Bike racks.... roof or rear mounted??
Hadaka
Posts: 68
Hi all
Just after some opinions here. I have to transport 3 bikes, and I just wondered if some of you out there could give me your feelings from personel use if you feel carrying them on a roof rack system, or a rear tow bar rack system is the best way forward.
I know the usual pros and cons, like height on the roof, reversing if they are on the back, fuel consumption etc. But from a practical users view it would be good to hear any thoughts.
Thnks in advance for any views
Dave
Just after some opinions here. I have to transport 3 bikes, and I just wondered if some of you out there could give me your feelings from personel use if you feel carrying them on a roof rack system, or a rear tow bar rack system is the best way forward.
I know the usual pros and cons, like height on the roof, reversing if they are on the back, fuel consumption etc. But from a practical users view it would be good to hear any thoughts.
Thnks in advance for any views
Dave
0
Posts
I prefer rear mounted, getting them on the roof is fraught with possibilities for damaging car and bike!
Simon
As for the car, I am in the process in changing my car right now, and the way forward with carrying the bikes will affect my choice of car too.
Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
Now bought myself Thule 591 roof carriers, at least I wont watch them wobble about anymore :P
I've yet to find a single drawback to having them "up there".
'15 Radon Slide 9.0 HD
'05 Rock Lobster Team TIG S.L.
Restless Natives
thanks for the picture.... do you find its easy enough getting them on the roof??
what are the bikes?
and total weight?
Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
Grab the fork and the seat tube and up you go. They don't wobble, they don't sway around, they're solid.
'15 Radon Slide 9.0 HD
'05 Rock Lobster Team TIG S.L.
Restless Natives
The bikes would be
My enduro elite, the wifes giant and the lads bike, which I have yet to buy.. will be a small frame though.
But I do also go with some mates, so it will have to carry 3 bikes then too. As for the weight I am sorry would not know off hand.
The main problem (IMO) for roof-mounted options, are if you happen to be a short censored , or if you are p*ss weak... Or both! :shock:
If the bikes are heavy, they'll be more awkward to lift up (3 DH bikes, for example). Also, some roof-mounted bike carry options have a weight limit. Not that you'd reach it with 3 XC / trail bikes.
But seriously, van FTW!
Sick to the power of rad
Fix it 'till it's broke
Well I am 6ft and up to the job of lifting them, so that part of it should not be a problem
I use them and in my infinite wisdom parked under a tree whilst the bikes were on the Land Rover's roof. I trimmed a few branches, the bike on the right got a few leaves and twigs stuck in it, but the bikes stayed put. I attribute that to the Thule's alloy construction
Some people whinge about fuel consumption on roof mounted carriers, from experience of hauling bikes on the roof of both the car and Land Rover it's no biggie.
In fact I used to use a hatchback rear carrier on the car and the Thule system and the fuel consumption is better with roof mounted systems. The only downside is noise if you have a sunroof. Bikes whistle at 70mph+
Edit: I do carry a small alloy ladder in the back of the Land Rover to help with getting the bikes on and off the roof.
The Shaker
I have two 591's for sale in the classified section if your interested. Shameless plug.
Evil Sovereign
An estate car is the One True Bike Carrier. Fold rear seats, place complete bikes inside in safety.
Yes and no. My Disco is a seven seater and I can happily fit up 4 bikes in the back, that works well when it's two people riding. Sometimes I lug three to four passengers around as well as a quarter ton of everyone's riding gear - that's when roof mount comes into its own.
Also, I am not too keen having sharp edges and mud all over my leather interior :P
The Shaker
Dont need an estate for that my Mondeo hatch will easily fit 2/3 bikes in with the seats down.
However that leaves no room for carrying people, same for an estate
What year is your Disco'? Looks quite new, but then they haven't really changed alot over the past... er... lots of years. Is it any good on fuel? And finally, if you don't mind my asking, if you bought it second hand, what did you pay?
Thanks mate!
Sick to the power of rad
Fix it 'till it's broke
I've bought a new bike....ouch - result
Can I buy a new bike?...No - no result
A valid question because the only reason I bought this Disco was to carry bikes around. I do have a normal company supplied day to day car too, so the Disco only gets used when I go riding or take bike/s to the LBS. [or when I buy [email protected] from Ikea]
2002, (02) Disco Series II, 4.0L V8 Auto, 7 seater, SE spec: Full leather, electric/heated seats, dual sunroof, climate control, cruise control, compass on rear view mirror, air/adjustable/self leveling suspension, ABS, traction control, ascent / descent control, heated windscreen, remote folding side mirrors, 13 speaker Harman Kardon surround sound with subwoofer, 6 disc auto changer, 18 inch alloys incl. spare and a rear step. It also came with the full length roof bars and a dog guard. Also no tow pack was fitted.
Bought it pre owned a year ago, I am the second owner of this vehicle. It had 55000M on the clock and a full Land Rover service history. I paid £5,750 for it and got the tow pack included.
Purchased from a Land Rover dealer in Oxford, it was a trade in. The only thing I've done is fit new tyres all round (Wrangler AT) for when I go to the Alps next year and the Thule Aerobar
Fuel consumption? When I drive like an angel 25MPG. Loaded with 3 people, kit and 3 bikes atop: 21MPG. Urban: 18-20MPG average.
The Shaker
Rear seats folded, 3 bikes inside...2 seats in the front, I will let you tell the wife she is making her own way there
[img][/img]http://www.flickr.com/photos/mondo13/4106318315/
cove stiffee
orange 222
Oh I have thought about a van... would love one for biking and fishing, but alas I can only run one vehicle and have a family so as tempting as it was I had to forget that idea.
Went through a stage of putting them in the back of the car, but again more faff of putting the bikes back together, how every careful you are, they always seemed to be at least one brake that got squeezed, gears knocked out of sync, lots of muck in the car.
I now use Thule 591's like lots of other here and they have been great, although the quick release fixing has got a bit sticky after a couple of years. I have no problem lifting them on the roof as a six footer, but my wife who is only 5ft 2 can't really do it (well not with any grace). The bikes are rock solid, even when we had a bird strike earlier this year (the poor bird flew straight through the bikes while we are travelling at about 40mph, not a scratch on the bikes, unfortunately can't say the same for the bird)
We have an big estate car but the bikes will still not fit in the back without both wheels off if you want the rear seats. You'll need to check the roof height, thats what makes in difficult to get them in.
You already know about fuel consumption, my experience is it impacts the fuel consumption by up to 20%. I have a car with a towbar but already had the roof rack system, but would change to a towbar one if there was any reason to change in the future.
On price, for me anyway, my current rook rack system for two bikes cost £250,. The towbar cost £200 to fit and you can get a Thule towbar bike carrier for two bikes for about £90, so there doesn't seem to be much in it.
Unless your bike is very heavy or you are very short, it's a no brainer.
Still worry about dropping the bike on the roof as I take it off/put it on!
Used to stick the bikes in the car but they trash it.
Starting to consider a new 4x4 (the Beemer does most jobs fine but no good for boat towing) - Freelander 2 and latest shape Disco are currently on the shortlist.
But then again, tow bar mounted racks also seem to come well recommended.
At this stage as I am thinking about an estate car over a 4x4 I am leaning towards a roof mounted system.
But then as with my car search, my mind changes 10 times a day
And "sports cars" are for mid life crisis struck blokes and gays