Roof Bars or Boot rack?

The Saris racks are about the best you can get (in my opinion) for the back. I have the Bones RS and it is to easy to fit and rock solid when it is.

You can lock the bikes using a normal cable lock or D lock - I do the former, which also provides extra reassurance that they wont fall off when driving...!

However, a rear rack comes with some things you may want to think about - they often obscure the rear numberplate, so in theory you should have a number plate and maybe even light board plugged into towing exlectrics. However if you need towing electrics then there are better rear racks that mount onto the towbar that normally accompany these.

Rear racks mean that you cant open the boot without dismounting the bikes.

They also stop your rear parking sensors working and you will need extra long spaces to park anywhere.

I also have a Thule roof bike carrier and if just taking a single bike will use that. I think roof carriers are generally better, but that is just my opinion and I cant really tell you why - they just seem less hassle - although they come with their own issues that you will no doubt already know.

I use the rear rack when all 4 family bikes need to be transported - I have a roof box for luggage, so cant get all 4 on the roof - I put 3 on the Saris Bones RS and one on the roof...

If I were in your place, I would probably get the conversion kit (if you can) to fit your stuff you already have to the new car, but if you want to try the rear then the Saris is as good as you will find.

As above, tow bar if you can afford it or roof. I've used rear carriers before and can't stand em. I'm trying to talk the wife into letting me get a pickup so we can just lob everything in the back. Not going too well.

We have an SMax and a Kuga, the Kuga is a pain, roof bars are too high and the boot is too small, I much prefer to put the bike inside the SMax. When I can't the SMax also has a tow bar so can put the bikes on a tow bar rack. This is much easier to get the bike on and off of as both cars have high roofs. I used to have a 330 estate before and that was fine. Also putting bikes on the roof produces quite a bit of drag so reduces MPG's quite a bit and also there is a risk of stirking anything low, trees, car parks etc. My preference is 1. Inside the car, 2. On a tow bar rack, 3. On the roof rack & 4. On a rear rack.

Alos as a side note, I have a Thule roof rack with bike carriers for the Kuga, but I don't think it is not wide enough for the SMax as I think the SMax requires wide bars as well as a special fitting foot pack.

We have a Kuga also. A word of warning - AFAIK you cannot use many rear mounted bike racks on the car if it is the MK1 model (ie not the new one just released last month). Its something to do with the strength in the upper tailgate as it is made of plastic to facilitate the split tailgate. More info can be found by searching the Kugaownersclub. We have roof mounted bars and carriers. Frankly its a bit of a pain getting 4 MTB up on the roof and I wouldnt want to be doing it if I was smaller and weaker than I am. Once they are up there then its fine.

brettjmcc wrote:

Calpol, it's a new model, but I'll check on the new one as well. Good catch.

SMAX, Kuga... and I drive a Focus ST and live in Essex - guess who I work for LOL

We have a Kuga and an Insignia Estate - guess who I work for!?

simonj wrote:

I much prefer to put the bike inside the SMax.

Simon, did you use an internal rack, or is the SMax big enough to stand the bikes upright without taking both wheels off? I'm looking for a solution for an A6 Avant, which I appreciate is nowhere near as tall.