4 Bike Towball Mounted Carrier?

[dr_gn]

Guys,

Any recommendations on the above?

We've now got 4 people in the family with bikes, and we can't drive out to go biking together unless we take 2 cars.

Quick and easy loading/unloading is a priority - I know that if it's a hassle it won't get used (this is what ruled out the boot mounted racks, plus the need for a towing board anyway).

Fitting a towbar will cost me £200+

Any recommendations? I notice the Thule version is about £500...looks ideal, but is there anything more economical that retains most of the quality and functionality? the option of a 3 bike carrier and putting a tiny bike in the boot is fine, but the option of extending the capacity to 4 bikes eventually would be good.

Thanks!

[Magic919]

Might be worth reading this thread from the other day http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

OP has a Thule.

[cailean]

That's me, the OP on that thread. I faced the same ponderings as you and went for the Thule EuroClassic G6 thingy over the Atera Strada. The Thule is seriously tough but is heavy and can't see it breaking. It was more expensive though. I am currently in Wales with it and can't fault it - very easy to use. just give yourself an hour or two to first set it up and get used to putting the bikes on it. After that it is a breeze and more secure than roof top systems.

[nsm3]

I've had a G6 928 (2 bike) for a good 5-6 years and it is an exceptional piece of kit. The 929 is a 3 bike, but they do an adapter (not seen one) to add an extra bike. It looks a lot hanging off the back of your car, but tow bar nose weight is usually around 80-90kgs, so not an issue?

[loskie]

I have the 2 bike version of this. It is a very sturdy bit of kit. Had it for 10 years plus now replaced a Halfords High Level boot mounted carrier that I never felt confident using.

http://www.maxxraxx.co.uk/bike_racks_car_cycle_car...

Edited by loskie on Tuesday 17th February 22:08

[subsea99]

I have the older version of this

http://www.thule.com/en/gb/products/carriers-and-r...

i bought the add on to carry a 4th bike it clips onto the last track and a seperate clamp comes with it to attach the 4th bike to the 3rd...cant fault it been great and used on many mtb trips

You can buy extra locks so each arm has a key lock on it as it only comes with one which is fine if you put a bike lock round them all if you are stopping for any length of time away from car

Its the old saying buy cheap buy twice and the quality shows with thule.

They are rated to 80mph and crash tested....a very good product

Hope that helps

I would check ebay see if you cant pick one up second hand

[cailean]

The current version has a lock on each arm. Also the current version has stopped using LED lights as the LED lights caused some issues due to their low voltage.

[dr_gn]

Thanks guys - looks like the a Thule could be the best bet overall. It's an expensive exercise, but I recently decided that if I continue to save what disposable income I have to pay the mortgage off, at the expense of stuff like this, one day I'll find the kids have left home. So screw the mortgage, buy some decent kit and enjoy it.

[Deerfoot]

I have a Thule Euroclassic Pro 903 with the extra bike adapter.

It's quite an old design but the good thing about it is it folds up making it small enough to be stored in the boot when we're out riding. Of course it also takes up less room in the garage when not in use.

It's heavy but has been used around Europe and the UK for many a mile at speed and has been utterly stable.