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Bike carriers - are they as messy as they look

  • 27-10-2014 1:13am
    #1
    percy212
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,077 ✭✭✭


    I was considering getting one of these: http://www.micksgarage.com/proddetails.aspx?pid=3550724&pk=744B9

    I am bit worried about all those straps and things taking off paint though. Anyone have any experience with carriers - or know of a better alternative for transporting bikes?


Comments

  • #2
    delly
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 7,730 Mod ✭✭✭✭delly


    I got that exact one a couple of years back from Micks Garage, having never carried bikes before. To be fair, once you take a bit of time to read the instructions and get familiar with using it, it is actually a very easy process. No risk to paint damage once you have it on right, and there are a number of configurations depending on your car shape. Just don't leave getting familiar with it on the day your going.


  • #3
    ProudDUB
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,569 ✭✭✭✭ProudDUB


    percy212 wrote: »
    I was considering getting one of these: http://www.micksgarage.com/proddetails.aspx?pid=3550724&pk=744B9

    I am bit worried about all those straps and things taking off paint though. Anyone have any experience with carriers - or know of a better alternative for transporting bikes?

    Have you considered buying a rack from a specialty bike shop?

    I'm in the market for a bike rack too. I've been to a couple of shops to see what was on offer. Both of 'em said that they would mount the rack to my car for me, and then take it off and let me do it for myself, under their supervision.

    I haven't actually bought one yet, but the staff at specialty bike shops seem to be really hands on at helping customers out....presumably as they want you to keep on buying gear from them.

    There are racks that you can leave on your car all the time, if you want to. If your car has a tow bar, you lock the rack onto that & it can't be stolen from your car. You have to be careful parking your car and reversing, but it means that you don't have to be messing with straps and whatnot, every time you take the bike out for a spin.


  • #4
    Yarisbob
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 128 ✭✭Yarisbob


    I fitted my Saab 95 estate with a Thule setup on the roof rails. I can take 4 bikes and 8 spare wheels. The rack is also lockable.

    I dont have enough posts in to show pictures unfortunately !!


  • #5
    Chimaera
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,652 ✭✭✭Chimaera


    For convenience in putting it on and off the best option is a towbar mounted one, but they tend to be more expensive, and you need a towbar.

    With any bike rack, you need to check if it'll get in the way of your lights when loaded up. If it does you're going to need to buy a lighting board and get your car wired up for it.


  • #6
    CiniO
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,069 ✭✭✭✭CiniO


    I've used roof mounts for roof rails for years, and was happy with that. It provided stable mount. Only disadvantage was putting bike on and off from this.

    As my current car doesn't really have ability to have roof rails, I switched to towbar mounted bike carrier, and I think that's the best solution.
    I initially purchased cheap hanger which worked fine, but bikes were bit woobly.
    But due to purchasing new bike with full suspesion, it doesn't really fit to hanger, so I decided to go for towbar carrier which holds bike on rails and attaches them on top (Thule 9503).
    I'm more than happy with that.


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  • #7
    Iwannahurl
    Closed Accounts Posts: 8,156 ✭✭✭Iwannahurl


    percy212 wrote: »
    I was considering getting one of these: http://www.micksgarage.com/proddetails.aspx?pid=3550724&pk=744B9

    I am bit worried about all those straps and things taking off paint though. Anyone have any experience with carriers - or know of a better alternative for transporting bikes?


    In my experience a towbar-mounted bike carrier is really handy.

    There are various models available, with and without fiddly straps, and they fold away for storage.

    Thule appear to be a good-quality make: http://www.thule.com/en/ie/products/carriers-and-racks/bike-carriers

    BTW, would your bike fit in the boot with its front wheel removed?


  • #8
    CJhaughey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,907 ✭✭✭✭CJhaughey


    I have two Halfords racks the three bike highmount one for cars with no hitch and the 4 bike towbar mounted one.
    The 4 bike towbar mount is rock solid with no wobbles or any movement.
    The three bike version is good but care has to be taken when tightening the straps to make sure they are retensioned after a few miles.
    I would recommend waiting for a sale before you buy one, I am sure I paid 130 for the towbar mount one which is now 240!


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