Recommendations for a cycle rack

[guitarman]

Anybody got any ideas about a cycle rack to fit on the back of a hatchback?

Preferably one that I won't need a light bar for and wil carry 2 bikes without damaging the paintwork on the car.

Cheers

Dick

 

[StooL]

I've tried a couple and have come to the conclusion that they're not worth the hassle. Can't open the boot, scratch painted and plastic bits and you'll need to at least tie on another numberplate but maybe need lights as well depending on where the bikes sit. I now use Thule roof bars and bike racks. More expensive but much more secure and actually a hell of a lot cheaper than a respray. You can lock the bikes on as well, so you're not worried about them going missing when you stop for a coffee. The bars have been used for a hell of a lot more than just carrying bikes as well....really handy just to have em.

If you're going to carry bikes more than a couple of miles and more than once I recommend bars. Just my tuppence worth.

Oh, you can also get a rear rack that sits on the tow bar. These look like another alternative but they aint cheap either.

 

[(RIP) Shenzi]

I have both...agree with StooL

 

[Noddy]

I use a tow bar clamp version, but can't get the tailgate open without removing everything.

Recon StooLs right.

Don't buy one of the carriers that rests against the heated rear screen ! Plenty of these for sale at the Sunday markets. After its happened.

 

[Wreford Miles]

Halfords do a high mounting one which worked OK on an Audi A3

 

[schnauzer]

tried both, stool is right imho, and I find a stool handy for getting the bike on and off the roof!

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

Depends what car you've got and how you fix it on.

I had a saab9000 'hatchback' and bought a 2 cycle rack from halfords.

Instead of fixing the straps down to the bumper and effectively stopping the door opening , i fixed to the bottom lip of the door - this meant the rack could stay on permanently and the door still be opened.
With two people , i could even open the door with the two bikes still attached.

bear in mind the saab9000 has a MASSIVELY strong hatch door - a fiesta may struggle.

 

[guitarman]

Thanks for the help guys. Perhaps I should have explained why I didn't ask for info on roof bars so .....................

1) they're expensive for just a few trips
2) it really hits fuel consumption
3) there's a bit more restriction on using a ferry but mostly it's because
4) I can't fit roof bars to my car (it's a Picasso with "soft" sun roof which can't be used if roof bars are fitted - wish I still had my 9000 - wonderful car )

Ah well, looks like it's down to google searches and Halfords

Thanks anyway.

Cheers

Dick

 

[tigerwoods]

go to google dot com and type THULE and it should come up with the THULE website, who are manufacturers of cycle racks and things....