Bike racks: Suspended or platform

[Lamber]

Hi guys,

 

At last my new tjor has a towbar and I no longer need to chuck my bikes in my little Corsa's boot- now i'm shopping for a bike rack.

 

I see a lot of guys opting for the platform type rather than the suspension type, why is that? I have a Tiguan, so ground clearance is not that bad- but taking into account the type of terrains to and from MTB races- wouldn't the suspended (hanging) type be a better option?

 

Any advice is welcome.

 

dL

[dirtrider]

To much swinging of bikes on the suspension type racks for me .

[CASSIE1975]

To much swinging of bikes on the suspension type racks for me .

 

+1

[P.A.K.]

To much swinging of bikes on the suspension type racks for me .

Plus they can potentially damage your cables (esp on road bikes)

[CASSIE1975]

Also I don't think it's good for Carbon frames - as they are hanging (with a wing-nut type thing) fastening the top tupe, the bikes swing around and (depending on the frame shape) could damage the frame - not sure if your frames are carbon?? But I think worth a mention if someone else reads this thread...

[johannrissik]

Platform, without a doubt.

[Messier87]

Less damage to your bike. Especially if you have more than one bike on the rack. Just go for platform - IMO you will do so at some stage so do it from the start.

[Lamber]

To much swinging of bikes on the suspension type racks for me .

 

Makes sense. Thanks a lot!

[CASSIE1975]

We had:

1. Clamp-on to the back of the car racks,

2. Bike buddies (or whatever they are called) - suspention type rack,

3. Platform rack - which fasten your Top-tube and BOTH wheels.

 

Prefer Platform rack!!! Bit more expensive, but worth the moola's...!!!

BUT not sure about the MTB type terrains you mention...maybe someone else can comment as we normally just travel tar and off-road farm type roads...no problems yet!

Edited August 21, 2013 by CASSIE1975

[fanievb]

had 2 suspension type racks and found the loading and unloading of the bikes a pain, and the bikes get scratched and damaged no matter how carefully you pack/rack them

[G00SE]

The only reason suspension type racks still exist is because platform ones are ... ahem... expensive!!!

[fanievb]

check out www.rackandcarry.co.za, i can recommend them for both service and prices.

[fanievb]

The only reason suspension type racks still exist is because platform ones are ... ahem... expensive!!!

 

I paid almost R2k for a Thule Spare me hanging rack (fits onto a spare wheel) (that's what the vehicle manufacturer recommends if you want to keep your warranty)

[ValeYellow]

for what it is worth, I have the hanging type rack, the one arm of the rack sits under the top tube by the seatpost, the second arm sits under the down tube of the bike - which levels out the bike nicely as the top tube slopes a fair bit. If both arms go under the top tube, then the ground clearance between the front wheel and the ground is too close for comfort. I have found that there is pretty much zero sway under braking and acceleration and all cables are way clear meaning they don't catch or rub against anything.

 

Having said this, I have a hardtail, my mate has a softtail and also a hanging type rack which is not ideal at all. He definately needs a platform, as his wife also has a softtail.

[Dirtracker]

I drive a Honda CRV so very similar to the Tiguan and I use a platform Thule rack. Ground clearance no problem and very secure.

[Mojoman]

Anyone made their own platform carrier?