How many MTB on a boot rack?

timwills

The manufacturers of many boot mounted racks (mines a strappy type) say "bikes 3, max weight 45kg" which doesnt add up for MTB weights. I've had 3 on there before, but now i have a new Trek Fuel EX8 I've got the fear!

Anyone actually ever had a strap snap and the rack fall off the car due to too much weight (specifically with 3 bikes)?

Panter

I've never had one fail.
I have, however, had one instance of a strap melting through (I'd got it the wrong side of the exhaust) which I spotted by the way the bikes started rattling about and another problem where the buckle gave on the other side of the rack and again it all got very loose.

I've seen a few crumpled up bikes on the motorway before with cars (sporting empty bike racks) sitting on the hard shoulder waiting for the police to clear the debris.
I use a towball mounted carrier now, you can pick them up for under 3 figures and you can generally get a towbar for the same money.
It seems a lot to pay out but IMO its worth it for the peace of mind. Not only will your bikes be more secure, you won't have the worry of causing an accident if something goes wrong with a cheap, boot mounted rack.

Your Trek deserves better 8)

Cheers

Chris

stu8975

The manufacturers of many boot mounted racks (mines a strappy type) say "bikes 3, max weight 45kg" which doesnt add up for MTB weights. I've had 3 on there before, but now i have a new Trek Fuel EX8 I've got the fear!

Many of them are simply not designed for todays heavier Freeride/Dh rigs, but it still works out at 33lb per bike weight limit or 99lb total so it can still handle a bit fair weight and is more than enough for XC/Am rigs.

cee

I have one but I have used it once......that day, I saw someone at the side of the road as described above.....picking bits of broken bike out of the verge.

All bikes go in the car at the moment.....I can fit 3 bikes and 3 blokes (with all wheels off and a very clever packing strategy and a little swearing!)

I want to get a towbar and a towbar mounted rack....that seems safest to me!

Tranced

Used "strappy" things for years. Tesco type.
Thus far, no prob, but I do check for wear each time I fit it.
Have carried 3 x MTB's 100's of miles. What I do advise is if possible, take the wheels off & put them in the boot. Just makes the whole load lighter & less likely to be a problem.
Also I take the pedals off or turn then inwards to prevent scratching of car or other bikes. Additional bungy straps to stop any mevement of load.

Kiwi Kranker

If you are in the market, never rule out a roof mounted system a little steep in price but worth it for piece of mind (just my 2p though).

I managed to squeeze onto my roof

1 Ransom
1 Orange 5
1 Stumpy FSR
1 Rockhopper

on the trip had two emergency stops down from around 80mph due to muppet drivers pulling into 'fast' lane

The bikes never moved. Another bonus is that the bikes are locked to the racks and the bars are locked to the car.

grumsta

Just splashed out on a Saris Bones RS - takes 3 bikes and feels nice and solid. The straps are actually coated metal so are very unlikely to break I think.

timwills

Thanks for the replies guys.

Roof mounted would be best I think, but pricey. Despite our best efforts in the past you just cant stick bikes on the boot-mounted racks and avoid scratching either the bikes or the car in transit.

Saris Bones RS does look the best of the boot setups tho....

AdvoCake

used a strapped to boot job once on my subaru. only had 2 bikes on the back. hit a depression in the tarmac and the next thing to happen is the lower support has forced the bumper down and is now wedged underneath the boot. had to remove the bikes and then the rear bumper to sort it out.
the next day i had a towbar fitted and got a thule 902 carrier.
progressed to a volvo and the thule is still going strong.
totally fire and forget, even to the point of B-road shenanigans chasing hot hatches