I have a MonteCarlo Tech and have a need to transport 1 mountain bike fairly short distances. Probably a max of 15/20 miles and are looking for a cost effective means of carrying it. Before somebody suggests ridding it I would add that I gave only recently restarted cycling since a kid and at the moment have a 'range' of 15 miles or so and wish to cycle elsewhere than a 15 mile radius of home!

My plan is to explore the local canal system and maybe the rivers in my part of Worcestershire can anyone see any pitfalls?(other than getting wet!)

There are some great places to ride in and around Worcestershire. I'm sure you will soon build up to greater distances and may be even get from Worcester to Birmingham along the canal one day!

 

I have used a variety of cycle carriers over the years. The old advice used to be avoid anything with the Halfords name on it but I'm not sure about their latest offerings. The best roof top bike carriers (roof bar mounted) are made by Thule. For rear carriers (mounted off the hatch) I would recommend Hollywood bike racks. For carrying two or three downhill mountain bikes the best solution I found was the Pendle heavy duty tow bar mounted rack (probably not so appropriate for what you need!).

Thanks Big Sheep. I am thinking along the lines of a rear mounted carrier as I have no roof bars or tow bar. I will have a look at the Hollywood bike racks.

I use a rack bought from Halfords that rests on the rear bumper of an estate car and is attached by means of straps threaded through the top of the hatch and hooks to either side of the hatch and to the bodywork underneath the bumper.

 

It works absolutely fine but you may have problems finding somewhere (other than the usual single towing hook) to fix it under the bumper and I don't know whether the glass on the Fabia estate would be damaged?

 

Edited 10 June, 201412 yr by vxh26

I bought a set of Cruz alloy aero roof bars from the Roofbox Co online for £75 including delivery and all the locks and fixings. I already had the Mont Blanc cycle carriers from my old car that I fitted to them.

The whole lot fits on in about 10 mins and if you ever sell your car a new car specific fitting kit is only £20.

I prefer roof mounted carriers but I know some people like the boot mounted ones which would probably be a cheaper option.

I worked in a bike shop for a number of years so have a little experience with the various carrier options out there. From experience the boot mounted options range from good to awful but with all of them there is the risk of a bump at the wrong angle or a missed clip etc which can be catastrophic in terms of paintwork and dents. Don't get me wrong, it's not an inevitability but a significant risk. I've always found the roof mounted options to be best. Yes a little expensive but it's so worth it in the long run. Plus if you ever change cars it's just a case of new bars (or even just a new foot kit if you go for thule).

My thule bars and carrier and hands down the best purchase I've made in years.

Be careful on the top straps with bikes on that there is no downward force on the spoiler when all tightened up.

Also watch that the side straps do not go up and break the glass.

 

You might need to remove one or both wheels.

(& remember to take out the Fuse for the rear wiper or take the arm off.)