Advice re bike rack / tow bar v folding bike
Dougal_bug
Posts: 36
Long time lurker, irregular poster (have also post in road general just in case anyone wanders).
Looking for some advice for my in laws.
There son is shortly to become the proud owner of a recumbent - a Hase Trix to be exact. As we would all hope as soon as it arrives he will want to get out and about in it. They don't live somewhere where it is possible for them to simply head straight out front door and use, so will need to use transport to get themselves, their bikes, the recumbent and son to a location where said bike can be used in safety.
Although the bike isn't cheap, the funds available to resolve their conundrum are not so deep, the questions they are trying best to answer is:
- They drive a Skoda Yeti, they have their own hybrid bikes, do they get a bike rack or tow bar version of that and use this to be able to take these bikes with them, if so what would people recommend
issues for this they need to consider
The concern they have about the bike rack, is getting a reasonable quality, but also ensuring that they don't get pulled over by police due to visibility of lights / registration number, which is why I suggested possible tow bar version. Roof rack is not as straight forward as you would hope, as would require parking on road to remove bikes before parking on driveway and there is no real guarantee that they will be able to park car within sensible distance to achieve this - driveway is directly under first floor of the house, hence issue with rood rack
- they purchase second hand folding bikes, that possibly could sit in remaining room in back of car when they go out with son.
issues for this they need to consider
Remaining room available in car to achieve this, and the recumbent will have ability to go off road - used maybe along likes of what a gravel bike is used - so towpaths uneven terrain. If they were to go with folders, are these 'inexpensive' enough and able to cope with such terrain?
Any questions not answered that people pose I will try and answer but if I don't it's becuase I am holiday, so I will also just say a quick thank you to those who, if any do post thoughts as that input will be appreciated I am going to send them link to post)
Looking for some advice for my in laws.
There son is shortly to become the proud owner of a recumbent - a Hase Trix to be exact. As we would all hope as soon as it arrives he will want to get out and about in it. They don't live somewhere where it is possible for them to simply head straight out front door and use, so will need to use transport to get themselves, their bikes, the recumbent and son to a location where said bike can be used in safety.
Although the bike isn't cheap, the funds available to resolve their conundrum are not so deep, the questions they are trying best to answer is:
- They drive a Skoda Yeti, they have their own hybrid bikes, do they get a bike rack or tow bar version of that and use this to be able to take these bikes with them, if so what would people recommend
issues for this they need to consider
The concern they have about the bike rack, is getting a reasonable quality, but also ensuring that they don't get pulled over by police due to visibility of lights / registration number, which is why I suggested possible tow bar version. Roof rack is not as straight forward as you would hope, as would require parking on road to remove bikes before parking on driveway and there is no real guarantee that they will be able to park car within sensible distance to achieve this - driveway is directly under first floor of the house, hence issue with rood rack
- they purchase second hand folding bikes, that possibly could sit in remaining room in back of car when they go out with son.
issues for this they need to consider
Remaining room available in car to achieve this, and the recumbent will have ability to go off road - used maybe along likes of what a gravel bike is used - so towpaths uneven terrain. If they were to go with folders, are these 'inexpensive' enough and able to cope with such terrain?
Any questions not answered that people pose I will try and answer but if I don't it's becuase I am holiday, so I will also just say a quick thank you to those who, if any do post thoughts as that input will be appreciated I am going to send them link to post)
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Comments
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Hi Dougal,
I would suggest they need a towbar and a rack.
There are lots of choices for towbar. The good news is that the performance is regulated so there isn't a great deal to worry about. Be careful not to scrimp on the electrics for a new car. I made a small guide of the choices.
https://auxtail.com/towbars/
Regarding racks for towbars. Basically 2 types platform and hanger types. I have a guide for the main options there too.
https://auxtail.com/about-cycle-carriers/
I'm hoping they can get the recumbent (3 wheeler), without front wheel, in the boot as I am not aware of a method of loading it on any towbar rack. This may need checking first. They may be forces to tiedown to a roof rack.0
