Bike Racks

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Never having needed to buy or use one of these before, i am clueless on the subject.

I have a Ford galaxy mk3. Currently only have need to carry one bike, but two young sons (still toddlers) and a wife that each may get their own bikes in the future.

Not sure what type of rack is best - rear mounted, tow bar mounted or roof mounted. Only firm requirement that I can think of is easy access to the rear hatch with the bikes mounted. As i will likely be taking these bikes on future holidays, I may also need to combine the bike racks with a roof box.

Any tips / advise?
 
I had a tow bar rack when I had my VW camper - could fit 4 bikes. Felt really secure, only downside was could open rear doors once fitted. However they were always last thing to be packed and first things off so wasn't a problem.
 
If you have a tow bar already, then I'd recommend one that fits on the tow bar - easier to put bikes on than trying to reach on to the rook, especially on a galaxy.

There are some models that fit on the tow bar than do fold down some to aid access to rear door
 
Thanks all.
Currently don't have a tow bar, but could get one fitted if needed.

Andy, that Thule bike rack looks some piece of kit! One issue it doesnt look like you could leave it on the car semi-permanently (yes, I know I didn't put that as a requirement!) meaning for spur of the moment rides it would be a bit of a faff to fit when you wanted to head out quickly. Are there any rear bike racks that you could leave on semi permanently, or would I need to go down the roof rack route?
 
Some towbar mounted racks have permanently fitted mounts behind the ball (for demountable ball bars) and can be very quick and easy to mount/demount. Roof racks and bars tend to whistle and have a fairly significant impact on fuel economy when left fitted.
 
I have a MAXXRAXX which carries 4 bikes with ease. There's a release pin at the base which allows it to be angled away from the rear door for access. The horizontal arm can be easily removed (another release pin) and the vertical part can stay on the car if you wanted. The release pins can be secured with padlocks where needed. You will need a rear light board and number plate though, which aren't that costly.
 
Nod said:
Some towbar mounted racks have permanently fitted mounts behind the ball (for demountable ball bars) and can be very quick and easy to mount/demount. Roof racks and bars tend to whistle and have a fairly significant impact on fuel economy when left fitted.
Click to expand...

I hadn't thought about the noise!

The car doesn’t do much mileage most of the time, so the reduced mpg will not be that significant, but the noise would annoy me!
 
Some of the Thule ball hitch mount racks come with a lock in the ball clamp.
 
Rapscallion said:
Thanks all.
Currently don't have a tow bar, but could get one fitted if needed.

Andy, that Thule bike rack looks some piece of kit! One issue it doesnt look like you could leave it on the car semi-permanently (yes, I know I didn't put that as a requirement!) meaning for spur of the moment rides it would be a bit of a faff to fit when you wanted to head out quickly. Are there any rear bike racks that you could leave on semi permanently, or would I need to go down the roof rack route?
Click to expand...
Good idea ,get a tow bar fitted circa £400 then as you now have one get a caravan to take the family on cycling holidays ,your going to need a at least a four berth van so it should be fairly simple to store the bikes in the caravan ,there ya go saved you the cost of buying a bike rack ,and you can still open your rear hatch :banana::banana:
 
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