For the first time since we took delivery of the car last October all the elements were aligned so we could try out the bike rack (purchased in December!)

Fitting the rack to the towing hitch was pretty simple, I did do a trial run when it arrived!

Harder was pushing the electric connector into place, its a VERY tight fit..

You really need an assistant to hold things in place while you do up all the straps and bungee cords.

SWMBO's bike is a bit more agricultural than mine, maybe a good excuse to get a new lighter weight model... (bike not wife!, hmm on the other hand.........no perhaps not).

Anyway everything seem to be fixed in place, there seemed to be a bit of bounce, but not enough to cause any bike / car contact. I felt a little uneasy about all that weight / leverage just held in place by the friction of the mounting. I gave it an extra "tweak" just to be sure...

We set off to a local Forestry Commission site, nothing seemed out of sorts. The car zoomed along nicely, with no additional wind noise (even at 70).

Rear vision was not impeded and there was only the slightest protrusion beyond the lines of the vehicle.

All in all a very successful morning!!

.....a new lighter weight model... (bike not wife!, hmm on the other hand.........no perhaps not).

You wouldn't! You couldn't!

..... just held in place by the friction of the mounting....

Always seemed rather unbelievable to me

OP

Which bike rack did you buy?

OP

Which bike rack did you buy?

It's a Thule ride on 2..

It's a Thule ride on 2..

Thanks.

I'm selling my Skoda internal one and I'm looking for a tow bar one, but I'm looking at the Atera Strada 2/3 bike carrier.

Thanks.

I'm selling my Skoda internal one and I'm looking for a tow bar one, but I'm looking at the Atera Strada 2/3 bike carrier.

That looks a mean bit of kit, but it is almost double the price of the Thule one. Whilst we enjoy a gentle / occasional ride around he woods its not something we do often, so buying an expensive one didn't add up.

When buying any expensive item I consider the number of times it might get used and calculate a cost per use figure. Which basically means a very expensive item used often is a better buy than a cheaper item used infrequently.

For example I paid a lot if money (£600) for a sailing suit many years ago, but it's perfect, let's no water in but doesn't sweat up when working hard.

Cost per wear is now down to less than a quid!

I have an impecunious friend who can walk into a pub, check the list of beers on offer - their abv and prices - and work out almost instantly how to get more alcohol per penny.

I have an impecunious friend who can walk into a pub, check the list of beers on offer - their abv and prices - and work out almost instantly how to get more alcohol per penny.

Is this the same "friend" that I have who is always to blame for all the things my wife thinks are my fault?

Fred

No, no ... he's a fine Irish chap called Feargal.