Roof mounted cycle racks..

bbam · 23-01-2014 11:56am #1

Folks..
We're slowly getting stuff out of storage after the winter..
I'm thinking of investing in a roof mounted cycle rack, it would help move bikes from behind the jeep for towing the caravan, better load distribution..

My only worry is lifting the bikes onto the roof of the x-trail.. Any other users with jeeps out there putting bikes onto the roof ?? Am I mad considering I have a long standing back/shoulder injury..

Also..
I went into Halfords for a look at roofbars and racks.. my god they were expensive..

How about these from Micks Garage..
http://www.micksgarage.com/proddetails.aspx?pid=1208111
http://www.micksgarage.com/proddetails.aspx?pid=1603960

€160 would set me up to carry two bikes on the roof..

Any feedback appreciated..

ThisRegard · 23-01-2014 12:03pm

I got myself a set of Thule ones for the roof of my estate, so it's a lot lower than your X-trail. I'm not exactly a tall lad but I can lift the bikes on easily enough, I might use the door sills to get myself up a bit higher when fastening the bikes tightly.

Doesn't the X-trail already have roof bars ? You'd just need the bars and fitting then, along with the rack, I suppose it all ads up.

You also always need to be aware there's something on the roof when using carparks, toll booths etc.

mirrormatrix · 23-01-2014 12:18pm

ThisRegard wrote: »

You also always need to be aware there's something on the roof when using carparks, toll booths etc.

Absolutely. First trip out I tore half the saddle off my bike going through the exact change part of the toll booth. Wont' be making that mistake again!

bobcranfret · 23-01-2014 1:15pm

I carried two bikes on roof-mounted racks on a Renault Kangoo (which is over 1.8 m hiigh) while towing a caravan. I found that I needed to carry a set of steps to use while putting the bikes up on the rack and even then it was a bit scary. I no longer have the caravan but if I had I think I would consider carrying the bikes inside the caravan.

bbam · 23-01-2014 1:42pm

bobcranfret wrote: »

I carried two bikes on roof-mounted racks on a Renault Kangoo (which is over 1.8 m hiigh) while towing a caravan. I found that I needed to carry a set of steps to use while putting the bikes up on the rack and even then it was a bit scary. I no longer have the caravan but if I had I think I would consider carrying the bikes inside the caravan.

Thats the other option, but Im worried about damage in the van.

midonogh · 23-01-2014 2:02pm

I have a Thule Pro-Ride on top of a landrover discovery which I expect is a bit higher than the X-Trail.
I open the rear door and lift myself up onto the rear wheel, then swing the bike up one handed. Its alright with a carbon frame bike, but would not fancy it with anything much heavier. If you have a bad back I wouldnt recommend it. The fork mounted Thule rack would probably be a bit easier.

Joff · 23-01-2014 2:07pm

Quote [My only worry is lifting the bikes onto the roof of the x-trail.. Any other users with jeeps out there putting bikes onto the roof ?? Am I mad considering I have a long standing back/shoulder injury..] Quote

YES

ThisRegard · 23-01-2014 2:15pm

It's probably expensive, but Thule also do this pretty nifty slide out rack which could save you having to lean over the roof

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=250jFn1GMBk

bbam · 23-01-2014 2:28pm

Thanks folks..

I'll probably give the roof mount rack a miss...

I have a rear mount rack, I'll stick the kids bikes on that and the adult bikes in the caravan..

Might look for some cheap bike bags for the bikes in the caravan, and I've seen racks for keeping bikes upright in the caravan..

Joff · 23-01-2014 2:31pm

ThisRegard wrote: »

It's probably expensive, but Thule also do this pretty nifty slide out rack which could save you having to lean over the roof

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=250jFn1GMBk

Friend of mine uses one of these to load a sea kayak on to a VW camper, (considerably higher than an X-Trail I think) works really well, counterweighted so no back strain....BUT not cheap.......better than risking doing more damage to your back though IMO.