Where to buy and best bike carrier for car

ollie35
ollie35 Posts: 14
edited July 2008 in MTB buying advice
Hi, First post. I have just got into cycling on and off road and would like advice on where to purchase and the best kind of bike carrier to take the bikes on holidays and weekends in my seat ibiza, I presume there are different kinds for different cars, any advice to a newbie on what kind, any links etc... would be very welcome.

Thanks Paul

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    first you need to thing about how you want to carry the bikes.

    Roof.
    tailgate.
    towbar.

    i rate towbar.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • ollie35
    ollie35 Posts: 14
    I will take your advice on the towbar, it would be for two bikes, thanks for your help.

    I did fine this link, but there maybe better

    http://www.bikerackshop.co.uk/tow_bar_m ... _racks.htm
  • trouty
    trouty Posts: 198
    Hi Ollie35,

    I have a Golf and have a Thule 591 roof mounted carrier that is excellent. As long as you are tall enough to lift the bike up onto the roof they work well.

    http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_129469

    After sales service is second to none. I broke the front mount and rang Thule who sent me a new mount free of charge :D

    For a more permenent fixture i have a tPendle tow bar mounted rack. This is an absolute quality fitting that is super easy to use/set up it literally takes seconds to assemble and take down even tho you may pay a bit more.

    With a tow bar rack you have to check with your vehicle manufacturer the max load your vehicle can carry.

    http://www.pendle-bike.co.uk/nulldet.as ... Bar%20Rack

    I have tried for many years halfords racks and now would never go back. :D





    Hope this helps

    paul
  • Yeti575
    Yeti575 Posts: 291
    I second the Thule roof mounted system. Bikes are very vulnerable on the back of the car and are much safer out of the way on top.
    If it's not a Yeti, it's not worth riding!
  • artillerydave
    artillerydave Posts: 715
    www.roofbox.co.uk have a great range and are reasonably priced compared to the competition too, also the site contains a wealth of info of the different systems etc so worth a read even if you don't end up getting it from them.
  • ollie35
    ollie35 Posts: 14
    Hi, thanks for your help, do they do these for two bikes as the link is for one?

    Also are they compatiable with my car?

    If so I will pop down to halfords. I think I would be happier with them on top of the car to be honest.
  • Larok
    Larok Posts: 577
    If you had a towbar I'd go with that for ease of use vs a roof system.

    Otherwise roof. I used this online retailer - quick delivery/fair support

    http://roofracks.co.uk
    My Ride Stumpjumper Expert 2008
  • Stu 74
    Stu 74 Posts: 463
    Would also recommend
    http://roofracks.co.uk

    Quick delivery and low prices.


    Stu
  • daver1
    daver1 Posts: 78
    Whether you are going for roof, boot or towbar mounted you won't beat Thule for design quality or after sales service.
  • Rich Hcp
    Rich Hcp Posts: 1,355
    I always prefer a rear mounted rack

    High mounted to avoid using a light board
    Richard

    Giving it Large
  • ollie35
    ollie35 Posts: 14
    O.k I will visit the site and buy from there. I am getting mixed reviews on different ones to use, so if someone could tell me the easiest one to fit to my car, then that would sway it.

    Thanks for all the replys they have really helped.

    Paul
  • bells0
    bells0 Posts: 414
    I use the Thule 591 pro's. Not cheap if you need 2 and the bars to go on the car too - but works very well and it easy to get on and off and is very secure too.

    I used skidrive who were superb, great prices and next day free delivery.
    Trek Fuel EX8 & Canyon Torque
  • ollie35
    ollie35 Posts: 14
    I live very near this person who is selling this on ebay, sorry to ask simple questions, I am very new to cycling, more of a runner that needs a change. My question is, would it be suitable for an old 3 door seat ibiza and for my needs?

    http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 2759.l1259
  • Stu 74
    Stu 74 Posts: 463
    Hi Paul

    When I first got into m biking I bought a Halfords rear mounted carrier. It was a pain to take on and off the car and when I put 2 bikes on it the bikes got scratched.

    I wanted to replace it with one of these

    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Saris ... 360018051/

    but it would not fit on my car due to the rear spoiler :roll:

    In the end I went for the Thule Aero bars and fork mounted bike carriers. They are completely solid and well designed. They also lock the bike on to the car. They are a bit pricey but are a worthwhile investment if you ride regularly. On the negative side they can be a bit noisy when driving fast and will also increase your fuel consumption a little. :(

    The one on e bay may be suitable for your car but I think you may need to check that the feet that attach the bars to the roof are compatible with your specific car model. I seem to recall that there are different ones for different cars.

    Stu
  • ollie35
    ollie35 Posts: 14
    Thanks Stu, no it was not compatible, I need 5 doors for the roof rack, which basically cuts out that option. I will take a look at the option you have given thanks.
  • salerules
    salerules Posts: 37
    nicklouse wrote:
    first you need to thing about how you want to carry the bikes.

    Roof.
    tailgate.
    towbar.

    i rate towbar.

    i would say that tailgates are better on the one i have got all i have to do is to put the frame on becuse the bace attaches to the car plus if your boot is big enough you can put the frame in when you ride

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