Anyone use bike racks? Help please.

Spider_Man
Spider_Man Posts: 2
edited October 2007 in MTB general
My riding partner has got a rear fit bike rack for his car...the problem is, he cant use it because it scratches the car and its a new car so it's a no go.

Our bike are getting damaged aswell when we put them inside the car because they are knocking against each other during transport etc etc and we are starting to get problems.

Has anyone got any tips on stopping the rack from scratching the car, or do you use or fit anything to stop it scratching?

Any help would be great, thanks.

Comments

  • Torres
    Torres Posts: 1,266
    Where did he get it from and when? It may be possible to get your money back or exchange it for one that wont scratch the car.
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  • Andy B
    Andy B Posts: 8,115
    Helicopter tape under the mounting points & on your bike frames?

    It should stop scratching, but the best way to transport bikes is either roof bars & carriers, or a tow bar mounted carrier.
    2385861000_d125abe796_m.jpg
  • Andy B
    Andy B Posts: 8,115
    Torres wrote:
    Where did he get it from and when? It may be possible to get your money back or exchange it for one that wont scratch the car.

    Nearly all rear mounted carriers will scratch the car.
    2385861000_d125abe796_m.jpg
  • Bromski
    Bromski Posts: 239
    Fashion a protector out of a cheap camping sleeping mat (Tesco - £3.99 worked for me before I bought the delica)
  • cjw
    cjw Posts: 1,889
    I've carried three bikes on the back of my car with a Saris Bones quite a bit and not a mark. It's got nice soft feet and straps really well. As I say no marks at all.
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  • Use foam pipe lagging around the tubes - you know the sort with a split down one side. Great stuff and very cheap.

    Marv.
    What tree ? ...........

    Trek 8000 ZR XC hardtail.
  • cjw
    cjw Posts: 1,889
    Use foam pipe lagging around the tubes - you know the sort with a split down one side. Great stuff and very cheap.

    Marv.

    Ohh yeah... for stopping the bikes scratching each other I use sheets of the large bubble rap between them.
    London to Paris Forum
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  • i have a range rover and i need a bike rack where is the best place to get one from?
  • crocky
    crocky Posts: 20
    I got some roof bars and a roof box from this place:

    http://www.roofbox.co.uk/

    Can't fault their customer service... I was missing a couple of minor parts for the bars, gave them a call and got some replacements the next day. (I then found the 'missing' bits inside one of the other parts... :oops:)

    I'm looking at getting some bike carriers but might be changing car soon so I'm gonna hang on, but I'd definitely use these guys again.
  • El Capitano
    El Capitano Posts: 6,401
    If you don't want to scratch the car, then either a tow bar or roof bar mounted system is the only way to go.
  • dirtbiker100
    dirtbiker100 Posts: 1,997
    i've got a wool blanket that i put between bikes when transporting inside my car. on my mates boot rack he puts old towel around the pedals and other nasty bits to protect the car
  • rikk
    rikk Posts: 734
    I used a rear mount one on my grand cherokee and found the best solutiom is def copter tape, once it's on you can hardly see it and you cna remove it with a hair dryer or heat gun very easily.
  • jacktheoc
    jacktheoc Posts: 1,556
    either roof mounted or towbar, but most rear bike racks scratch cars..
  • nonnac85
    nonnac85 Posts: 1,608
    get a bike bag - then they can go in the back of the car. only thing is you have to take off one wheel for most bags ive seen.
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  • pillows between the bikes, or big fluffy towels so you can wipe the sweat off when you get back :twisted:
  • just ride to where ya going ya lazy fooker
  • Prowlus
    Prowlus Posts: 539
    lordhelmet wrote:
    just ride to where ya going ya lazy fooker

    Be nice . What if where hes riding is say over 400 miles from his home? unless its a touring bike MTBs are not good for such ranges . I have that problem with my large 18(full suss) and 17 inch(hardtail) monsters . Makes me wonder if they'll (the companies) ever invent a good folding mtb that doesn't suck eggs