car rack

scaryfairy

Hi,

I need your advice re. getting a cycle carrier for 2 bikes. And we need it quickly - within a week or sth...
The car (a 4-door regular car) has a towbar, but no roof racks. So we need one of those things you attach to the back of the car. We have been to Halfords and been advised to get one with loads of straps for 150 euros. Also had a look at what Argos has to offer but don't really have a clue. They vary so much in price and just confuses the hell out of us. Also, wiggle could be an option, I'd get 10% off with them, but again, don't really know which one to take.
It will probably get little use, just need to take my bikes up to Dublin from Cork.

Apologies if it has been discussed before, tried to go back a couple of weeks.

thanks
cheers
sf

mmclo

bump...I would be similarly interested

btw if it is soon and just one journey maybe CIE Fast track would help, it is being shut down sone though!

Karma

wolfe cycles on sundrive rd, have some 2/3 bike carriers for about 60, was going to get one myself but got given one at xmas. the same are 80/90 in other shops in town.

scaryfairy

hi

many thanks. We are still in Cork so Sundrive is not an option at this stage... So racks that cost ~60euro+ should be ok? They just all seem so flimsy to me with those straps!

cheers,

Morgan

Seeing as you have a tow-bar, you wouldn't go wrong with this:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=23703

mmclo

Can somebody explain the basic physics with them?

Seems they are light and loose but the wieght of the bike makes them secure??

Morgan

mmclo wrote: »

Can somebody explain the basic physics with them?

Seems they are light and loose but the wieght of the bike makes them secure??

The rack certainly shouldn't be "loose". There are at least six straps holding it solidly to the boot of the car.

Murph100

Try these guys, next day delivery and always seem to have tons in stock, just give them a call to make sure and also for very practical advice. Tow hitch mounted is the best way to go though, the most secure and no danger of forgetting about it and having a tangle with a height restriction bar ... it happens sooooooooooo easily !

www.slanecycles.com/productlist.aspx?subid=370&catid=76

HTH,


Murph

penexpers

Morgan wrote: »

The rack certainly shouldn't be "loose". There are at least six straps holding it solidly to the boot of the car.

Yes, 6 straps, 2 at the bottom, 2 at the top, and 1 on each side. At the end of each strap is a clip that clips under the lip of the boot. When all straps are tight, the rack is perfectly secure.

scaryfairy

Murph100 wrote: »

Try these guys, next day delivery and always seem to have tons in stock, just give them a call to make sure and also for very practical advice. Tow hitch mounted is the best way to go though, the most secure and no danger of forgetting about it and having a tangle with a height restriction bar ... it happens sooooooooooo easily !

www.slanecycles.com/productlist.aspx?subid=370&catid=76

hi Murph,
many thanks for the link. Is there one (or more) on the list that you would particularly recommend?

thanks again
sf

Murph100

The lads in Slane will give you the best advice, and also whats in stock since you're in a hurry. Just make sure you can get access to the boot when the carrier is on, most of these ones do have a tilt function so you're sorted in that regard. In the meantime you can do a bit of research at :

http://www.thule.com/Thule/ProductListPage____83171.aspx

and the Twinny ones at :

http://www.twinnyload.nl/index.php?pageid=1

In dutch only though, but there are some vids for each type.


Murph

scaryfairy

hi Murph,

many thanks for the links & advice. Will give them a ring tomorrow.

cheers,
sf

EH

I use one like the CRC model mentioned in a previous posting. It works very well, I use alot of thick cable ties to tie the bike to the rack. If possible get one that you can loop a chain around so that you can secure the bike to the rack if you have to leave it anywhere. If you have a tow bar on your car this is the only way to go, on a previous car I had a rack that just strapped to the boot but the bike shop gave me one for a 3 door honda civic instead of a 5 door and it detached itself from the car while doing 70mph on the M50 damaging my bike and taking a lump out of the car!

scaryfairy

oh my goodness that sounds like a total nightmare! good that at least nobody got hurt! (I assume)
but thanks for the CRC suggestion - have given all the details to mr sf, he is the driver, he will have to deal with it!
Hope we can avoid these accidents...

thanks again
sf