Bike roof / tail gate rack help!!

murphyebass

Hi guys,

I want to bring my bike on hols with me in a few weeks time but with all the baby stuff in the boot it wont fit in there like it used to.

Its a Dublin to Mayo trip, I drive a saloon Mazda 6 and the bike is a mens racer type bike if thats any use.

I've look at racks that go on the roof or at the back of the car. Im at a loss as to which one is better. I dont care which it goes on once its safe and easy to use.

I'd like this not to cost an arm and a leg but at the same time I'd rather buy quality if it'd last better and be safer etc..

I've seen them for as little as 25quid in Halfords but seriously have no idea if theyre ok or not.

I'm open to second hand as well.

Thanks and any suggestions/help very welcome.

oh I meant to add this will be used very sparingly I'd say probably a few times a year. Maybe more but it wont be an every day/weekend thing. Hols mainly I'd say.

ford2600

I use a thule roof bars with halfords bike attachments and find them very good. Thule are expensive though. Halfords bike carrier quality is ok only. In saying that have them 6 years and they still work at 70mph.
Pros and cons with every system, security an issue with them all. Don't leave bike attached where you wouldn't leave car unlocked!

Roof system means you need to watch for height barriers including toll booths.
If you have a heavy mtb, esp after a long spin and tired a not insignificant risk of bike falling when putting it up!

Boot system can get in way of boot, lights etc

There is no perfect system, but my preference is for the thule hitch rack with light cluster, probably overkill for your requirements.

cdaly_

I use both rear rack and roof rack. If you already have roof bars, the cheap roof rack is perfectly adequate but, as mentioned, you have to be aware of height barriers. The glass sunroof on the car is very helpful from that POV; it's fairly hard to forget the bike is up there when it's in your eyeline the whole time. The roof rack will also work alongside a roof box so long as you offset it when mounting. It takes a bit more time to set up as the roof bars have to be mounted first.

The rear rack is a strap-on and is pretty handy to fit after the initial setup (you have to adjust 6 separate straps initially). Bikes are easier to mount as it's lower but it does obscure rear lights and number plates. A single bike won't obscure the lights enough to matter in ireland but you need to have extra number plates and lights if you use it on the continent. The bike also interrupts your rear vision somewhat. You have to take care to not allow pedals or brake levers to scratch the paintwork etc.

murphyebass

ok so reading through those replies I can safely say rule out the one on the roof rack. I know its sounds stupid but I really didnt think about the likes of tolls being an issue for them and in fairness I'd probably mangle it in on a low bridge or something!

So we're down to tailgate ones then.

I'm not too bothered about the poor visability through the back window, it'll be grand for the few times I use it.

As for the lights, well again I'll be using it during the day so thats not an issue.

Probably not a bad idea to get one that holds two bikes incase I ever want to bring the mountain bike as well but mainly it'll be the racer on its own.

So any suggestions with the criteria somewhat tightening?

... worth noting I'll never leave a bike attached to it unless I'm in the car.

I also wont be using it abroad.

studiorat

http://www.adverts.ie/bikes/3-bike-car-rack-by-paddy-hopkirk/3326748

Looks grand for what you need...

murphyebass

studiorat wrote: »

http://www.adverts.ie/bikes/3-bike-car-rack-by-paddy-hopkirk/3326748

Looks grand for what you need...

It says its for a hatchback. I have a saloon Mazda 6 so I doubt it'll do unfortuantely.

BailMeOut

The Saris Bones is a really good system. I have used mine on Saloons, Hatch backs and SUVs and it always fits. Have loaned to lots of buddies with various cars and again always works. They fold up really small so easy to store and are simple to install as needed.

They do one, two and three bike versions (I have the 2).

banger01

[HTML]It says its for a hatchback. I have a saloon Mazda 6[/HTML]
I have one simular been on a hatchback various makes and now on a saloon (Renault megane) it can be done, and in my opinion this is the best all round type of bike rack, bikes weigh very little (racing type bikes especialy) they dont realy obscure your lights (indicators break lights ect) and if posioned carefully even number plate is visiable, and again if carefully positioned you can still open the boot with the bike on the rack though you need to be carefull, and multi story care parks, toll booths ect are not an issue. If as in your case its only for occasional use its worth a punt at 45 euro. (you can always sell it on if it dont meet your needs)

murphyebass

OSI wrote: »

Yoink....

Very tempted to offer the asking just to steal it away from you.

..... edit... Looks like you got it in the end. Enjoy the poach.

murphyebass

BailMeOut wrote: »

The Saris Bones is a really good system. I have used mine on Saloons, Hatch backs and SUVs and it always fits. Have loaned to lots of buddies with various cars and again always works. They fold up really small so easy to store and are simple to install as needed.

They do one, two and three bike versions (I have the 2).

Looks good alright but seriously 140euro for the 2 bike is just too steep for me to justify the few times it'd get used during the year.

Sure thats almost half the value of the racer.

edit.. just saw the price for the 1 bike is 50quid. Thats a lot more reasonable, worth a thought. Would rather the 2 bike but 50quid is a lot better than 140euro so maybe I need to just go with the one bike option for now.

banger01

Have a look on micksgarage.ie for a 3 bike one, worth it if you have more then one bike.

irinel

I am looking to sale a Mont Blanc BikeCarrier RearDartmoor for 40€ if you're interested.

studiorat

OSI wrote: »

Yoink....

Finders fee PM on the way...

Maidhci

Similar to BailMeOut, I too have the Saris Bones 2, it is an excellent rack, have used it on several occasions as have my friends and all found it an excellent, stable and safe carrier. I use it to carry my roadbike or hybrid, never to two, but opted for the 2 bike carrier due to the fact that the Saris Solo does not have anti-sway side straps and having read some reviews decided on the Saris Bones 2. It is more expensive than other carriers on the market but in my opinion, it is much more sturdy, stable and overall a much safer carrier than the alternatives that I have seen.

Wishbone Ash

murphyebass wrote: »

.As for the lights, well again I'll be using it during the day so thats not an issue

I think the lads were referring to brake lights/indicators etc.. It might not be an issue for you but it would be for other motorists.

murphyebass wrote:

... worth noting I'll never leave a bike attached to it unless I'm in the car

So if you stop to refuel, you'll remove the bike when going in to pay?