Tiny K Posted February 28, 2012 Posted February 28, 2012 (edited) I have this 'problem' (if I can call it that). I won a Holdfast 2 bicycle carrier that clamps onto the tow ball (like the Thule) this last weekend at a cycle race..... that isn't my problem. My problem is that I already have two bicycle carriers already - the old school Holdfast one that slots into a plate bolted to the tow bar (bikes are hanging - 3 bike rack), and then a home made one that mimics the Thule ride-on but I have put arms to clamp onto the top tube of the bikes - also 3 bike rack. My problem is that I have a Bantam or VW Chico to use for transport. The 3 bike rack is brilliant on the back of the Bantam but it can only really take two people....... Chico is great for 4 people but doesn't have a tow bar so that ends the idea. I was looking at trading the clamp on for a hatch / boot mount option in the Holdfast range, but I want to know what the experience is on these racks - looking at the 3 bike version and it'll transport road bikes and MTB's on the odd occasion. I was told that the hatch version works OK for 3 road bikes but better for 2 MTB's rather. I have this one:http://www.holdfast.co.za/app/webroot/uploads/images/b90cb948ea7771c94e7f6132477aeb51.jpg Want to trade for this one:http://www.holdfast.co.za/app/webroot/uploads/images/5713722fea861d53e318277395ee1170.jpg Edited February 28, 2012 by Tiny K
Stretch Posted February 28, 2012 Posted February 28, 2012 (edited) I was looking at trading the clamp on for a hatch / boot mount option in the Holdfast range, but I want to know what the experience is on these racks - looking at the 3 bike version and it'll transport road bikes and MTB's on the odd occasion. I was told that the hatch version works OK for 3 road bikes but better for 2 MTB's rather. I borrowed one of those 3 bike hatch things while i was waiting for a towbar for my new car - and I felt it was more than useless - the bike swayed back and forth and i kept on worrying it was going to hit my car - the though of carrying more than one bike on it would send shivers down my spine Edited February 28, 2012 by Stretch
HaydenE Posted February 28, 2012 Posted February 28, 2012 I have one of the 3 bike hatch rack things, and have just bought a Thule RideOn as I didn't like the hatch rack at all due to scratches to my bikes from moving around and to the car where the "U" hooks attaches to the cars hatch. I would also hesitate carrying more than two light mountain bikes on the 3 bike rack ...
Tiny K Posted February 28, 2012 Author Posted February 28, 2012 I borrowed one of those 3 bike hatch things while i was waiting for a towbar for my new car - and I felt it was more than useless - the bike swayed back and forth and i kept on worrying it was going to hit my car - the though of carrying more than one bike on it would send shivers down my spine Was that the new or old model rack? I know they have updated both the tow ball clamp on (placed the arms wider rather than straight up) as well as the hatch one (dunno what they changed there) - might have added stability straps for the swaying.
Wannabe Posted February 28, 2012 Posted February 28, 2012 Tiny, I have one of the "clamp on" variety at home. Never used it (got it as a gift), not new but in good condition. Pop around, have a look at it, try it out and then decide. We might be able to come to an arrangement (as I'm quite sure it is the ticket I gave you on Sunday that won you that rack, )
Stretch Posted February 28, 2012 Posted February 28, 2012 Was that the new or old model rack? I know they have updated both the tow ball clamp on (placed the arms wider rather than straight up) as well as the hatch one (dunno what they changed there) - might have added stability straps for the swaying. ok arguably it was not the same brand - but it was quite a good brand (cant remember). I still have it at home - will take a look for interest
Tiny K Posted February 28, 2012 Author Posted February 28, 2012 Ok, so the upgrade to the hatch model was:- they brought the bicycle carrying arms closer- the support arm at the bottom (rests on the bumper) was made wider for better stability- the stabilising straps were introduced for lateral movement. Anyone use this newer version?
Tiny K Posted February 28, 2012 Author Posted February 28, 2012 (edited) Tiny, I have one of the "clamp on" variety at home. Never used it (got it as a gift), not new but in good condition. Pop around, have a look at it, try it out and then decide. We might be able to come to an arrangement (as I'm quite sure it is the ticket I gave you on Sunday that won you that rack, ) According to who?! LOL! The ticket smallh had in her hand won it.......arguably, she had both tickets. Anyway, when you say clamp on, is it the updated version with stabilising straps and rubber top straps? As I said to 'Dale - you gotta be in it to win it....... can't actually remember which ticket won it. Threw the other one away once prize giving was over. Edited February 28, 2012 by Tiny K
Grebel Posted February 28, 2012 Posted February 28, 2012 Hijack on: @ TinyK Can you post a picture of your home made Thule clone please. I am interested to see how it came out. I am bust with a home made one at the moment
Wet Ears Posted February 28, 2012 Posted February 28, 2012 If Holdfast hatch is similar to the Saris Bones I would say go for it - did a round trip from Joeys to Durbs with 3 bikes on the rack and no issues whatsoever.
Wannabe Posted February 28, 2012 Posted February 28, 2012 Tiny, not sure about which version it is. I did not inspect it thoroughly, but I imagine that I saw it had the stabilising straps. Will have a look this arvie (after my ride) and give you a call.
'Dale Posted February 28, 2012 Posted February 28, 2012 According to who?! LOL! The ticket smallh had in her hand won it.......arguably, she had both tickets. Anyway, when you say clamp on, is it the updated version with stabilising straps and rubber top straps? As I said to 'Dale - you gotta be in it to win it....... can't actually remember which ticket won it. Threw the other one away once prize giving was over. Wannabe is yanking your front derailleur. And, if this turns into a dispute, I am claiming it as mine.
Tiny K Posted February 28, 2012 Author Posted February 28, 2012 Hijack on: @ TinyK Can you post a picture of your home made Thule clone please. I am interested to see how it came out. I am bust with a home made one at the moment Yeah, I know you wanted the photo's and spec of mine a while ago - was designed for road bikes but will work just as well for MTB's - will try take pics tonight and take some dimensions
Tiny K Posted February 28, 2012 Author Posted February 28, 2012 Wannabe is yanking your front derailleur. And, if this turns into a dispute, I am claiming it as mine. You are disqualified from this because you have one already......
Grebel Posted February 28, 2012 Posted February 28, 2012 Yeah, I know you wanted the photo's and spec of mine a while ago - was designed for road bikes but will work just as well for MTB's - will try take pics tonight and take some dimensions Thanks bro I built a 4 bike but the space was too tight so I converted it to a 3 bike. Just battling with the clamps. Using three uprights with Holdfast rubber clamps at the moment but it looks ugly. Wouldn't mind having a look at what you did.
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