Newby questions, cycling with the family

1jim

Hi everyone,
We have finally got to the stage where it's probably reasonable to take the kids cycling in holiday

So, I am in the process of buying 4 Thule 591 cycle carriers for the roof. I understand the locks are not great on these and want to think about extra security for the bikes when left unattended on the car. Can anyone recommend a lock that will go round the bikes but not risk damaging the car?

Cycle locks, until now we have not needed the,, if we cycled to the pub they were safe in the garden etc, the adult probably have little value and the kids bikes on second hand market again probably worthless. But if we take them to Ireland we will cycle more and leave in town etc, so thinking about the best way to lock 4 bikes, is it better to have a lock per bike or should we consider locking bikes together? What's a reasonable lock these days.....don't want to spend loads on the bike locks if that makes sense given the relative low value but would like it to be at least a half decent deterrent

Thanks

andrewc3142

We have Thule roof carriers and to be honest I've never been concerned about them being stolen from the car. Probably easiest is a big chain and padlock around the lot when you leave it parked, taking in the roof rail as well.

Or, get an Extra-Wheel and panniers and leave the car at home altogether? Cycle touring/camping is great, but if you can run to it B&Bs or those cabins they have on campsites mean a lot less luggage. Not taking cooking stuff also lightens the load.

There's a great feeling of freedom I can't really explain when you set off from home with just the bikes and they become your sole transport for a couple of weeks.

1jim

Probably not quite ready for that type of holiday yet, I doubt I could go that far let alone the kids :-)

andrewc3142

1jim wrote:

Probably not quite ready for that type of holiday yet, I doubt I could go that far let alone the kids :-)

Doesn't have to be far, though.

We used to take the bikes on the roof and then go for trips, for much the same reason. With the benefit of hindsight, I wish we'd started earlier leaving the car at home.

This summer we're training it down to Plymouth, ferry to Roscoff and we'll take it from there. We'll probably get as far as the Crozon peninsula, but if we don't it doesn't matter.

Last summer I went from St Malo with just the older two (then 13 and 10). We took it easy and did about 70 km in a day, finding a campsite where we ended up. We had a rough plan, but it changed at least every day.

This year there'll be both of us, the older ones and the 3 year old in a trailer. We'll see how it goes, but if we only do 25 km in a day that's fine. Still a great adventure for the kids and relaxing for us.

To be honest, the only tricky bit is the train to the ferry port.

arran77

Get yourself one of these...



You thread the cable through the frames and shut the end with the ball on in the door or boot.

1jim

That looks like it would do the job nicely. Will look into getting one.

Will try taking the cycles on holiday first before we do the cycling holiday I think

tangled_metal

Those rack guards are very popular with kayakers. They're a good deterrent but I've followed cars in a convoy watching this wire cable flapping against metalwork on the motorway. Put it on when stopped but take it off when about to drive off.
You can but wire cables with loops and locked with a standard bike lock. They come in various lengths too. I use a short one to put through front wheel in town. You can buy small u locks to get combine with them. Or just a good padlock with one.
Thule racks are usually good but I've never had lockable ones so don't know if they're any good. Never had anything stolen from the rack despite having carried loads of expensive kayaks, canoes and even the odd bike. At least Thule are secure on the move. The old Paddy Hobkirk racks Halfords used to sell before they.brought out their own brand were notorious among kayakers for coming of on the motorway leaving prized kayaks or canoes skidding along on the fast lane until coming to a rest.