Hi All,

 

I'm sure that this question has been popped around for a fair bit now, and I have looked as well but none the clearer

 

am going on a nice holiday soonish and want to take 3 adult hybrid bikes with me, now am in 2 minds do I want to go for the full roof rack like this

 

https://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rbvehsel4_tab.php?26963 and then these https://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rbvehsel4_tab.php?24481

 

or going for the https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-racks/rear-mounted-bike-racks/saris-bones-black-3-bike-rear-cycle-carrier

now have people got any advice for me if I go for the Saris will it be too large with the bikes and cover up the plate and lights or will it just fit?

 

Sorry for asking the same question as about a billion others have done so as well but am not seeing the trees through the woods now.

 

Thanks all,

 

Dutchie

 

 

 

oh the Octy I have is a 2011 Greenline 2

3 hours ago, Dutchie said:

 

or going for the https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-racks/rear-mounted-bike-racks/saris-bones-black-3-bike-rear-cycle-carrier

now have people got any advice for me if I go for the Saris will it be too large with the bikes and cover up the plate and lights or will it just fit.

 

 

With three bikes on there there you will almost certainly need a lighting board, as suggested in the Halfords link. Ask them to put three of their demo bikes on there on your car so you can judge for yourself.

Hi pikpilot

 

Thanks for the reply I assume that I would need a board when using the bones but then comes the question on how to power it up as don't think I have a 12v plug in the boot just have 1 at front

Lighting boards are powered by the tow bar socket. If you haven't got a tow bar fitted, I'd go roof mounted.

Is that Hybrid as in Electric or semi racer/semi trail bike?  

hybrid as in semi city / mountain bike  

 

am more looking at roof rack now as yes I would need the board as well and adding a power socket for it (checked boot as well and haven't got a 12v socket there so would have to get something properly installed in that case so roof bar will be the cheaper and more sensible option.

 

 

I've used the sarris bones before, and a thule high mount rear carrier. 3 bikes would be a struggle. Plus access to the rear luggage is hindered with bikes on.  And you need to install and remove if you don't want to put up with it being weathered and damaged and a empty bike rack on your back.

 

Roof racks and carriers I find better but.

 

You have to carefully lift the bikes into position.  So works better for lighter bikes and a good quality bike carrier to fix in position with one hand.

 

Roof racks can whistle a bit.  And if you don't have an estate with roof rails, often the brackets fit under the doors and I didn't like leaving permanently in position.

 

Usually the rear mount option is quite a bit cheaper, if you don't need electrical connections to go with a lighting board.

 

On balance, I prefer the roof mount.

I have an Octy Estate and went straight for roof bars and Thule Carriers.
I do get a little bit of wind noise with them left on, but mostly around town miles for me and it doesnt bother me.
 

Can get my bikes on the roof and locked into place in a very short time, and they seem very secure, including a few 100 mile trips along the motorways.


Only thing to remember is car parks/low barriers

 

:-)

Steve

SD, which Thule's have you got? and you are lucky that your Octy has the side bars already... mine are just nice little mounting holes in the door frame :(