Tow Bar And Cycle Rack.

[TeamGreen]

Well, after nearly doing myself no good putting the bikes on the roof carrier I've decided that I'm getting too old for this lark and have decided it's time to go down the route of a tow bar mounted rack for the four bikes.

 

I've got a 2008 TDI Sharan and would welcomes anyones input on make etc.

 

Cheers.

 

Stuart.

[RADIOTWO]

Well, after nearly doing myself no good putting the bikes on the roof carrier I've decided that I'm getting too old for this lark and have decided it's time to go down the route of a tow bar mounted rack for the four bikes.

 

I've got a 2008 TDI Sharan and would welcomes anyones input on make etc.

 

Cheers.

 

Stuart.

 

Hi Stuart

 

Will you be towing while carrying the bikes ? if so watch your nose weight !

 

Radiotwo

[Caff]

We have a Galaxy mk 2. We have an Atera Linea rack which fits to the tail gate. It comes with rails for 3 bikes and we purchased an extra set of rails to carry another bike. We consider it to have been a really good investment carrying the bikes very securely clamped no waving around and wobbling. The lights and plate are not obscured at all.

The design may have changed but ours seems more set up for road bikes. Our mountain bikes are more bulky and fitting them all on is a little more difficult but when we only carry 2 or 3 bikes it's easier.

It's not cheap but really worth it. You have to lift the bikes up roughly to chest height.

Cath

[mikej]

After being in this position myself a few years ago i evenyually after a bit of research opted for a pendle system, the base or holder for the rack is fitted behind the tow ball and is left there permantly, the rack it's self is so simple, basically two arms fit into the base and away you go. Mine carries 4 full size mountain bikes without any issues. Never looked back. I can chuck a photo up tomorrow if you like or you could have a look at www.pendle-bike.co.uk The one i have is the (4bike behind the ball mounting) approx Edited September 9, 2011 by mikej

[NikpV]

We have a Galaxy mk 2. We have an Atera Linea rack which fits to the tail gate. It comes with rails for 3 bikes and we purchased an extra set of rails to carry another bike. We consider it to have been a really good investment carrying the bikes very securely clamped no waving around and wobbling. The lights and plate are not obscured at all.

The design may have changed but ours seems more set up for road bikes. Our mountain bikes are more bulky and fitting them all on is a little more difficult but when we only carry 2 or 3 bikes it's easier.

It's not cheap but really worth it. You have to lift the bikes up roughly to chest height.

Cath

 

 

we have this and it can carry 4 bikes but you have to get them arranged just so - good secure fitting usually once you ve sorted the positions at the beginning of the season can get quite quick at getting the bikes off and on .....

[TeamGreen]

Hi Everyone, thanks for the help.

 

The jury is out at the moment with regards towing, not been given permission yet, but nose weight is something I'd not thought about so great point there.

 

I'll have a look at your suggestions knowing that they are good to use rather than trying to guess which one to go for.

 

Cheers.

[redcup]

Hi Everyone, thanks for the help.

 

The jury is out at the moment with regards towing, not been given permission yet, but nose weight is something I'd not thought about so great point there.

 

I'll have a look at your suggestions knowing that they are good to use rather than trying to guess which one to go for.

 

Cheers.

 

I have a Thule one which goes behind the tow bar - it works well and can carry up to 4 bikes.

I find it difficult to get the bikes on and off without scratching them though (the carrier has two arms which come out, which you slide the bikes over). Thule do a 3 bike one as well, which has tracks for the wheels to go on - I think this would be more satisfactory.

 

I also have a Thule indoor carrier which is way better as far as I'm concerned (for security, safety, economy and keeping the bikes scratch free), but obviously at least 3 seats need to come out, depending on how many bikes need to be carried...

[rt22]

We have a Galaxy mk 2. We have an Atera Linea rack which fits to the tail gate. It comes with rails for 3 bikes and we purchased an extra set of rails to carry another bike. We consider it to have been a really good investment carrying the bikes very securely clamped no waving around and wobbling. The lights and plate are not obscured at all.

The design may have changed but ours seems more set up for road bikes. Our mountain bikes are more bulky and fitting them all on is a little more difficult but when we only carry 2 or 3 bikes it's easier.

It's not cheap but really worth it. You have to lift the bikes up roughly to chest height.

Cath

Hi - are you able to tilt your Atera back sufficiently to enable to boot to be opened while the rack is still loaded?