Recommend a good bike rack for my car :)

ToadVine

I got my MTB over the weekend ... a beautiful Lapierre 500 I got it home in the back of the Mrs Hyundai Tucson withbthe seats folded down which worked well, but I know I'll need a better way of transporting it around.

So I'm looking for recommendations for a good bike rack. It'll have to fit the Hyundai, and more importantly it'll have to protect and transport my new baby.

Any recommendations? Also, would it be better to get second hand or new?

Khannie

I recently got a lend of one of these from another boardsie (thanks again!). Worked a treat to the extent that it's on my "to buy" list. Holds three bikes which may be overkill for you.

Lemag

The Saris Bones 2 should do the job very nicely. I have the Bones 3 but it can't really take 3 bikes. It's robust and good for keeping the bikes apart so no stratches.

lennymc

ive had bike racks, roof racks, lamb racks, but the best thing is the towbar mounted carrier. Doesnt damage the bike, and doesnt damage the car. Can be a lot more expensive if you need to get a tow bar aswell tho. Can carry 3 bikes safely.

Roger Hassenforder

would you not pop it on the roof via the Tuscon's rails.
must get something myself for the auld dolls jeep, my car has a boot spoiler so limits options. Anyone recommend anything in particular for the roof?

ashleey

I have the Thule roofbars. If you use roofrackshop.com you can specify your car and they give you the parts list for the bars and feet etc. You can use one set of bars and change the feet when changing car. Your main problem will be lifting a mountain bike onto a jeep. It takes 2 hands and you must balance in the doorwell. That's why people are suggesting the towbar system. Bear in mind you can't use a 'grab' type bike fixing with a carbon frame.

dingdong1234567

Lemag wrote: »

The Saris Bones 2 should do the job very nicely. I have the Bones 3 but it can't really take 3 bikes. It's robust and good for keeping the bikes apart so no stratches.

+1. Saris bones 3, mighty job.

Lemag

dingdong1234567 wrote: »

+1. Saris bones 3, mighty job.

Have you managed to fit 3 bikes on that though? I've only tried with 2 at most and it doesn't look like it could really take 3.

Wishbone Ash

I have the Thule 3 bike towbar fitted carrier. Solid as a rock.

HivemindXX

Lemag wrote: »

Have you managed to fit 3 bikes on that though? I've only tried with 2 at most and it doesn't look like it could really take 3.

I've used a Bones 3 with three bikes and there was no problem. What makes you think it won't work with three?

dingdong1234567

Lemag wrote: »

Have you managed to fit 3 bikes on that though? I've only tried with 2 at most and it doesn't look like it could really take 3.

No I haven't, have no reason doubt it tbh. Why do you say that?

triggermortis

Lemag wrote: »

The Saris Bones 2 should do the job very nicely. I have the Bones 3 but it can't really take 3 bikes. It's robust and good for keeping the bikes apart so no stratches.

+1 on the Saris - I have the Bones 2 and it works a treat

rp

Lemag wrote: »

The Saris Bones 2 should do the job very nicely. I have the Bones 3 but it can't really take 3 bikes. It's robust and good for keeping the bikes apart so no stratches.

++ for the Saris bones: its very quick to mount / demount, and it folds up neatly. Had one for many years and quality is good, previous tubular racks have bent, bits gone missing and been generally a pain to fit and to store.

check_six

I have the Hollywood Express rack as recommended by Khannie above. They are stocked by a lot of LBSs which means you can have a good look at them before purchase. The Saris Bones was top of my list, but I couldn't find a LBS which stocked it near me.

To be honest, I am delighted how well the Hollywood rack has worked, it has the strap things to keep the bikes apart and sets up quite easily.

One thing you will need no matter what rack you go for is a length of pipe insulating foam which you can pick up in a diy store for about €2. Very handy for wrapping around touching tubes, pedals, etc.

Lemag

dingdong1234567 wrote: »

No I haven't, have no reason doubt it tbh. Why do you say that?

Whilst the 2 road bikes appeared to fit on to it quite comfortably there didn't seem to be much room for a third road bike. Perhaps without the drop bars it might be easier to accommodate 3 bikes so it might work with 3 mtbs.

dingdong1234567

True that, I have had my wife's and my mountain bike on it. I just make sure that I put the wife's bike on first to keep the greatest weight close to the fulcrum of the hanger then my bike, the lightest next.

I'm sure it will take three mtbs but you'd want to take it handy on the roads I'd say.