Car cycle carrier

rockmonkeysc

I need a cycle carrier to fit my VW Passat saloon. Most carriers seem to fit hatchbacks or estates. I don't want to spend too much, ideally under £200.
Needs to carry two mountain bikes. I don't have a tow bar so no tow bar fitting ones, also don't have roof bars.

davewalsh

Saris Bones ?

My mate has one and all the fitting points are adjustable, should be able to fit to a saloon.

Garry73

+1 for the Saris Bones, very versatile.

popstar

No, but Pendle bike rack is better, it is more stable with 6straps and less to fiddle with. It's so compact when folded you hardly notice it in the boot. I have an Accord saloon, and think it's an ace. Also you can fit any bike Hardtail or those some weird design FullSuss frames on it no problem by simply adjusting holding arms at any desired height level.

Zaskar20

I bought a Saris Bones 3 yesterday and had to take it back today!

Excellent piece of design. Fitted the car really well. I just couldn't get my full suss bikes on!

I tried anyway and every way, but the thick arms, together with the plastic lugs for the straps meant I couldn't get a Specialized Pitch, S-Works Enduro or a Santa Cruz Bullit on it.

Does anyone have any ideas for a similar product for these bikes?

It will be fine with the Hardrock, but you may need to check the Giant. If I had all hardtails or road bikes I would definately recommend.

popstar

I fitted Zesty + Marin Wolfridge and the other time 06 Enduro on it no problem, could actually even add a light-ish hardtail too and all that without dismantling any wheels. So 3 bikes no problem. But on longer 200miles+ drive on motorways I do take wheels off, for fuel cost efficiency.

Zaskar20

popstar wrote:

I fitted Zesty + Marin Wolfridge and the other time 06 Enduro on it no problem, could actually even add a light-ish hardtail too and all that without dismantling any wheels. So 3 bikes no problem. But on longer 200miles+ drive on motorways I do take wheels off, for fuel cost efficiency.

On the Pendle or Saris?

popstar

Pendle of course, tomorrow heading for a ride and actually for you could take some pics if wanted to make sure it's the proper one.

Zaskar20

popstar wrote:

Pendle of course, tomorrow heading for a ride and actually for you could take some pics if wanted to make sure it's the proper one.

If you could take a few piccies and post them on here that would be great.

Alternatively, pm me the pics or maybe an instructional video?

popstar

Pics or video whatever your choice. Tomorrows then.

Pudseyp

I have had both...(the Pendle for two weeks as it wasn't great) the Saris is super secure, easy to adjust and bombproof !! Saris all the way

popstar

Zaskar20, PM sent as you requested with video.

Zaskar20

popstar wrote:

Zaskar20, PM sent as you requested with video.

Thanks very much, that's really decent of you. I was really only jesting / being cheeky with the video comment, but thanks again, I'll give them a view later this evening.

Tjeerd

Hi Rockmonky,

We have a Passat saloon as well (08 plate) and we place the two stumpjumper fsr bikes in the car. just fold the seats flat and the two bikes will go very easily in the back with the four wheels next to it.
I had a look to bike carriers as well and found for saloon cars it is not easy to do, we had an hatchback first and used a Thule one. On the passat we decided to carry the bikes in the car. We bought some moving blankets on Ebay for not much money to place under and between and on top of the bikes. And it works very well.

If you want some pictures, I can take some next time we take the bikes in the car, prob this sunday..

Cheers TJ

popstar

Also, you could get painter-decorators huge soft material blanket from B&Q for those duties .