Roof mounted or towbar mounted?
Discussion
Just looking for preferences really as I'm going to have to bite the bullet on a new rack or bike rail.
Once had the luxury of a van but as I'm now back to a car, I'm looking at the Buzzrack Buffalo 4
https://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rbvehsel4_tab.ph...
Or a roof mounted one like a Thule freeride.
Picked the Buzzrack as we tow a caravan. I can get the bikes inside for carrying to and from site then simply throw the Buzzrack on the back as it's fairly compact when stowed. I know I wouldnt have this issue with the Thule bars but I'm never too sure about carrying them on the roof. Additionally as we holiday overseas, they often charge more if there's stuff on the roof.
Once had the luxury of a van but as I'm now back to a car, I'm looking at the Buzzrack Buffalo 4
https://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rbvehsel4_tab.ph...
Or a roof mounted one like a Thule freeride.
Picked the Buzzrack as we tow a caravan. I can get the bikes inside for carrying to and from site then simply throw the Buzzrack on the back as it's fairly compact when stowed. I know I wouldnt have this issue with the Thule bars but I'm never too sure about carrying them on the roof. Additionally as we holiday overseas, they often charge more if there's stuff on the roof.
I've always favoured roof mount ones. Rear mounted is a bit of a pain as once fitted you can't get in the back. Being 6 ft 3" though makes it a bit easier getting bikes on and off. I wouldn't put our bikes inside the caravan as it adds too much weight and it can trash the inside of the 'van if something breaks loose. I know people do put them inside though without issue.
Hadn't considered the potential extra cost though if getting a ferry or whatever. But then I think I would pull up just outside the port, take the bikes off the roof and shove them in the 'van, do the crossing and put them back on the roof the other side!
Hadn't considered the potential extra cost though if getting a ferry or whatever. But then I think I would pull up just outside the port, take the bikes off the roof and shove them in the 'van, do the crossing and put them back on the roof the other side!
Since handing back my company vRS which did a great job of swallowing bikes, I’ve moved to a roof mounted system and it’s fine. Actually, I really like it because in winter the inside of my car is no longer full of mud etc.
I was a bit nervous at first using it, but it’s pretty solid up there. I take it easy with the bike in the roof and the bars don’t seem to make much noise, well not until you get to illegal speeds do I notice them. Leaving them on has had no detrimental impact on my fuel consumption either.
I was a bit nervous at first using it, but it’s pretty solid up there. I take it easy with the bike in the roof and the bars don’t seem to make much noise, well not until you get to illegal speeds do I notice them. Leaving them on has had no detrimental impact on my fuel consumption either.
Been using roof mounted (Thule 561 Fork Mount) for the past 10 (or so) years, and it's been brilliant. Very secure, and locks the forks to the rack. Only had two issues though:
- I've not been using them much over the past 6 months, and the twisting barrel had rusted. Had to take it apart, but it freed off eventually.
- Roof mount will cost you around 5-7mpg. I've actually just taken mine off (including bars) and have seen a significant increase, as well as a reduction in wind noise.
- I've not been using them much over the past 6 months, and the twisting barrel had rusted. Had to take it apart, but it freed off eventually.
- Roof mount will cost you around 5-7mpg. I've actually just taken mine off (including bars) and have seen a significant increase, as well as a reduction in wind noise.
Since doing some research, im now looking at the bigger towbar mounted options which tilt away from the boot like the Buzzrack Quattro, Eazzy 4 or Atera Strada against the Thule freeride or proride roof options. I doubt I'll leave them on the roof as my work commute nearly 100 mile round trip so it'll get expensive over a year if I'm losing that much MPG!
I've got the Thule Easy Fold. Tow bar mounted and folds to fit in the boot. Takes road and fat bikes. Really pleased with it.
https://www.thule.com/en-gb/bike-rack/towbar-bike-...
https://www.thule.com/en-gb/bike-rack/towbar-bike-...
JagBox said:
I've got the Thule Easy Fold. Tow bar mounted and folds to fit in the boot. Takes road and fat bikes. Really pleased with it.
https://www.thule.com/en-gb/bike-rack/towbar-bike-...
I've got an older version of this, great device, really secure and tilts if you need to get in the back.https://www.thule.com/en-gb/bike-rack/towbar-bike-...
Chicken Chaser said:
Just looking for preferences really as I'm going to have to bite the bullet on a new rack or bike rail.
Once had the luxury of a van but as I'm now back to a car, I'm looking at the Buzzrack Buffalo 4
https://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rbvehsel4_tab.ph...
I have one of these. Once had the luxury of a van but as I'm now back to a car, I'm looking at the Buzzrack Buffalo 4
https://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rbvehsel4_tab.ph...
Works well, and tilts to give you access to the boot (with bikes on or off).
I found it a bit fiddly & time-consuming to fit the first few times, but now it's only a five minute job (including fitting the tow ball)
Would recommend, but be aware that it can be a bit awkward with children's bikes - I still have to put my youngest's Beinn 20 Islabike in the boot as it won't fit on the rack.
Edited by option click on Wednesday 19th February 09:06
Towbar all the way, I specifically waiting for a car to come along with the factory folding towbar.
Mine is a buzzrack e-scorpion 2, Long enough for an XXL 29er.
If there is any effect on mpg its 2-3mpg maximum, no mud on the car roof, and no muddy bike inside a car which has a cream leather interior!
Mine is a buzzrack e-scorpion 2, Long enough for an XXL 29er.
If there is any effect on mpg its 2-3mpg maximum, no mud on the car roof, and no muddy bike inside a car which has a cream leather interior!
I have roof mounted and tow bar mounted options as I regularly carry 5 bikes - sometimes 6 on a Honda FRV!
