So, I have a TSI VRS hatch, it has tow bar prep and no tow bar yet, however what's the cheapest way do you guys think of carrying 3 x adult sized bikes??

 

Considering roof options and tow bar options and would welcome thoughts on the best solutions, rough costs and feedback from anyone that has done similar.

 

Many thanks in advance.

The cheapest option by far will be roof rack and cycle carriers... depending on what you buy of course!

 

I've always used that combination, but I'm seriously considering tow bar + rear carrier now, as lifting bikes on/off the roof is a pain in the butt.

Cheapest option of course is put them in the boot - I can and do regularly have 3 people and 3 bikes easily. I have had 4 people 4 bikes before (O1 estate), but that's a real squash.  Also the simplest, safest, and best for MPG.  But of course you already thought of that, so I assume you need them outside the car

For that I have a simple halfords jobby which uses 4 straps and carries 3 bikes, it's a bit of a faff to use and it means you can't open the boot, I very rarely use because 99% of the time I put bikes in the boot, but at about £30 (at 10 years ago prices) it's also pretty cheap.

 

I have never tried a towbar one they always look incredibly dodgy to me but I assume they are actually perfectly safe! The roof ones are great but they seem pretty expensive.

I think I need to review my bike carrying solution seen as I dropped my brand new bike yesterday trying to get it on a crabby old halfords high level tailgate carrier, which has now left a nice dent in the hatch lid! I was originally thinking roof bars with cycle carriers rather than the tow bar option, not priced either up yet, but factoring in regular trips to the body shop with the hatch or roof mounted option, I'm starting to think tow bar might be cheaper in the long run!

Towbar carriers are by far the easiest way. Just clamp on the carrier, plug in the lights, load the bikes and away. The carriers Ae no more expensive than roof bars etc assuming you already have a towbar. Tailgate mounted carriers are cheap. They can be a pain to fit though and you can't use the boot with a couple of bikes in place.

In my estate when it arrives I plan to use a plank with a couple of axle mounts screwed to it and then secured to the floor. The bikes can then stand in the back with the seats folded and their front wheels removed. Don't think it would work in a hatch.

Roof bars are OK but cause a lot of wind resistance and can be awkward to use. I only use them when towing the caravan and the boot is full.

Used to have them boot strapped carriers and found them painful, got a new vRS, got a hitch as part of the deal and bought a Thule 3 bike carrier which sits on the hitch and just bolts in. VERY happy with. 

I think I need to review my bike carrying solution seen as I dropped my brand new bike yesterday trying to get it on a crabby old halfords high level tailgate carrier, which has now left a nice dent in the hatch lid! I was originally thinking roof bars with cycle carriers rather than the tow bar option, not priced either up yet, but factoring in regular trips to the body shop with the hatch or roof mounted option, I'm starting to think tow bar might be cheaper in the long run!

If it's only you and the bike then folding the rear seats down and putting it in the boot is the best option.

My bikes just drop into the boot with no fuss. Variable boot floor FTW.

If it's only you and the bike then folding the rear seats down and putting it in the boot is the best option.

Up until recently, only had need to carry two bikes, but my daughter has just got her first proper bike and son won't be far behind so will need to carry 4 bikes plus 4 passengers in the not too distant future. Have priced up a Thule roof rack and 4 carriers, will be about £180 for the fixings/bars plus £70 each for the decent carriers or about £45 each if I go for the cheaper ones, but a tow bar rack is best part of £500 plus about same again for a detachable tow bar, so will probably end up going for roof option.

Take the wheels off and stand them up behind the rest seats on saddle and handlebars, facing alternate ways. You will be surprised how little room they take up.

Take the wheels off and stand them up behind the rest seats on saddle and handlebars, facing alternate ways. You will be surprised how little room they take up.

Then I would still need a roof rack for all the luggage, so may as well bite the bullet and get a decent carrier system.

Thanks for the responses, I guess whatever I decide it's not going to be cheap, after all, I still need Skoda to quote me on fitting a tow bar to my car which has the prep work done from factory.

 

I still reckon I'm going to be looking at £500 including the bike carrier, however still fancy the look of the tow bar carrier over the roof system,..

I was in Halfords earlier, and their own brand roof bars and 4 cycle carriers can be had for less than £200, less than half the price of a Thule system.

I was in Halfords earlier, and their own brand roof bars and 4 cycle carriers can be had for less than £200, less than half the price of a Thule system.

Will take a look when next passing as sounds like a good price to me,..

Detachable swan neck & Thule 9708 four-bike hang on. You need a light board too.

Not cheap overall, but great system. Allows access to the boot. Very secure (lockable).

Mount bikes & forget.

I opted for the Thule as well using the factory fitted tow bar option. Access to the boot is a must have on the holiday trip with a hatch. http://www.thule.com/en/gb/products/carriers-and-racks/bike-carriers/towbar-mounted-bike-carriers/thule-hangon-9708-_-970800

In my estate when it arrives I plan to use a plank with a couple of axle mounts screwed to it and then secured to the floor. The bikes can then stand in the back with the seats folded and their front wheels removed. 

I was thinking of going down the same route. There are some similar solution for sale in germany (with sliding and rotating axle mounts), but as you say, it seems easy to build it yourself. Any idea on how to secure the plank to the floor? 

I was thinking of going down the same route. There are some similar solution for sale in germany (with sliding and rotating axle mounts), but as you say, it seems easy to build it yourself. Any idea on how to secure the plank to the floor?

I've seen the 'proffesional' solutions and they look good. THey appear to wedge between the side using adjustable width. Until I get my VRS and try it I'm not sure. I'm hoping I can secure it via lashing yes or something. To be honest it may not need much.