Suitable bike carrier for saloon

Wailin

I just signed up for the bike to work scheme and went for a merida scultura 300. Good choice for starting out folks?

Anyway, I have a saloon car and am looking for a good, stable bike carrier that can take 3 bikes. I do have a hitch as well if that makes the options easier, which I'm guessing it does. Not really interested in roof mounted holders at all. Cheers

elperello

https://www.halfords.ie/cycling/bike-racks/towbar-mounted-bike-racks

3 different types here.
I've been using the cheapest option for years but only for two bikes. No problems so far.

kenmc

If you have a hitch, use it. Much faster to install and more stable

cdaly_

The scissors type rack is very handy to keep in the boot full-time. Takes up minimal space and does the job nicely. You do need to have a trailer light bar if you have multiple bikes up.
The platform type rack takes up a lot more storage space but is maybe handier on long trips and typically has lights built in. It often tilts to allow boot access while loaded.

The scissors rack is much quicker to deploy (~15 sec).

Ray Bloody Purchase

Use one with the hitch. I can't advise which one, but it is the handiest option. I don't have a hitch and use one with straps that's a pain in the hole to get on and off.

My auld has a hitch on his car and it's incredibly easy to use and convenient with the scissors type rack.

wheelo01

I have just changed car to a hatchback and my current saloon type three bike carrier doesn't fit, so I have one for sale, if you are Dublin based you can even just try it out to see if that style suits you.

plodder

kenmc wrote: »

If you have a hitch, use it. Much faster to install and more stable

.. faster, more stable and (the deal clincher for me) no part of the carrier or any bike carried there on, touches the precious paint work ...

wheelo01

This is the rack I was mentioning

kenmc

plodder wrote: »

.. faster, more stable and (the deal clincher for me) no part of the carrier or any bike carried there on, touches the precious paint work ...

Wait, what? You care about your car? Pfft.

plodder

kenmc wrote: »

Wait, what? You care about your car? Pfft.

It's actually my wife's car. The deal was me being allowed to put bikes on it. :pac:

Ray Bloody Purchase

wheelo01 wrote: »

This is the rack I was mentioning

I got something like that from Halfords and the foam pads moved whilst i was transporting a bike and the boot got scratched.

They basically moved closer together and the bare edge of the rack was laying down on the boot.

wheelo01

In the couple of years I've owned it, it has never moved, thankfully.
I've never tried move the pads, but during any handling, they have never moved.