Bike Rack and Kids Bikes

johnam

I am looking for advice as to whether anyone knows of a roof-bar mounted bike rack that can take kids bikes.

I drive a Skoda Superb, and I had my suspicions that a rear door fitted bike rack (strap mounted) would not work due to the double opening system on the superb, this link seems to confirm my suspicions!

The next option was a tow hitch mounted one, but I would like one that could in the future take 4 bikes, (myself, my wife, and two kids), but seeing as my car does not have a tow hitch, this seems like a very expensive route to take. I have been quoted between €325 and €625 for the hitch alone, and if I decide to change car in the future, I would have to fork that out again for another hitch.

So, finally it fell to the roof mounted option. My issue here is that I cannot for the life of me find any that are advertised as being able to take kids bikes.

My kids are 5 and just shy of 1 year old. The one year old sits in a weeride kangaroo attached to my bike, so I am not worried about him for the moment, but would like to future proof my purchase, and the 5 year old has her own bike (16 or 18inch wheels, i'm not sure) that connects to a follow me tandem kit, so she is connected to me on the main roads, but free to cycle on her own once we get to the parks etc. If anyone has any experience with roof racks and kids bikes I would appreciate the advice, I am looking forward to getting away for a few cycling weekends with the kids if these storms ever pass.

torydiver

johnam wrote: »

I am looking for advice as to whether anyone knows of a roof-bar mounted bike rack that can take kids bikes.

I drive a Skoda Superb, and I had my suspicions that a rear door fitted bike rack (strap mounted) would not work due to the double opening system on the superb, this link seems to confirm my suspicions!

The next option was a tow hitch mounted one, but I would like one that could in the future take 4 bikes, (myself, my wife, and two kids), but seeing as my car does not have a tow hitch, this seems like a very expensive route to take. I have been quoted between €325 and €625 for the hitch alone, and if I decide to change car in the future, I would have to fork that out again for another hitch.

So, finally it fell to the roof mounted option. My issue here is that I cannot for the life of me find any that are advertised as being able to take kids bikes.

My kids are 5 and just shy of 1 year old. The one year old sits in a weeride kangaroo attached to my bike, so I am not worried about him for the moment, but would like to future proof my purchase, and the 5 year old has her own bike (16 or 18inch wheels, i'm not sure) that connects to a follow me tandem kit, so she is connected to me on the main roads, but free to cycle on her own once we get to the parks etc. If anyone has any experience with roof racks and kids bikes I would appreciate the advice, I am looking forward to getting away for a few cycling weekends with the kids if these storms ever pass.

I have an old octavia. Had rear strap mounted rack.... Hated using it. A phaff getting straps right. Had no towbar but really wanted towbar rack for security and convenience. New towbar and fitting was extortionate price for old car. Got second hand towbar in a breakers for about 35 euros and was able to fit it myself althouth I would be used to mechanical work. Might be an option for you

JC 3.14159

I wouldn't rule out the towbar option. The cost might not be much more than the price for roof rack + 4 cycle carriers.

For example, for a roof mounted thing you'd need something like this;
http://www.roofracks.co.uk/Thule-Fit-Guide/_-/?make=Skoda&model=Superb&type=Saloon&modelYear=2008-plus&id=28
and 4 of these
http://www.roofracks.co.uk/Thule-Products/Roof-Mounted/Bike-Cycle-Carriers/591-ProRide/

Total cost of 140 + 280 = £420.

Compared to something like this;
http://www.roofracks.co.uk/Thule-Products/Tow-Bar-Mounted/Bike-Cycle-Carriers/9708-HangOn/

+ the cost of the towbar.

I asked a garage about fitting a towbar before to a Honda FRV. Quoted €400+, for a basic (non-removable) type. For the same money I was able to buy a decent removable one (Witter or Bosal, can't remember which) and a Thule towbar mounted rack. The bike rack was a platform type one, something like this;
http://www.roofracks.co.uk/Thule-Products/Tow-Bar-Mounted/Bike-Cycle-Carriers/941-EuroRide/.
Fitting was fairly easy, but you do need some tools and mechanical/electrical know-how. Electrics can be tricky on newer cars with reversing sensors etc. If the towbar price you quoted was the installed cost, the lower end sounds decent enough really.
I thought the removable towbar was worth having. The one I had stuck out quite a bit (enough to trip people walking behind the car) so I left it off most of the time.

If you go with a towbar rack, the hanging type ones are probably better for kids bikes - even very small ones can be hung with one support through the frame, and the back wheel or some other part strapped to the other support.
The platform-type ones are heavier and more expensive, but are much easier to tilt for boot access (watch the video for the 9708 above - tilting that requires the bikes to be removed). With the platform types, the whole thing can be tilted without removing the bikes. Much handier for those motorway service station stops where you have to go digging for something in the boot. It was necessary for an estate/MPV, but maybe not as much of an issue for your Superb.
The platform types also come with lights, and a place to hang a numberplate. Lights are a requirement - multiple bikes do a good job at blocking everything at the back of the car.

Also, hanging bikes on the back of the car is easier than lifting them onto the roof, and eliminates any chance of car park barrier disasters. Also more aerodynamic, I think. A towbar can be handy for trips to the dump etc too, trailers can be rented cheaply.

cdaly_

On the other hand, I've been using a cheapo roof rack similar to this for a number of years now. Got mine for around €15 in NorAuto in France on the hols. €26 in Halfords.

I would say it should take a kid's bike but you might want to put the kid's bike between the adult ones and secure it crossways too.

johnam

I don't like the idea of 4 bikes hanging on the back of the car, there is not situation in my mind whereby they are not banging off each other all the way down the road, doing damage to spokes and paint work. So although that is the cheapest option, I think I have ruled that one out.

So now I need to decide between fitting a tow bar, and then having a monstrously long car which will not in any normal parking space,or roof rack which will not fit in a multistory car park.

But still I have not found anything to say whether or not the roof mounted option can take kids bikes....anyone out there have experience?