Hello everyone

Quick question - has anyone tried putting a bicycle carrier on the back of their Spaceback yet (I'm talking about one that straps on the boot lid and rests on the glass, rather than a roof one or two bar one)?

If so, any advice on how to position/use one? Have just bought a bike and a rear carrier for it (and have never used a rear carrier before). Any tips welcome.

Cheers

Chris

Very few hatchbacks wont accept one.  My AX didn't because the glass was frameless  (just top hinges, glass, and then the numberplate panel all bolted together)

 

Try to position it high enough that the bike doesn't obscure number plates or rear light - or you may need something like this to be legal:

 

http://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rbvehsel4_tab.php?25004&gclid=CKGz36y_08gCFUJAGwodtjoG8A

Edited 21 October, 201510 yr by camelspyyder

Very few hatchbacks wont accept one.  My AX didn't because the glass was frameless  (just top hinges, glass, and then the numberplate panel all bolted together)

 

Try to position it high enough that the bike doesn't obscure number plates or rear light - or you may need something like this to be legal:

 

http://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rbvehsel4_tab.php?25004&gclid=CKGz36y_08gCFUJAGwodtjoG8A

Completely agree on mounting it high - definitely do not want to have to mess about with light boards for the once-in-a-blue moon that I'll need to put the bike on the back of the car. I did toy with finally buying genuine roof bars and a roof-top bike mount. Would have worked out at about £140-150 all in, but not convinced I'll use it enough to warrant the expenditure.

Ended up buying this carrier: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B005Q5VC92?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00

It should sit very high up on the glass, so should clear the lights and plate. Need to do some experimenting, as it comes with positioning and setting data for the Octy and Fabia, but not for the Rapid (too new).

Should go inside Chris, seats down, no need for a rack. Of course ignore if that's going to carry you stuff/passengers etc.,

Should go inside Chris, seats down, no need for a rack. Of course ignore if that's going to carry you stuff/passengers etc.,

It does indeed fit in the back with the rear seat down and the parcel shelf out. Have done it a few times now. It's just a pain in the bum to do and fiddly getting the bike back out on your own without dragging it against the trim or headlining.

Actually, just occurred to me that the Audi A3 fitting guides will be pretty close to what's needed for the Spaceback, given the rear of the cars are similarly shaped.

i would just go for the roof bar options..

 

I have a towbar rack and roof bars.

 

Never liked the idea of hanging weight off the tailgate.

i would just go for the roof bar options..

I have a towbar rack and roof bars.

Never liked the idea of hanging weight off the tailgate.

Hi

As per previous posts - roof bar option has been discounted as too expensive, plus rear carrier has already been purchased.

Thanks

Chris

i would just go for the roof bar options..

 

I have a towbar rack and roof bars.

 

Never liked the idea of hanging weight off the tailgate.

If you go for the roof bar solution, part from having tolift up possibly muddy bikes (if you do off-roading that is!) - watch out for height limters on car parks. A colleague drove into a roadside car park forgetting the bikes on the roof. They ended up on the boot lid :|

 

And maybe look at these http://www.saris.com/catalog/racks#&region=2&make=275&model=6428&year=25721&sort=2&filter-10=on&filter-3=on

Edited 26 October, 201510 yr by RMurphy195

If you go for the roof bar solution, part from having tolift up possibly muddy bikes (if you do off-roading that is!) - watch out for height limters on car parks. A colleague drove into a roadside car park forgetting the bikes on the roof. They ended up on the boot lid :|

 

And maybe look at these http://www.saris.com/catalog/racks#&region=2&make=275&model=6428&year=25721&sort=2&filter-10=on&filter-3=on

Picture guides not really helpful for the rear carrier I bought (see post 3), as they are all low-level and fitted to a saloon shape.

Luckily, the one I bought was only £30. Got a week off in early November, going to set aside some time to play around with fitting options.

Picture guides not really helpful for the rear carrier I bought (see post 3), as they are all low-level and fitted to a saloon shape.

Luckily, the one I bought was only £30. Got a week off in early November, going to set aside some time to play around with fitting options.

How did you get on - did it work out OK, especially did you have somewhere to put the lower hooks onto?

 

A note in general for this type of rack - be very careful if your rear window has been fitted from the inside, it can be dislodged by the rack!