My tow bar rack doesn't tilt so boot access is prevented (I will upgrade to tilting in future) and. There are no height restrictions at car parks and the bikes don't stand out in a row of cars if left unattended in the street/car park. I find the bikes on the back pick up way more scratches over time than roof mounted. I wouldn't have a non tow bar mounted rear rack.
On the roof affects performance and mpg much more but keeps bikes out of the road muck and doesn't need a tow bar so likely to be a cheaper and good solution.
On reflection of only shifting 1-3 bikes I tend to favour the tow bar rear mount as it is quicker to attach (I keep the ball and dedicated hitch on permanently) - mine is Witter brand. Care is needed with the better bikes though not to damage them.
Good luck and enjoy your cycling.
My tow bar rack doesn't tilt so boot access is prevented (I will upgrade to tilting in future) and. There are no height restrictions at car parks and the bikes don't stand out in a row of cars if left unattended in the street/car park. I find the bikes on the back pick up way more scratches over time than roof mounted. I wouldn't have a non tow bar mounted rear rack.
On the roof affects performance and mpg much more but keeps bikes out of the road muck and doesn't need a tow bar so likely to be a cheaper and good solution.
On reflection of only shifting 1-3 bikes I tend to favour the tow bar rear mount as it is quicker to attach (I keep the ball and dedicated hitch on permanently) - mine is Witter brand. Care is needed with the better bikes though not to damage them.
Good luck and enjoy your cycling.
I have both, I prefer to use the roof option but do leave the bars on most the time, so its easy.
The roof is more secure (Thule 598's) from a stability point of view, the Towbar option (Thule Rideon 2 bike carrier) wobbles about a bit more as you'd expect as it only has a single contact point with the car, also getting 2 MTB's on together can be a bit tricky without them rubbing each other during the journey... My mates has a better towbar mount but again 2mtb's can be tight.
My rack has been on my car since Christmas, the car was new in November, I haven't noticed a drop in MPG with it on, I have been monitoring my average MPG's (sad I know) and my highest to date over 6k miles has been with the Racks on, (Golf estate 1.5tsi with Thule wingbars + 598) - maybe the car is loosening up...
The roof is more secure (Thule 598's) from a stability point of view, the Towbar option (Thule Rideon 2 bike carrier) wobbles about a bit more as you'd expect as it only has a single contact point with the car, also getting 2 MTB's on together can be a bit tricky without them rubbing each other during the journey... My mates has a better towbar mount but again 2mtb's can be tight.
My rack has been on my car since Christmas, the car was new in November, I haven't noticed a drop in MPG with it on, I have been monitoring my average MPG's (sad I know) and my highest to date over 6k miles has been with the Racks on, (Golf estate 1.5tsi with Thule wingbars + 598) - maybe the car is loosening up...
I prefer the tow bar ones for a couple of reasons:
- Easier to get the bikes on and off
- You won't damage the bikes or car if you drive under a car park barrier (don't ask me how I know this!)
Plenty of models have a mechanism where the rack slides down, even with bikes attached, allowing access to the boot.
- Easier to get the bikes on and off
- You won't damage the bikes or car if you drive under a car park barrier (don't ask me how I know this!)
Plenty of models have a mechanism where the rack slides down, even with bikes attached, allowing access to the boot.
Tried both, really prefer the towball mounted rear ones. Could partially be due to writing off a brand new rack and 2 bike holders, due to 'discussing' directions with my wife as we turned into a car park. Bikes were okayish, just a few scratches.
After that, I got one for the towbar and it was brilliant the whole time I had the car, just a really simple Thule one that would clamp on in seconds and held the bikes very securely. It was a tight fit for 2 mountain bikes (especially when we put on 2 full suspension bikes rather than the hardtails), but was do able and so simple to fit that a couple of minutes padding the bikes with a towel wasn't a problem.
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/xpress-970-towbar-car-...
My current car doesn't have a towbar, so I have a Saris one that fits onto the tailgate
https://www.evanscycles.com/saris-solo-1-bike-boot...
It's okay, but nowhere near as convenient as the towbar one and it doesn't feel as secure.
After that, I got one for the towbar and it was brilliant the whole time I had the car, just a really simple Thule one that would clamp on in seconds and held the bikes very securely. It was a tight fit for 2 mountain bikes (especially when we put on 2 full suspension bikes rather than the hardtails), but was do able and so simple to fit that a couple of minutes padding the bikes with a towel wasn't a problem.
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/xpress-970-towbar-car-...
My current car doesn't have a towbar, so I have a Saris one that fits onto the tailgate
https://www.evanscycles.com/saris-solo-1-bike-boot...
It's okay, but nowhere near as convenient as the towbar one and it doesn't feel as secure.
Tow bar for me.
Thule velospace xt3, it’s hanging on the car right now as I sit in the eurotunnel queue!
It’s the heaviest one, certainly more than my old Thule 2 bike carrier. This one holds 3 plus bikes and you can add a fourth.
Stable, ratchet straps for wheels and locking arms onto frames. Nothing rubs.
Downside is it weighs 20kg!
Plus 5 mpg, but no knocking off your roof or loading up high.
Most Thule ones allow access to the boot easily, this one is by foot activated latch.
Thule velospace xt3, it’s hanging on the car right now as I sit in the eurotunnel queue!
It’s the heaviest one, certainly more than my old Thule 2 bike carrier. This one holds 3 plus bikes and you can add a fourth.
Stable, ratchet straps for wheels and locking arms onto frames. Nothing rubs.
Downside is it weighs 20kg!
Plus 5 mpg, but no knocking off your roof or loading up high.
Most Thule ones allow access to the boot easily, this one is by foot activated latch.
Edited by Simes205 on Friday 21st February 17:56
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