Transporting bicycles

gman

gman

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Graham
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I'm not keen on the roof kind and my car doesn't appear to be compatible with the rear mounted type which leaves the tow bar kind. Can anyone recommend one to take four bicycles because at the moment I don't have a clue about them?
 
I would have said Thule and I think the tow bar connection is my preferred option, but you have the added expense of having to have a tow bar fitted...

They only list 1 for 4 bikes https://www.thule.com/en-gb/gb/bike-rack/towbar-bike-racks/thule-hangon-4-_-970805

On offer at Halfords at the moment http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bik...s/thule-hangon-9708-4-bike-rear-mount-carrier
And on offer at Evans cycles at the moment https://www.evanscycles.com/thule-9708-hangon-4-bike-towball-carrier-00103807

Halfords also list their own - sit on rather than hang on and gets very good reviews http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bik...e-racks/halfords-4-bike-tow-bar-cycle-carrier

Evans also list Maxx Raxx (no experience with them) https://www.evanscycles.com/search?...MIqNCbvK7h2gIVz7ftCh1V6wS9EAAYASAAEgIFw_D_BwE

Looks like for 4 bikes, you're options are limited more, hope it's of help :)
 
Used both roof and tow bar racks for two or three bikes, from my experiences if I wanted to transport four bikes now I would seriously consider a small trailer.
 
Trailers (should) slow you down. ( https://www.gov.uk/speed-limits ) They're also vulnerable to theft once you get to your destination (unless there's a solid tree or something else to chain it to - wheels get nicked too). Reversing with a small trailer is harder than a larger one.
 
A trailer did cross my mind and speed isn't an issue anymore so not bothered by that. It would be more practical then a dedicated bike carrier.

Thanks for advice so far, will keep researching.
 
Nod said:
Trailers (should) slow you down. ( https://www.gov.uk/speed-limits ) They're also vulnerable to theft once you get to your destination (unless there's a solid tree or something else to chain it to - wheels get nicked too). Reversing with a small trailer is harder than a larger one.
Click to expand...

Bikes are vulnerable to theft too, what isn't these days, tow ball lock and wheel nut locks are available. Just unhitch the trailer if you find reversing difficult and push it around.

You have named all the downsides, from experience the other options have their problems too and just saying what my preference would be
 
i would not want 4 bikes on a rear mounted carrier, 2 was bad enough. Cant open the boot without removing the rack and the current cars that have minimal shut line gaps or glass to the edge of the tailgate mean they are not viable for many cars

Thule, pendle or Saris are the go to brands

I have a roof mount for the mountainbike and as long as its tightened correctly doesnt move. Ive abused the speed recommendations with no issues. 3 downsides, being tall enough/strong enough to lift the bike over head height onto the mount, any mud caked on flies off as you drive leaving the roof spattered and any anyone behind, and height restrictions- many bikes have been dynamically manipulated having connected with said restriction.

My road bike is light and clean enough to fit in the back of the car.
 
Thanks, I think the cost is going to be too high for simply transporting family bikes. I could understand justifying the cost of it's for serious bikes.

I may be able to fit them in the boot with the bags and also use the roof box to help.
 
thats the reasonI went for the roof mount for the MTB, It didnt fit in the car easily and with thule roof bars the main cost is the rack and the roof bars, the feet and attachment packs are relatively cheap if you change the vehicle. At 400 quid for the towbar every car yo by that can get costly.

Im quite happy with the bike on the roof, although happier when the road bike is inside. I managed to get my bars, feetpacks and racks second hand or well discounted. I bought bars which came with feet for a different car and sold them on then bought feet for the correct car. saved about 40% over new.
 
@gman I have just put a bargain bundle of roof bars and roof carriers on the classifieds.
Might help you out to get started
 
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Cheers, I've already got roof bars and just need new adapters so I can pop the roof box on. Not really keen on bikes being on the roof and the roof box is pretty big so there won't be space anyway. Appreciate the thought though.
 
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