Bike Rack recommendations please

supermurph09

Hi

Need to get a bike rack, I can use the BC discount at Halfords or Wiggle so I guess they might be the best places. I drive a Peugeot 207, only needs to hold 1 bike (carbon frame), be grateful if people could make suggestions. Don't have a budget in mind but nothing too extravagant.

Thanks

smidsy

IMO the roof bars are best.

A rear mounted bike rack can obscure lights and number plate, as well as make acces to the boot impossible.

Also the rear racks tend to jump around (unless you get a tow ball mounted job).

elderone

I have a towbar mounted rack and its fine for alu bike,but are they ok for carbon frames,where the the top tube rests on the rack arms.

Op appologies for jumping on your post,but may also be use ful info for you as you specify carbon bike also.

supermurph09

Thanks smidsy, not something I had thought of. I'll widen my search! Thanks.

Nobby Nic

Hi, I had a Saris Bones 3 before I bought a tow bar mounted rack and it was pretty good. I think I paid around £89.99 from Rutland Cycling. It takes a few minuted to put on but so does a tow bar rack.
http://www.saris.com/bike-racks/vehicle ... -bike.html

Once I bought a full suspension bike the Saris rack didn`t fit as the arms wouldn`t go through the frame, just something to bear in mind if you have a MTB. I then bought a Thule 9403 3 Bike Tow Bar Carrier from Halfords and I also recommend it for the money. (£159.99) Infact its brillaint, my friend has had the same for years. Tow Bar with fitting cost me £175.00ishthough.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... pc&adtype={adtype}&{copy:_$ja}&{ifpla:_$$ja=tsid:37143}{ifdyn:_$$ja=tsid:35588}{ifpe:_$$ja=tsid:37143}

HTH

cattytown

As general principles my personal position is that I prefer wheel support rather than hanging from fram, and I prefer rear mounted, as I hate the idea of momentarily forgetting bikes are there and heading into a car park with a height limit!

I use a tow ball mounted carrier, it tilts so I am in with a chance of getting into the boot. it holds the bikes secure. I just have to remember when reversing, but I do get a clue as I can see the bikes when I look back, and the park sensors think I am about to hit something.

Paul.

supermurph09

Cattytown, so you have a link to the item you use?

Thanks

cattytown

I'd post one if I could remember what brand it is! I have had it around 8 years and cannot see a makers label on it. It is similar to the thule rideon types, but for the life of me I can't remember what make it is. I'll have a root see if I can see the instructions...

smidsy

Look at this thread, quite useful info regarding roof mounted bars.

viewtopic.php?f=40042&t=12844053&p=17522125&hilit=cycle+rack#p17522125

cattytown

Apologies for restarting an old thread, but I just found out what mine is - it is a tradekar silver, but the earlier non quickfit version.

Paul.

barrie h

A couple of points to think about before you buy a bike carrier, how far will you be traveling
A roof mounted carrier will use far more fuel ( drag ) than a rear mounted one
I have used two rear types
The first a towbar mount with two arms that went under the cross bar but when I got a carbon framed bike I thought it would be kinder on the frame to use a wheel mounted towbar type and I find it is easier to use and far more convenient
Hope this helps

Barrie