Bike racks - another which one :-)

[Cleggy the Spyder Man]

Looking to transport two full sized adult bikes, plus two medium sized and one small bike on the car so we can go and have some fun this summer

 

the car is an estate with a towbar fitted

 

I was thinking maybe a towbar fitted job that will take at least four bikes (and the kiddies bike will fit in the boot)

 

the boot will need to be able to be opened with the bike rack fitted - I would suggest it would be sensible to have something with a trailer light unit fitted

 

You guys got any recommendations or anything for sale?

 

Thanks in advance

 

 

 

 

[Cleggy the Spyder Man]

mmm considering something like this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Motorcycle-bike-trailer-by-Trax-Franc-like-erde-/321026142446?pt=UK_Car_Accessories_Touring_Travel&hash=item4abea630ee

[Mark (smokey mow)]

I can reccomend the Maxxraxx towball mount carriers

 

http://www.maxxraxx.co.uk/products.html

[Norman Verona]

That seems to be suitable for one bike, not four.

 

It's French so I would steer clear 

 

I've seen multiple push (not motor) bikes held sideways on a frame clamped to a tow bar bracket. Not sure if it was 4 bikes but was more than 1. It was on an estate car and had clamps going to the top of the tailgate.

 

Failing that why not get a small trailer and bolt some "U" shaped channel to the floor and a few uprights to anchor the tops of the bikes.

 

 

 

ed to add that I refer to Cleggy's link not Smokey's

[Mark (smokey mow)]

mmm considering something like this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Motorcycle-bike-trailer-by-Trax-Franc-like-erde-/321026142446?pt=UK_Car_Accessories_Touring_Travel&hash=item4abea630ee

 

We made this a few years back for carrying our 4 downhill bikes.

 

[jacko9370]

We made this a few years back for carrying our 4 downhill bikes.

What happened if you wanted to go uphill on a bike did you have to change bikes?

[Cleggy the Spyder Man]

something like that Mark would be perfect I reckon - that looks bl**** great = even some storage for muddy clothes and shoes etc   now where can I get one for reasonable money

 

the motorbike trailer in my link could be slightly modified to easily fit four bikes and then sold as a motorbike trailer when done with

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman]

What happened if you wanted to go uphill on a bike did you have to change bikes?

 

 

Doh, that's what the trailers for!     

[Rhett Turner - Black Country AO]

I've got a Thule one that even in use allows access to the boot. it can be tilted out of the way. 

Link

[Mark (smokey mow)]

something like that Mark would be perfect I reckon - that looks bl**** great = even some storage for muddy clothes and shoes etc now where can I get one for reasonable money

For a man with your welding abilities they're very easy to make. It took just over a day for two of us to build it.

Edit to add that bicycle carrying trailers are available. Have a look at Pendle for one.

http://www.pendle-bike.co.uk/shopping/six-bike-trailer.php

[Cleggy the Spyder Man]

Mmm I have been looking on eBay at trailer parts - like you say looks easy and cheap enough

Did you bother with suspension on yours?

I did see the Pendle product but I am not spending that much

[Mark (smokey mow)]

Yes it has suspension but being so light they're unbraked units.

We bought all the parts from Towsure, including pre-drilled mounting plates for the suspension units, but that was a while ago and I'm sure there's cheeper places available now. Then all we needed was a few lengths of steel box section.

http://www.towsure.com/category/Trailer_Suspension

If i was to do one again I wound make a simple square chassis and mount 4 of these to it.

http://www.towsure.com/product/Roof_Bar_Mounted_Cycle_Carrier

[langy]

Take a look at this site http://www.roofbox.co.uk/bike-carriers/

 

I've got 2 roof rack mounted Thule ProRide 59 and I think they are great.

[XTR2Turbo]

I have a tow ball mounted bike rack for 2 bikes.

 

I would watch your max tow ball weight if planning on fitting 4 bikes.

 

Personally if more than two I would go roof and rear two a piece or a trailer