Bike rack advice

GT Destroyer
GT Destroyer Posts: 1,719
edited August 2008 in MTB buying advice
Hi - I need to hear from you if you have a bike rack for your car, and the rack doesn't scratch the back of your car.

I had a cheap one on our old car, but it scratched the boot.

The car is a mark 4 golf hatchback. Advice from owners/users of bike racks is welcome!!!
500 Miles in 5 days

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    :wink: tow bar mounted :wink:
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • GT Destroyer
    GT Destroyer Posts: 1,719
    I don't want to spoil the sporty lines of the new car!
    500 Miles in 5 days
  • fwb2006
    fwb2006 Posts: 212
    We use a Thule clip on and can highly recommend it. Once you've set it up for your car it literally takes 15 seconds to put on or take off. They fix so securely I can do pull ups on it.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    GT Destroyer wrote:
    I don't want to spoil the sporty lines of the new car!

    but you can get the towbars that are now easily removeable so as not to spoil the lines :wink:
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • GT Destroyer
    GT Destroyer Posts: 1,719
    you probably can, but then I've to get a trailer to attatch to it etc..... don't fancy that!

    fwb2006 - Does your rack leave any marks on the car?
    500 Miles in 5 days
  • fwb2006
    fwb2006 Posts: 212
    None dude, I've glued in some old bits of inner tube to the inside of the already rubberised hooks.
  • OwenB
    OwenB Posts: 606
    I've got a Saris Bones 3 and it's never marked my car at all, it's easy enough to get on and off the car and once it's fixed on I think the boot lid will come off the back of the car before the bikes will
  • GT BACKWOODS
    GT BACKWOODS Posts: 17
    I got my rack from Halfords and i have to say that it has never caused me any problems, however it is meant to be a three bike holder but id never entertain more than two. Also the bike that goes nearest to the car should have the inner pedal removed, thats the only thing that catches mine, rover hatch back...hope that helps some how. retails at around 50 quid, failing that its a roof bar job

    later dude
  • passout
    passout Posts: 4,425
    Wiggle have got a Thule one in a sale. i prefer roof mounted ones myself. Thule are the best make.
    'Happiness serves hardly any other purpose than to make unhappiness possible' Marcel Proust.
  • Bones!!
    Bones!! Posts: 83
    OwenB wrote:
    I've got a Saris Bones 3 and it's never marked my car at all, it's easy enough to get on and off the car and once it's fixed on I think the boot lid will come off the back of the car before the bikes will

    ditto :D
    There's no such thing as a stupid question, unless you already know the answer!
  • abbots_mike
    abbots_mike Posts: 280
    Tow- bar racks dont need a trailer, they mount onto the towbar

    euroway-946-OC.jpg
    http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/1679217/
  • GT Destroyer
    GT Destroyer Posts: 1,719
    Ahhhh - I see. I bet Nick is tearing his hair out, he has left this thread due to my failing common sense!!

    So thule it is then - Or the saris one. I can do naff all about it today though as "she" has got the car. :x
    500 Miles in 5 days
  • Rich Hcp
    Rich Hcp Posts: 1,355
    If the bikes cover any part of the lights or number plate, you'll neeed a lightboard.

    I think the Thule may be ok, not sure of the others though.
    Richard

    Giving it Large
  • fwb2006
    fwb2006 Posts: 212
    Get the Thule 'Clip On High' then it doesn't cover the numberplate but has more wind resistance if your planning on going round at mac 10. We haven't got the clip on high but not been stopped in since we bought it.
  • Rydal
    Rydal Posts: 20
    Does the Saris Bones rack need a light board it's difficult to tell from their website?
  • cjw
    cjw Posts: 1,889
    On the back of my car (Vectra) there is no need for a board as the bikes sit high enough not to obscure the plate or the lights.
    London to Paris Forum
    http://cjwoods.com/london2paris

    Scott Scale 10
    Focus Izalco Team
  • OwenB
    OwenB Posts: 606
    I've had my bones fitted to a Fiat Brava, Seat Cordoba and Kia Picanto, and it's never had to have a light board fitted, you can adjust the height of the arms so you can lift ot lower the bikes however you need.
  • justresting
    justresting Posts: 292
    selling "bones" at speedscycles cheap, if you dont mind a garish colour, I've just ordered a yellow one !!!
    ' From the sharks in the penthouse,
    to the rats in the basement,
    its not that far '

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