of metal which hook over and under the rear hatch/boot lid) and I've never managed to shake it loose!

    If you're worried about the bikes width (it's likley to be narrower than the mirror-mirror width of your car anyhow) then you can remove the front wheel. This stops the wheel rotating in the breeze too (which can damage paintwork).
  • ciaron
    ciaron Posts: 80
    I've only ever seen them in the big tesco extras (Pollok in Glasgow e.g.) They do a couple of roof and a couple of boot mounted ones, about £25ish.
  • jjojjas
    jjojjas Posts: 346
    usually a bike will stick out a bit as noted above^^^^^
    One thing to be aware about is if they have webbing straps as most do, then the straps stretch with the weight of the bike, especially if it rains....letting the bottom straps come loose....letting the bike sway from side to side...and potentially rolling down the road behind you. :shock:
    Its not unknown, and i came close to it once myself on couple of hundred mile drive to the tracks. But I suppose it does depend on how long your journey is.

    worth remembering.
    Jas
    it looks a bit steep to me.....
  • alfablue
    alfablue Posts: 8,497
    These boot mount racks are not that stable, and it is possible to damage the car if you are careless. I have used one extensively taking bikes through France. It was okay, but the bikes do tend to rock about a bit. I also managed to gouge the boot lid with pedals. I guess they are okay for the price if used with care.

    Don't forget, if they obscure the lights and / or number plate you need to mount another plate and / or lighting board.

    If you have a towbar a much better option is something like the
    img16092005153102.jpg
    Thule Ride-On - the two bike model is £72, or 3 bike (from Halfords) is £99. They cost a bit more, but they are very easy to fit (about 3 minutes) and use (you can even access the boot with the bikes on board as it has a tilt mechanism), and include a lighting board and electrics already fitted - you just need to screw on a number plate. If I didn't have a towbar I would consider getting one just to use this carrier as it seems to be the best option (having tried both boot racks and roof bar mounted ones).
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,667
    i have one of those tescos ones as does my neighbour.

    as already mentioned, it needs to be fitted very well but i have transported my reign, stumpy and my neighbours epic on one for a 100 mile round trip and it was fine.

    i use it just for my bike all the time and have no problems and it is a right bargain.

    do beware that if you have a rear wash wipe, dont accidentally operate it as it'll break (happened on the wife's clio)
  • woodywmb
    woodywmb Posts: 669
    We bought Thule bike holders for a roof rack. Paid a bit over the odds but they are superb. I lost a bracket from one and phoned Thule (pronounced 'tooly') to enquire about a replacement. One arrived next day free of charge - no cost for either the bracket or postage. Next, my mate drove under the low branches of a tree and they caught up with his bike, pulling it off the rack and damaging the wheel holders. He phoned Thule and they sent out replacements - again totally free of charge. He tried to insist on paying, so impressed were we both with the service, but they suggested we simply make a donation to our favourite charity. So I feel obliged to buy Thule and to promote them. You decide - but you'll have a friend for life.
  • Maddie
    Maddie Posts: 30
    Without meaning to be a scaremonger: I encountered a boot rack sitting in the outside lane of the M6, whilst I was doing 70mph. Bikes and all... :shock: Luckily it was quiet... So that has put me off boot racks!
    At least you know that if you spend Thule money you won't be forking out for new bikes if the rack falls off! I think a lot of it is also down to how thoroughly you actually fit the thing.
  • alfablue
    alfablue Posts: 8,497
    Woodywmb wrote:
    Next, my mate drove under the low branches of a tree and they caught up with his bike, pulling it off the rack and damaging the wheel holders. .

    I agree about buying Thule, but this illustrates one of the problems with roof mounted bikes - I know one should be alert, but I have had some very near misses in multi-story car parks when I have completely forgotten!
  • CitizenLee
    CitizenLee Posts: 2,227
    How many bikes does the Tesco rack hold?

    I need something to hold 3 bikes but I dont want to spend too much since it's for someone else (I dont have a car).
    Current:
    NukeProof Mega FR 2012
    Cube NuRoad 2018
    Previous:
    2015 Genesis CdF 10, 2014 Cube Hyde Race, 2012 NS Traffic, 2007 Specialized SX Trail, 2005 Specialized Demo 8
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,667
    it has space for three bikes but has aa weight limit advisory of 25 kilos i think.

    i have used mine to carry a reign, an epic and a stumpy all at the same time and found it to be fine.
  • CitizenLee
    CitizenLee Posts: 2,227
    Nice one, cheers ;)
    Current:
    NukeProof Mega FR 2012
    Cube NuRoad 2018
    Previous:
    2015 Genesis CdF 10, 2014 Cube Hyde Race, 2012 NS Traffic, 2007 Specialized SX Trail, 2005 Specialized Demo 8