Bike rack for 5 series touring

Wailin

Any suggestions folks? F11 with no hitch, looking for something that will hold 3 bikes and not having much success on the internet. From what i can see a roof bike rack seems the best option but doubt they'll hold 3 bikes.

Wailin

OSI wrote: »

Getting a hitch and hitch mounted rack is by far the best option. But Thule do boot mounted racks that should hold 3 bikes.

Yeah i was thinking getting a hitch might realistically be the best option. Any idea if the hitch mounted ones would hold 3 bikes?

veetwin

OP I have a Hollywood Bike rack that used to carry 3 bikes without a problem on the back of an E61. You can have it for small money if you collect from North Dublin.

A tow bar would be better though and more secure but probably €300 or more plus another €80 for a rack.

Casati

Ive had every combination of bike rack. With a nice car like your, there is no way I would have a cheap rack hanging off the rear boot - unless its a company car and you dont care about the paint work. Also with these racks you are placing your complete trust in two material straps

A tow bar and electrics will be likely over 500 quid - you'd probably want a removable one which might be dearer again. The cheapest three bike tow bar rack is around 150 quid where the bikes are held up with two bars going through the frame, a platform rack which the wheels of the bikes sit on is best for the bikes and will start from around 300 quid (Buzz rack). This is the best option as bikes on a tow bar rack dont use much fuel and with your car the rear tailgate glass opens up separately which will allow boot access with bikes loaded

A roof rack will have no issue fitting three bikes (I can squeeze five fittings onto most of them). Thule bars will probably be 200 quid or you can get decent cheaper bars for around 120 quid off the likes of Micks garage. You'll need bike fittings for each bike - if you are happy to take front wheel off, you can get fittings for 40 quid each (Elite do quality ones) or if you want both wheels on then the Thule 591 is the best bet - around 120 each. Be prepared for significant fuel send - at motorway speeds three bikes on top will increase consumption by at least 30%

Wailin

Thanks casati....cant ask for much better advice than that. I think I'd prefer the hitch fitting for stability, i wouldn't go near the cheap hatchback types you get in Halfords.

Time to price a detachable hitch i think!

Wailin

Looking at the thule platform bike racks they are very expensive, especially for just spoaradic leisure use, different story if I was seriously into biking. What is this particular one like for stability?
https://www.thule.com/en-gb/gb/bike-rack/towbar-bike-racks/thule-hangon-3-tilt-_-972000

R.O.R

Wailin wrote: »

Looking at the thule platform bike racks they are very expensive, especially for just spoaradic leisure use, different story if I was seriously into biking. What is this particular one like for stability?
https://www.thule.com/en-gb/gb/bike-rack/towbar-bike-racks/thule-hangon-3-tilt-_-972000

Price everything up with Towing Equipment - they are the importer for Thule so should do a decent deal on a tow bar and the right bike carrier for you/it.

Wailin

R.O.R wrote: »

Price everything up with Towing Equipment - they are the importer for Thule so should do a decent deal on a tow bar and the right bike carrier for you/it.

Thanks, would be worth a shot alright.

Casati

Wailin wrote: »

Looking at the thule platform bike racks they are very expensive, especially for just spoaradic leisure use, different story if I was seriously into biking. What is this particular one like for stability?
https://www.thule.com/en-gb/gb/bike-rack/towbar-bike-racks/thule-hangon-3-tilt-_-972000

That particular rack is really sturdy - you bolt it onto the tow bar. The only issue you'll have versus a platform is possibly putting different sizes of kids bikes onto it - its had to get them on looking straight and you need to take your time tying them all on. If you are putting 700c mens bikes it will be perfect.

EDit

Wailin wrote: »

Looking at the thule platform bike racks they are very expensive, especially for just spoaradic leisure use, different story if I was seriously into biking. What is this particular one like for stability?
https://www.thule.com/en-gb/gb/bike-rack/towbar-bike-racks/thule-hangon-3-tilt-_-972000

I had a 4-bike version of that Thule rack for a while and while it was sturdy as anything, we could never fit 4 bikes on it (2 kids bikes and 2 adults) and always ended up with a bike in the boot. I would also say that if you are precious about dinging your bikes, avoid those as the bikes really are up against each other.

We have a BuzzRack 4-bike platform rack now and it works a treat and was significantly cheaper than the Thule platform racks

wowy

I recall a previous thread in the cycling forum that mentioned that on motorways in France the French police clamp down on the hanging racks, as the bikes can obstruct rear lights. They want the platform racks with licence plates and lights. Something to consider if you're planning to travel with the rack.

Del2005

wowy wrote: »

I recall a previous thread in the cycling forum that mentioned that on motorways in France the French police clamp down on the hanging racks, as the bikes can obstruct rear lights. They want the platform racks with licence plates and lights. Something to consider if you're planning to travel with the rack.

Our police should be doing the same.

The RSA inspectors wouldn't be happy if they spotted you without a proper trailer board and reg plate at one of their checkpoints.