I have a need to carry / transport 4 mountain bikes. I can borrow a small trailer that I can fit the bikes in without their front wheels, if placed in alternating directions - ie. one looks forward, next backwards, etc

Or the other option is a roof kit - but can I get 4 bikes on there? I guess I will have to have them facing in alternating directions as in the trailer otherwise the handle bars will clash.

I have a TDi estate with roof rails, but at the moment no bars, etc.

I imagine mpg would be better with the trailer, but then I have the issue of some places (ie. pubs) getting a bit pi$$y when I leave it in their car park all day (having gone cycling somewhere), where as the roof rack option means no extra parking required, and harder to steal as well!

I note that Thule seem to have 3 roof options (http://www.thule.com/Thule/ProductListPage____45871.aspx), and I am most tempted by the 561 option, as that removes the front wheel and I assume provides a more stable/secure mounting.

Any comments / practical experiences? I do realise with the roof option I might have problems with some barriers on the entry to forests, etc to prevent camper vans, etc.

Cheers,

Matt

I have seen cars with 4 bikes on the roof, as you said they are facing front & back to get the handle bars in - I wouldn't want to try getting the ones of the middle without scratching the paintwork too much though!

I've got 2 Halfrauds cheapo roof mounts that have worked fine for years.

Have you thought about a towbar mounted carrier - you avoid both the wind resistance & parking issue, although it makes getting in the boot more difficult

Thule Towbar Bike Racks | Tow Ball Cycle Carriers

i've two on the roof and two on the back in a fiesta before, short of that i'm sure if you got inventive they would fit in the boot

how many people are going in the car? fold the seats down and you should be able to fit two or three with no dismantling, more with a little thought. If you have to put bikes outside, then the tow bar mounts are better for fuel economy and height clearance, but the bike is exposed to all the road crap thrown up.

I would be careful about putting 4 bikes on. I did it with a Cavalier and it dented the roof, admittedly the roof rack was not a Vauxhall item which may have contributed but even with genuine bars I will not be putting 4 on the roof again!

It needs to be 4 bikes externally and 4 people in the car. I initially fancied the roof option as I don't currently have a roof rack - so it was a good excuse to get one :-)

However I do think that the towbar option would probably be safer and better for the MPGs :-) It looks like about

I had two bikes on the roof and two on the tow bar mount when me and my buddies went on a trip,works perfectly.

Theo

I've carried four on the roof with no problem.

Unless its a high level rear carrier do yourself and those behind you a favour and fit a trailer board if your lights/number plate are obscured, lost count of the number of times I've pulled someone for this.

Cheers,

Steve

Sorry Matt,

but I still think a proper 4 bike towbar attachment with trailer board is your best bet.