Bicycle carriers

[Tiny K]

I have a bit if a dilemma and am looking to the all knowing collective known as thehub for answers

 

I am looking at one of ffive types of bicycle carriers listed below:

 

1. Top tube Hanging.

Kinda like the the holdfast/ thule basic range

 

Pro's:

Quick 'n easy except for fastening it to prevent forward and backward movement.

Wheels stay in so ready to ride

Easy to mount and dismount when done.

 

Con's:

Dunno if it puts unnecessary stress on the top tube?

Wheel stick past vehicle - could it scoop wind if I have deep sections on my bike?

Need to fasten front wheel from flapping in the wind.

 

2. Standing complete behind vehicle

 

Pro's:

Stands on wheels so wheels stay in - ready to ride.

No unnecessary stress on frame.

 

Con's:

Wheel stick past vehicle - could it scoop wind if I have deep sections on my bike?

 

3. Standing on roof

 

Pro's:

Bike stays complete - ready to ride

Doesn't catch much wind because the bike is facing the same direction that the air is moving (except for when the SE is pumping it CT - then you have no hope)

 

Con's:

You stand a great chance to forget it on the roof and smash your bike on a low boom or garage door.

 

4. Old school roof rack

 

Pro's:

Doesn't catch much wind because the bike is facing the same direction that the air is moving (except for when the SE is pumping it CT - then you have no hope)

 

Cons:

You need to take the front wheel out and put it in vehicle.

You stand a great chance to forget it on the roof and smash your bike on a low boom or garage door.

 

5. Modified rack

 

I don't have an image of it but it will be a hybrid of the old school front fork bracket with the wheel receptor for the rear. It looks similar to #3 but it will have an upright (to keep the bike level) and front fork receptor to fasten the fork to it. It also has a top tube clamp to keep the bike upright and fastened.

 

Pro's:

Bike is shorter so will fit behind vehicle completely.

No issues with wheels catching wind.

 

Con's:

Front wheel comes out but a bracket can be made to fit it on the rack too, or will have to go into the vehicle.

 

Yeah, I know it's a long read but let me know what you guys think, thanks.

[AndreZA]

I would go option 2 but it needs the Thule/Buzzrack fastening system.

[Nobody]

I have number 2 for you if you interested.

Have put reflective tape on to help with visibility.

[Tankman]

It depends what bike you want to use it for

 

If a MTB that can handle a couple of scratches and you dont mind getting it dirty, any of the racks behind the car on towbar will work.

 

If a spiffy new carbon bike that you want to keep clean while traveling .... roof racks. (mine goes inside the car, thank you very much)

 

What about the Thule range, their system is much easier to engage on the towbar ball.

[Azi]

There is another option, if I may. Saris bones - bike stays fully assembled with wheels, so ready to ride. It can be used on most vehicles without modifications (except hatchbacks with a spoiler fitted - sedans with spoilers are not a problem), no towbar needed, and looks cool too. Cons: If the feet are dirty, you will scratch your vehcile paintwork, and you cannot lock the bikle to the rack.

[Witkop]

take the front wheel off the bike and slide the bike upside down onto the back seat the of car.

 

Cons: chain lube on the seats.

Cons: you may have t take both wheels off if you want to put two or three bikes on the bak seat.

 

Pros: the kids cannot come with.........

 

 

grabs hat and coat and runs for the door

[Let's Ride]

take the front wheel off the bike and slide the bike upside down onto the back seat the of car.

 

Cons: chain lube on the seats.

Cons: you may have t take both wheels off if you want to put two or three bikes on the bak seat.

 

Pros: the kids cannot come with.........

 

 

grabs hat and coat and runs for the door

 

Bwahaha. Thule foor bike carrier for me. The one for 1k.

[SCHWINN LOVER]

Option 1 works a treat for me and as for the forward/backward movement well a strap made from velcro around the BB and the rack holds evrything together and stops the movement?

[akneethling]

I feel there's 1 more PRO/CON that you must consider, and that is SECURITY. I've owned Thule and Holdfast (Currently Thule Express). I must say I miss the Securtity of the Holdfast (Option 1). There are 3 lockable pins on the Holdfast.

 

1) Locking the Base Plate to the Upright Bars

2) Locking the Upright Bars to the The Hanger Bars (That the bikes Secure to)

3) Locking Rod Securing the Top Tubes to the Hanger Bars

 

The only vulnerability here is Securing the base plate to the towbar...... Can be done with a "Macguyver"

 

The Thule 2 Bike 970 Express is seriously lacking in this are. I managed to secure it to the Towbar By means of a Yale Long Shackle Lock. But there's not much else you can do. So the Holdfast , for me, is a bit more secure.