Bike roof rack bars

B B

BlueTaylor91

Well-Known Member
Joined
12 May 2012
Messages
789
I'm looking at getting a setup for my vehicle. I've been using the strap on the boot type of holders but it actually slipped over the weekend and really frightened me. Now I've got no idea about these roof bars etc i just know they look smart and look really sturdy. Thule is it. Now ideally i want to hold 3 bikes. I've been into Halfords this evening and a chap priced me up...
Footpack
Clamp kit
2 roof bars
3 cycle carriers
£340
Use this about right as I really have no idea. Are they worth the money?
 
Pros and cons of all types! Have you tried getting 3 bikes up on top of the car? And it's the worst for fuel efficiency.

I prefer the strap on the back type although get a decent one - I use a Saris Bones 3. However that said I struggle to get 3 bikes on it. If i needed to carry 3 a lot then i'd get a tow bar and a rack that clamps on a to a bar - they are the best by far and given your quote there i don't think you are far off getting a tow bar fitted.
 
Had the Thule type when i used to tow a caravan.
They were a pain in the arse tbh.
In fact , I went to Devon once for a fortnight and couldn’t be arsed taking the bikes off the roof so i left them on the whole time we were there!
There’s a place in Old Trafford that fits tow bars if you decide that type.
 
I use a Malone roof rack carrier for my kayak and paddleboards but it seems to me in looking around online that there are plenty of good options for mounting bikes on the back of vehicles for much less than what you were quoted. For a large kayak it was either rooftop it or get a lightweight trailer.
 
As others have said, I'd go for the towbar option. Think I used my Thule roof carriers twice before selling on eBay after I realized the amount of hassle they were.
 
I slightly disagree with how much of a hassle they are. I have been using Thule roof bars for over 10 years for bikes and find them pretty straightforward to use, Four bikes is a squeeze but three has never been too much of a problem. Getting the middle one on and off obviously depends a bit on how tall the roof is how tall you are and the weight of the bike. On taller cars I sometimes use a small step to get them on and off.
Not against the tow bar option ,sounds good but I haven't used it, the other rear carriers I found a hassle to fit securely.
 
TheRemainsOfTheDave said:
As others have said, I'd go for the towbar option. Think I used my Thule roof carriers twice before selling on eBay after I realized the amount of hassle they were.
Click to expand...

I've had all the options for carrying bikes on the car. Strap and frame hanging on the boot lid ended up scratching the boot lid! Roof rack was a pain in the back, as well as a pain in the arse. Nowadays I'd forget I had them up their and go under a 6ft barrier and rip the roof off. I've shoved them in the boot, taking off the front wheel. I have a Brompton that sits nicely under the parcel shelf. In fact the boot had four Bromptons in it on one outing. But my choice of transporting a bike is the tow bar bike carrier. By far the easiest - three full size bikes on the back, 'n Brompton in the boot.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Unread Posts

Don't have an account? Register now and see fewer ads!

SIGN UP
Back
Top