Recommend me... A Bike Rack

[jimmy156]

Hello,

Currently we only have one bike (mine) but will shortly be getting one for my wife, and in a year or so when my sons outgrows his balance bike, we will have a kids bike too.

I have no idea if a bike rack exists that would fit all of the following criteria, but in an ideal world...

- It would fit on both of our cars (Mk2 Qashqai and Mk6 Golf GTi, neither with a tow bar, neither with roof bars)
- We would still be able to access the boot
- Allow the bikes to be mounted in a way that would minimise potential scratches (to bikes or cars!)
- Be relatively easy to mount / dismount.
- Be good quality and will last a good number of years!

Open to suggestions, happy to spend a bit extra for the right solution but don't want to go too crazy!

TIA, Jimmy

[jodypress]

When I last looked into this apart from a roof solution (not possible for me as I've got an XC60 and don't want to be carrying a step ladder around) is to have a towbar rack fitted. They can fold down with bikes on to get boot access.
Lots of good options available.

[seyre1972]

Thule 9103/4 clip on is a good bet for both cars. Uses metal hooks rubberised to protect paint, and a secure clip on system. Holds 3 bikes. Bit fiddly to first fit - but after that can be left in place.

Avoid similar that use nylon webbing straps to attach to the boot as personally they are not very good.

I’ve kept my 9103 as a spare/fits the fiat 500 as well !! Both other cars now have roof rails, so use thule aero bars with proper bike carriers for longer journeys.

I would add that officially the 9103/4 doesn’t fit 2 of my cars, but it does, just had to get the slightly longer top arms to allow for the fitted spoiler/boxing along rear window.

Edited by seyre1972 on Friday 17th April 22:15

Edited by seyre1972 on Friday 17th April 22:16

[HughG]

A seasucker bomber would do the trick, you’d probably get away with the 2 bike one while it’s just a small kids bike but probably worth going for the 3 bike version to future proof.

[jimmy156]

Thanks all!

We don't have a tow bar on either car unfortunately.

With regards to the Thule option, looks like a solid hatch mounted choice! Is there a reason why I only ever see road bikes on roof mounted racks?

The seasucker looks great, if a little pricey! Looks dead easy and no faffing round with straps etc which I like. My thought with that option is that you have to remove the front wheel, 3 wheels in the boot may take up a lot of luggage space needed for other stuff on a family trip.

[murray]

You can get the sea sucker flight deck which the bike rear wheel sits on and the front wheel is attached to. Added benefit is that you don’t have a single sucker point of failure at the back.

Edited by murray on Saturday 18th April 17:01

[Barchettaman]

I´ve used cheap tailgate mounted racks for years: obviously you have to pack the boot/tailgate first but apart from that disadvantage they´re great.

If you can keep the rear lights/number plate clear then that circumvents the need for a lighting board.

[finishing touch]

Barchettaman said:

I´ve used cheap tailgate mounted racks for years: obviously you have to pack the boot/tailgate first but apart from that disadvantage they´re great.

If you can keep the rear lights/number plate clear then that circumvents the need for a lighting board.

Sorry mate but that's rubbish. You've had to leave two on the drive opposite.

[Barchettaman]

finishing touch said:

Sorry mate but that's rubbish. You've had to leave two on the drive opposite.

Ha, that was 2 families worth of bikes for a holiday in Sweden!
5 on top, 3 on the back, one child seat in the boot too. Madness.