4 Bike Carrier Recommendations
Discussion
I need a bike carrier to carry 4 bikes and looking for recommendations. It needs to be a tow ball mount and would like it to be around £200ish.
So far I have found these two:
https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-racks/towbar...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thule-Hang-Cycle-Mount-Ca...
I realise these are slightly different types and that the Thule would need a lightboard. Any pros and cons of these different types? Or does anyone have any other recommendations?
Thanks.
So far I have found these two:
https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-racks/towbar...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thule-Hang-Cycle-Mount-Ca...
I realise these are slightly different types and that the Thule would need a lightboard. Any pros and cons of these different types? Or does anyone have any other recommendations?
Thanks.
The Halfords one looks exactly like the Thule 3 bike version that I had. If you've got a tow bar then you probably have the electrics for the lightboard so thats not a biggie.
The Buzz racks from Roofbox fall into your budget:
https://www.roofbox.co.uk/bike-carriers/bike-carri...
But the biggest downfall with the Halfords and Buzz ones are that you need to remove the bikes to access the tailgate/boot depending on your car. The cheapest Buzz with tailgate access is another £50. If you buy from Halfords, join their free version of motoring club and you get a £10 welcome voucher.
Otherwise, I'd go hunting on FaceAche for a decent 2nd hand Thule/Atera.
The Buzz racks from Roofbox fall into your budget:
https://www.roofbox.co.uk/bike-carriers/bike-carri...
But the biggest downfall with the Halfords and Buzz ones are that you need to remove the bikes to access the tailgate/boot depending on your car. The cheapest Buzz with tailgate access is another £50. If you buy from Halfords, join their free version of motoring club and you get a £10 welcome voucher.
Otherwise, I'd go hunting on FaceAche for a decent 2nd hand Thule/Atera.
Edited by vikingaero on Tuesday 7th June 09:47
vikingaero said:
The Halfords one looks exactly like the Thule 3 bike version that I had. If you've got a tow bar then you probably have the electrics for the lightboard so thats not a biggie.
The Buzz racks from Roofbox fall into your budget:
https://www.roofbox.co.uk/bike-carriers/bike-carri...
But the biggest downfall with the Halfords and Buzz ones are that you need to remove the bikes to access the tailgate/boot depending on your car. The cheapest Buzz with tailgate access is another £50. If you buy from Halfords, join their free version of motoring club and you get a £10 welcome voucher.
Otherwise, I'd go hunting on FaceAche for a decent 2nd hand Thule/Atera.
I have a Buzzrack and have used it quite a lot.The Buzz racks from Roofbox fall into your budget:
https://www.roofbox.co.uk/bike-carriers/bike-carri...
But the biggest downfall with the Halfords and Buzz ones are that you need to remove the bikes to access the tailgate/boot depending on your car. The cheapest Buzz with tailgate access is another £50. If you buy from Halfords, join their free version of motoring club and you get a £10 welcome voucher.
Otherwise, I'd go hunting on FaceAche for a decent 2nd hand Thule/Atera.
Edited by vikingaero on Tuesday 7th June 09:47
It tilts to allow the boot to be opened, not too heavy and it folds down quite compactly for carrying and storage on its side in the garage.
The tailboard mounting needed beefing up a bit.
Having compared many, all of the various brands/models of tow bar racks have different good and bad points.
Edited by MC Bodge on Tuesday 7th June 11:17
I was going to say you should look for a used Thule towbar velocompact 3 with the 4th bike adapter. But I’ve just seen how much they are new now - £600 without the 4th bike adapter 
2 years ago these were £400.
However I think a used rack would be a good option. That Halfords one is expensive for what you get.
Bargains can be had. This recently sold:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/155014839077
2 years ago these were £400.
However I think a used rack would be a good option. That Halfords one is expensive for what you get.
Bargains can be had. This recently sold:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/155014839077
Edited by F20CN16 on Tuesday 7th June 11:27
MC Bodge said:
I have a Buzzrack and have used it quite a lot.
It tilts to allow the boot to be opened, not too heavy and it folds down quite compactly for carrying and storage on its side in the garage.
The tailboard mounting needed beefing up a bit.
Having compared many, all of the various brands/models of tow bar racks have different good and bad points.
Just found this one, it seems pretty good. Its 50 quid more than Halfords but tilts... which I'm resuming is very useful?It tilts to allow the boot to be opened, not too heavy and it folds down quite compactly for carrying and storage on its side in the garage.
The tailboard mounting needed beefing up a bit.
Having compared many, all of the various brands/models of tow bar racks have different good and bad points.
Edited by MC Bodge on Tuesday 7th June 11:17
RicksAlfas said:
I was just pointing it out so you didn't get it home and realise you forgot the converter.
And to echo the comments above, a fold/drop away one makes a massive difference.
Haha fair enough!And to echo the comments above, a fold/drop away one makes a massive difference.
I'm going to purchase the tilting BuzzRack as yous have pointed out access to the boot is a necessity.
Thanks for the help.
I moved from the Thule Hanger style to the Thule easyfold/velospace for 4 bikes.
The bikes are much more secure strapped to the platform and the built-in lightboard / number plates is much easier to use.
The downside of the platform-style rack reduce departure angle so be careful going up steep inclines - no top deck on eurotunnel for instance
The other benefit is being able to tilt the rack and open the boot when somebody wants something out of the boot despite promising you that they had all they needed in the cabin before you loaded the bikes.
The bikes are much more secure strapped to the platform and the built-in lightboard / number plates is much easier to use.
The downside of the platform-style rack reduce departure angle so be careful going up steep inclines - no top deck on eurotunnel for instance
The other benefit is being able to tilt the rack and open the boot when somebody wants something out of the boot despite promising you that they had all they needed in the cabin before you loaded the bikes.
MC Bodge said:
I have a Buzzrack and have used it quite a lot.
It tilts to allow the boot to be opened, not too heavy and it folds down quite compactly for carrying and storage on its side in the garage.
The tailboard mounting needed beefing up a bit.
Having compared many, all of the various brands/models of tow bar racks have different good and bad points.
How did you beef up the tailboard and what was wrong with it?!It tilts to allow the boot to be opened, not too heavy and it folds down quite compactly for carrying and storage on its side in the garage.
The tailboard mounting needed beefing up a bit.
Having compared many, all of the various brands/models of tow bar racks have different good and bad points.
Edited by MC Bodge on Tuesday 7th June 11:17
Macron said:
How did you beef up the tailboard and what was wrong with it?!
It is quite flimsy. I mounted it on a piece of plywood and raised it slightly. My tow bar is quite low, so when the rack is tilted, the tailboard rests on the floor. Not a big problem, as I tilt it, hold it at an angle, open the boot and then put the rack down again.
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