Hellooo

 

Wondering if anyone can help or has any info on bike racks for the mk3 hatch - the boyf had a saris bones "universal" one but it didn't fit, the spoiler was posing issues 

 

Anyone got one that fits properly or knows of one that does? Want to start taking the bikes out in the summer time   thanks in advance!

I had many universal bike racks on previous cars...won't ever get another... I scratched so much paintwork  and I even smashed my rear window with one, after the hook slipped and caught on the window, pulling and breaking the rear window...we had to drive home over an hour with just cardboard we scrounged covering it!

 

How about getting some roof rails and a roof mounted one?

 

Other option is a towbar and a towbar mounted rack - that's what we have on our Superb.  Problem is the price of the towbar

 

Probably cost wise roof mounted is likely the way to go, more secure and no scratchy painty

Edited 29 May, 20188 yr by hwr1983

I had a towbar mounted one on my previous vRS, but at c.£350 for a towbar, I went roof this time - much easier all round. 

THULE roofbars and bikerack are great. 

 

I can recommend the wingbar edge and the 598 pro ride bike rack as shown below

 

 

For a hatchback obviously it doesn't have roof bar but Thule do other clamping systems that work fine.

 

HOWEVER don't buy the 591 bike rack. This has now been superceded by the 598 as the 591 simply isn't secure. see below

 

 

Edited 30 May, 20188 yr by carrock
spelling

I know people are saying a universal rack will damage your car but I wonder how many folk have damaged their cars lifting a bike on to the roof

 

Towbar defo the way to go but as mentioned, there's the slight issue of expense.

 

Solution - don't go universal.

 

vRS rear carrier

Edited 30 May, 20188 yr by Guest

1 hour ago, Scot5 said:

I know people are saying a universal rack will damage your car but I wonder how many folk have damaged their cars lifting a bike on to the roof

 

Towbar defo the way to go but as mentioned, there's the slight issue of expense.

 

Solution - don't go universal.

 

vRS rear carrier

Do you recommend the Thule Raceway?

I have Wingbar Edge’s and Proride 598’s (all black ofcourse). They are really steady and easy to use.

 

I also have EuroRide 941, but don’t really use it.

 

Thanks everyone for your responses, we won't be going out on the bikes tooooo often so don't want anything massively expensive. Will look into the roof rack idea and see what I can get for the hatch

I got a Brink fixed tow bar with dedicated electrics, supplied and fitted for £245 @ sallop towing in Shrewsbury. It was only 7 pin electrics but that was all I need for my erde trailer and pre 2000 bailey caravan. I put my bike rack on the erde trailer when camping, or inside the caravan when touring.

Edited 31 May, 20188 yr by POWYSWALES

Take out front wheel, tie handlebar to the top bar with a bit of elastic, sling it in the back with the seats down.

Big pieces of cardboard serve to keep bikes apart from each other and mud off the upholstery. 

I've got Thule roof bars and Carrier as well as a Thule high clip on rear carrier. 

Both work well but the rear carrier is quiet heavy so opening the boot is a little more difficult but I only use it when I have the roofbox on.

 

Roof carrier is the way forward but I'd recommend a carrier that you lift the bike into like the Thule 598.  Some carriers you have to hold the bike and lift the carrier up from below to clamp the bike whereas the 598 (and maybe others), the arm is upright and the bike slots into it meaning the bike can't fall the other way and land on the roof.

 

Ive used roof mounted carriers for about 7 years and to date haven't had issues.