Bike Rack Needed
OJS
Posts: 130
Help - I need a bike rack that meets the following criteria as best possible!
• Fits an Astra hatchback that currently has no roof bars or tow bar
• Needs to transport a Trek Ex 2013 – so pretty much rules out most boot mount racks as the top tube is v short in terms of useable area beneath it.
• It will be used for a regular 15 mile each way journey once a week (for the Trek ex)
• Also needs to occasionally transport a carbon road bike and occasionally 2 mountain bikes.
• Needs to be v quick to install and take off if not a permanent fixture
•Not too expensive – around £200 but less if possible
These seem the best options to me but both seem to have potential drawbacks, so any advice much appreciated.
1) Cruz Aero Roof bars, mounts and fitting kits used with 2 Thule 591s. Price approximately £210
2) Thule Standard Roof bars, mounts and fitting kits used with 2 Thule 591s. Price approximately £245
3) Saris Gran Fondo. Seen available for £155
I though the roof option may be best as I can just buy one carrier to start with and keep the cost down and they also seem v quick to get bikes on. However, I don’t really want to leave the carriers permanently on there and I’m not sure I should really leave the bars on there permanently either? So how quick is it to either re-attach the whole package or re-attach the carrier? Would I be better with all Thule if going down that route, even if it’s the standard square bars?
The Gran Fondo looks ideal, but thought it may be just too much of a pain to take off and put back on every week, when I am usually in a hurry after work.
I did also price the packs on ebay but was finding issues getting the right fitting pack on there and only saving approx £30/£40 by going second hand.
Alternate is I keep putting bike in the boot and just buy a rack for occasional use, when I need to carry two bikes or have passengers in the boot.
Cheers.
• Fits an Astra hatchback that currently has no roof bars or tow bar
• Needs to transport a Trek Ex 2013 – so pretty much rules out most boot mount racks as the top tube is v short in terms of useable area beneath it.
• It will be used for a regular 15 mile each way journey once a week (for the Trek ex)
• Also needs to occasionally transport a carbon road bike and occasionally 2 mountain bikes.
• Needs to be v quick to install and take off if not a permanent fixture
•Not too expensive – around £200 but less if possible
These seem the best options to me but both seem to have potential drawbacks, so any advice much appreciated.
1) Cruz Aero Roof bars, mounts and fitting kits used with 2 Thule 591s. Price approximately £210
2) Thule Standard Roof bars, mounts and fitting kits used with 2 Thule 591s. Price approximately £245
3) Saris Gran Fondo. Seen available for £155
I though the roof option may be best as I can just buy one carrier to start with and keep the cost down and they also seem v quick to get bikes on. However, I don’t really want to leave the carriers permanently on there and I’m not sure I should really leave the bars on there permanently either? So how quick is it to either re-attach the whole package or re-attach the carrier? Would I be better with all Thule if going down that route, even if it’s the standard square bars?
The Gran Fondo looks ideal, but thought it may be just too much of a pain to take off and put back on every week, when I am usually in a hurry after work.
I did also price the packs on ebay but was finding issues getting the right fitting pack on there and only saving approx £30/£40 by going second hand.
Alternate is I keep putting bike in the boot and just buy a rack for occasional use, when I need to carry two bikes or have passengers in the boot.
Cheers.
0
Comments
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It's a hatchback. Put it/them inside.
I'm more interested in the 'passengers' you carry in the boot.I don't do smileys.
There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda
London Calling on Facebook
Parktools0 -
Ha ha - didn't notice that! Meant back obvioulsy!
That is fair enough but there are times when I have people in back and cant get the bikes in.0 -
Thought you were just disposing of the bodies.
You do get 'false crossbars', not sure what they're actually called that fit between the stem? and seatpost to fit odd shaped bikes on racks.
Consensus in other threads seems to be Saris if you want a bootrack. That thing is weird though.
Before I got a station wagon I used cheap roof racks off Ebay and they worked fine. Roof racks seem more secure to me - PITA to put on and take off, but just seem more secure than boot racks.
Until you drive through a height restriction without thinking anyway.I don't do smileys.
There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda
London Calling on Facebook
Parktools0
