Folks, having realized the impractical OEM internal bike system requires the bike to be dismantled and some seats removed I think I need a rack, but what to buy?

 

1) Roof rack (not keen, already destroyed a council barrier, a MTB and my Touran roof)

 

2) Hang on the back window type with straps

 

3) Towbar ball rack

 

I have a removable towbar, so the type that mount to the towbar (not ball) are out.

For the Roomster? Sounds like you've ruled 1) out. Probably suggest a multi point adjustment high position rear rack for cost, ease of fitting and storage. You may well need a reg light board but you already have the socket?

Pop down Halfords and look at the options, they may have one on offer.

I use one of these on my removable tow bar.

It's simplicity makes it brilliant.

https://www.thule.com/en-gb/gb/bike-rack/towbar-bike-racks/thule-xpress-970-_-970000

I use one of these on my removable tow bar.

It's simplicity makes it brilliant.

https://www.thule.com/en-gb/gb/bike-rack/towbar-bike-racks/thule-xpress-970-_-970000

That is good. If that works with your towbar. I do prefer to have my bike a bit higher out of harms way though...

You only mention the 1 bike so far, would you need the ability to carry more bikes?

Towbar racks are the easiest to use and create less drag but also the most expensive, especially if you don't already have a towbar. After that I would go for roof mounted rack over the rear mounted clip on types but you need to remember the height of you car when lifting a bike on to it and holding in place whilst you secure it.

Thule make some great products and built to last so wouldn't hesitate to buy used.

Edit

Just seen you have a towbar so would recommend a Thule or Altera clamp on bike rack.

Edited 17 September, 20169 yr by CWARD

Thanks. 

 

Really don't trust myself with a roof rack - I hit the barrier whilst having a yellow sticky on my steering wheel saying 'BIKES'  :(

 

As I have a removable towbar I really fancy the towball types - do they move, are they secure, do you have to remove before gaining access to the boot?

I have one of these:

 

https://www.thule.com/en-gb/gb/bike-rack/towbar-bike-racks/thule-hangon-9708-_-970805

 

Works brilliantly with a removable towbar but I have also added some glass hatch straps to it to steady it a bit as, with 4 bikes on, it can sway a bit.

 

It does fold down to give access to the boot with the bikes on it but I don;t as it's damn heavy.  I have an estate to get into the boot by releasing the roller cover and going in from the back seat.  With the bikes off it's easy to fold it and it also goes flat against the car as well so you can leave it on and it won't stick out.

I have aThule Euroclassic whch you place on top of the tow ball, push down the clamping arm and lock in place before hooking up the electrics. Very simple. It is absolutely rock solid in use with no unwanted movement. There is lever you can pull which allows the rack to tilt back, complete with bikes attached so that you can get at the boot.

The bikes are secured by fixed quick ratchet straps through the wheels to the bottom f the rack and then an arm keeps the bike upright. One of the arms is lockable for security but if you're going to be leaving them unattended I would at least use a cable to be more secure.

The Altera Stratus is very similar in design and slightly cheaper

I have one of these:

 

https://www.thule.com/en-gb/gb/bike-rack/towbar-bike-racks/thule-hangon-9708-_-970805

 

Works brilliantly with a removable towbar but I have also added some glass hatch straps to it to steady it a bit as, with 4 bikes on, it can sway a bit.

 

It does fold down to give access to the boot with the bikes on it but I don;t as it's damn heavy.  I have an estate to get into the boot by releasing the roller cover and going in from the back seat.  With the bikes off it's easy to fold it and it also goes flat against the car as well so you can leave it on and it won't stick out.

 

Yep, I like this. Thanks

Yep, I like this. Thanks

 

forgot to say - take a look in my gallery and you'll see some piccies...

Check out the Saffier 4 bike on Pfjones website. I've just ordered one arrives tomorrow hopefully.

Check out the Saffier 4 bike on Pfjones website. I've just ordered one arrives tomorrow hopefully.

 

Are one of those secret millionaires?

 

Very nice, but the front wheels of my little Roomie would be 6 inches off the road with that on the back!

Are one of those secret millionaires?

 

 

???????? The point is?

 

The rack is about the cheapest 4 bike that can be found on the market.

???????? The point is?

 

The rack is about the cheapest 4 bike that can be found on the market.

 

 Maybe, but my bike cost half that !

I have an Atera Strada 3 bike carrier that clamps onto the ball. OK, they are expensive but built to last - mine is over 6 years old and still going strong. Have a look at The Roof Box Company - they do an extensive range of carriers:

http://www.roofbox.co.uk/bike-carriers/bike-carriers-racks-range-towbar-mounting.php

Cheers,

Andrew

Just tried one of these but it won't fit my OEM factory fitted Skoda detachable towbar 

 

 

Just tried one of these but it won't fit my OEM factory fitted Skoda detachable towbar

I had the same issue with the same rack minus the top tube clips on a witter ball.

Unfortunately it would appear the cheapest rated rack is the Thule one, similar in style to the one you have tried but from many reviews across the net they work. Still best part of a ton and then you need false cross bars if your bike doesn't have them.

In the end that's why I opted for saffier. It wasn't by choice rather by need as out of 4 bikes only mine would fit without having to buy additional bits.