Rear Mounted Bike Racks

OldBean

I'm looking at getting a rear mounted bike rack that'll hold at least two, but potentially three (Steel, heavy-ish, large touring frames with bells and whistles) road bikes on the back of an '01 VW Golf hatchback.

Any experiences or recommendations out there? Unfortunately no rear hitch, so I assume we're going down the strap on route?

A mate of mine has the Halfords rear rack that comes in at €70, and recommends it, but just carries one bike on short distances - I'm looking at it for regularly doing 2-4 hour drives down the country, with a potential drive to France with it on the back next year.

I was thinking about the Thule range, which seems to be the most recommended? Potential budget is about €200.

Also, are there any recommendations for bike covers while the bikes are mounted? Both bikes are relatively expensive, slightly expensive looking, and have some leather detailing, so would like to keep them under wraps.

Or am I better off just keeping them in the back with the seats down, foam separating them and wheels off, and forego all the potential wine storage on the way back from France?

xebec

Saris Bones 3 generally comes highly recommended: https://www.saris.com/product/bones3

Check the specs on it though to make sure it can handle the weight. I would expect it to fit to a Golf with no problems but that can be confirmed on their website too. Should be able to get it delivered well under your budget.

Cee-Jay-Cee

I have the Saris Bones 2 and a mate of mine has the Bones 3 (which carries 3) and they're excellent, very solid and secure. I took my bike to Cork last summer from north donegal and it never budged one inch on the journey. Mine is fitted to a saloon but they're very versatile and will fit 99% of all cars.

OldBean

Cheers guys, the Saris Bones 3 looks pretty perfect - Did you guys get them through Eurotrek or the Saris website? I might be having a herp moment, but can't find a way to ship to Ireland on the Saris website.

xebec

OldBean wrote: »

Cheers guys, the Saris Bones 3 looks pretty perfect - Did you guys get them through Eurotrek or the Saris website? I might be having a herp moment, but can't find a way to ship to Ireland on the Saris website.

I bought the Saris Solo (single bike carrier) from Eurocycles on the Long Mile Road. It's available plenty of places online, CRC and Wiggle links below but Evans in the UK might be cheaper...

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/saris-bones-3-bike-boot-rack/rp-prod39564

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/saris-bones-3-bike-rack/

OldBean

Perfect. That's that done and in the basket! Much appreciated.

Any recommendations for bike covers while on the car? Or am I being far too protective?

Cee-Jay-Cee

I bought mine from wiggle last year, it was reduced in a sale so got it for just over €110 shipped.

It's €5 cheaper from Wiggle than Evans.

cdaly_

OldBean wrote: »

Any recommendations for bike covers while on the car? Or am I being far too protective?

I have carried leather saddles in all kinds of weather and they've been fine. They've spent a lot more time out in the rain while riding the bike...

cart man

+ 1 saris, eurocycles matched online price and showed me how to fit it

Carawaystick

Travelled 3k km with bikes on a rear strap on carrier last year in the continent, with no issues but poor boot access.

I'd only consider a cover if I was getting the stenna ferry, which has outdoor car decks and salt issues from spray.

8valve

The gendarmerie will take a dim view of you carrying bikes on a strap-on bike rack.

I'm not 100% sure but I think they main even be banned on motorways over there?

This is based on feedback I've received from within the campervan community, which I'm also a part of elsewhere on t'interweb.

You'll be better off (and safer) with a hitch mounted rack for France.

uck51js9zml2yt

There is a PDF on caravanclub.co.UK saying they can be carried on the back I'd they don't obscure lights and reg plates. Or on a tow bar if the max weight is not exceeded.

Can't link as I'm on the phone.

Carawaystick

I just put a spare number plate at the back of the load, had no issues with the cops.
You would have the same issues with a ball rack anyway, need reg visible

iwillhtfu

I'm considering selling my thule bike rack op it might suit you perfectly it's the one that clamps onto either side of the rear door.

I used to have it on a golf mk4 it's very sturdy and simple to install. I can't remember the model at the min.

If you're interested I'll come back with prices/pics/model.

It holds 3 bikes

OldBean

Thanks a mil iwillhtfu, but ended up hitting Wiggle's buy button on the Bones the other day. Ended up getting herself's first Lycra bibtights and jersey for too good a deal to not order the rack at the same time

OldBean

Gave the Bones 3 its first run today, Dublin to Waterford.

Was a little bit nervous when the big winds were hitting, but it held up perfect.

Really nice piece of kit. So solid. Great being able open the boot while its fitted too.