Soloution for transporting a Bike

poreilly101

Hi,

I'm driving a Alfa 159 (2009) and I'm looking to transport a bike or maybe even two. What options do I have?

I do not have a hitch but have been quoted €300 for a detachable hitch ( excluding wiring loom ). I can then purchase a unit to sit on the hitch - aprox €140 - this is more that i had anticipated on spending but is a very good system by the looks of things.

The other option is a roof rack. I can get roof bars and two bike stands for aprox €500 - I'm not a huge fan of putting a bike on the roof as i feel it is just to easy to scratch the body of the Alfa and also the bikes may cause some drag

Finally there is the option of the unit that sits on the back of the car touching the bodywork. This I am concerned about! It just can't be good for the bodywork... ???

Anyone resolve this problem without having to pay and arm or a leg?

Stevie Dakota

Been there, done that, the first method is by far the best. A roof rack is a nuisance, plays havoc with fuel consumption and clearance is a problem, one that touches the car WILL in time result in scratches. Go for the first option if you can afford it.

PaddyFagan

poreilly101 wrote: »

Finally there is the option of the unit that sits on the back of the car touching the bodywork. This I am concerned about! It just can't be good for the bodywork... ???

I have one of these - they're pretty well padded and it does have any ill effects on the car (fitting does take a few minutes the first time though!)



It's €60 (free delivery) from these guys: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=28383

I got mine from Cycleways in Pearse St. (http://www.cycleways.com/store/)

Paddy

PS there is also a version for saloon cars - http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=7282

Eoin

poreilly101 wrote: »

The other option is a roof rack. I can get roof bars and two bike stands for aprox €500 - I'm not a huge fan of putting a bike on the roof as i feel it is just to easy to scratch the body of the Alfa and also the bikes may cause some drag

If they're anything like the roof racks I had on my 156, they will be extremely noisy at anything over 60kmh, and that's without anything attached to them.

Stevie Dakota

I must reiterate from years of experience, despite padding any rack that comes into contact with your car will eventually mark your paintwork. A rack with two bikes exerts quite a load on the pressure points, if you value your paintwork don't do it. I had one, was fastidious, added extra padding, protective tape, etc but ended up with small scratches and marks.

Berty

You can get a good rack for €95 made by Hollywood in nearly every bike shop. Top spec rack.

I bought a tow hitch rack the other day for €55. It is the bees knees.

R.O.R

Stevie Dakota wrote: »

I must reiterate from years of experience, despite padding any rack that comes into contact with your car will eventually mark your paintwork. A rack with two bikes exerts quite a load on the pressure points, if you value your paintwork don't do it. I had one, was fastidious, added extra padding, protective tape, etc but ended up with small scratches and marks.

+1

The previous owner of my car used a bike rack so I've 2 (small but noticable) dents on the top of the boot.

OP - If you took the wheels off, would you be able to fit both bikes in the boot?

Drummerboy08

Here's what you really need
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=200840190287161



After that, I'd spend the extra money on a hitch.