Cycle rack on E39 saloon

[futie]

Anyone done it? Any recommendations regarding make/model of cycle carrier? We're hoping to get at least 3 bikes on there, perhaps 4.

Cheers,
Marc

ps. Can't put them on the roof - already got a topbox on there!

[jj.]

Yeah I’ve got one for mine (E39 – Saloon). I haven’t tried putting more than 2 adult mountain bikes on there, as it puts quite a lot of pressure on the straps and boot area. Especially when going over dips in the road, you can actually watch the bikes move about in your rear view mirror.

Mine was just a standard bike rack for saloon cars, from my local cycle shop (about £40 I think). It sits on the boot lid with foam pads, and straps to the top, side and bottom of the boot, quite stable actually once strapped down.

And use bungie-ties (elastic type) to strap the bikes to the carrier and make sure handle bars are secure (as at speed, your handle bars/front wheel can serious bounce/move around with wind buffeting).
jj

[futie]

Hmmm. The buffeting/moving around was really what I was worried about - the cycle carrier i've bought looks like it'll press down right in the middle of the bootlid which doesn't feel very solid - the last thing I want to do is dent the bootlid!

Maybe I really need a trailer .. or an Espace!

[martin robson]

What about a towbar carrier?

try

www.pendle-bike.co.uk

for a good range of carriers

[futie]

I've looked at those, Martin, but the trouble is that getting a towbar for my bimmer is mucho expense - £530 plus VAT for the parts and £356 plus VAT for labour!

I could probably dent the bootlid and buy a new boot for that price!

[futie]

Is it me, or does this look just like an accident waiting to happen ??

[futie]

Just me, then ..

[jj.]

Mine doesn’t quite look as bad as that (although, not far from it!), it doesn’t really put any pressure on the middle of the bootlid. Most of the weight is taken by the straps, as the foam pads seem to sit right on the edge of the bootlid, just over the spoiler, and then push down onto another set of pads, located just beneath the number plate. I must admit I used it on my old car, when driving through France last year, at 80mph – I was getting a little worried – kept stopping to check the straps, after almost 350 miles it was fine though.

I’ll look for a name/model this weekend, and try and get a little snap for you as an example of its location on the boot…
jj

[liquidken]

I'd rather go down the route of a detachable towbar, and getting a trailer.

Having said that, it would probably be cheaper to by and run an Astra estate...

[futie]

jj. said:

.. and try and get a little snap for you as an example of its location on the boot…

That would be great! We're off to France on Tuesday, so I have a few days in which to change my mind/buy another one ..

The one in the pic is from Halfords and sits on top of the rear bumper and is completely adjustable - I could change it so that the other resting point isn't at the base of the rear screen, for example. But then I have the feeling that the entire weight of the bikes would be on the top of the rear bumper

Am going to tighten it up and go for a little drive today to see what happens!

liquidken said:

I'd rather go down the route of a detachable towbar, and getting a trailer.

Oh yes .. if it weren't for the cost, i'd have a towbar tomorrow. A perfect tow car for towing the Westfield around .. but sadly the wrong side of £1000 for my liking.

[jj.]

Mine seems to be a Hollywood Racks F1 – 3 bike transporter - www.wiggle.co.uk/?ProductID=5300001464 more can be found at www.wiggle.co.uk/?Category=car%20racks - although if you’re leaving today, not much good to you being a mail order site.

If you want a picture of how these sit on a 5-series, drop me a mail off-line with your email address and I’ll attach a couple of pics for you (I have no-way of hosting any pics).
jj