Bike racks: Suspended or platform

[johannrissik]

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.

 

You slip nothing past the Innuendo Police. Apologise to her at once

[awesme]

something no one has commented on,

 

The platforms come with rear lights and a place for a number plate, the suspension obscure both these and will leave to a nice xMas bonus for our friendly guys next to the road.

 

I've had the 2 bike Thule suspension, invested in the Thule 3 bike platform unit yesterday, need to sort a problem out with my toe bar plug, but very happy how the 2 bikes sit, wheels and top tube suspended so no more pool noodle between the bikes to keep them apart.

 

G

[ValeYellow]

You slip nothing past the Innuendo Police. Apologise to her at once

 

And what a lovely softtail it is

[Eric Rautenbach]

Only reason you buy a Porsche Cayman is cause you cant afford the 911.

Same reason why most of us buy the suspension type.

Sure as hell wish i bought myself a platform Thule instead of this rubbish suspension Thule.

[madbradd]

I was looking at options for my 3 series. Specifically wanted access to the boot as someone mentioned earlier. For a platform I would have needed to fork out 8500 for the tow bar, then 9000 for the platform rack. For roof racks it was about 3500 for racks and then 1800 per bike, with the risk of driving my bikes into something while parking at home or in the basement at work. Landed up getting the Thule raceway suspension rack for 3300, takes 2 min's to attach to my boot, 1 min to take off, about 1 min to load my bike and about 3 miss to load 2 bikes, doeant damage the car, I have access to the boot and haven't seen damage to the bikes. That said if I had a shock under the top tube like a Scott or Spez, it would be more difficult than my giant. Also I ride an xl, easier to load than an xs.

 

I would probably have gone for a platform had budget not been an issue, But I'm extremely happy with my raceway thus far. And you also get a 2 bike platform version But I can't really comment on it.

[Aaron_B]

Thule platform rack. Expensive but worth it - loading and unloading is a breeze.

[Beesrib]

Hi there,

 

I have the thule suspension 2 bike, which used to work fine with the old 26ers on. Now my carbon 29 storm frame, sits really big on the front and I don't feel comfortable at all driving that way, but no moola to buy the nice sitting frames.

 

I am also looking at an option for my polo hatchback without towbar. How good are those racks that sits on the back window, or should one look at the roof rack option. (don't want to spend to much, as this will only be used a couple of times per year).

 

ta

[quintonb]

In the process of making a 3 bike platform rack.

Adjustable sideways to allow adjustment when bars and seats interfere.

Will add pics tomorrow, can't seem to do that on my phone.

 

 

Ok pictures as promised

[Erroli8a8]

Thelma 2.

 

this is the one that i have, its the best i have seen. nothing touches your frame!!!! it holds your front wheel.

its te best value for your money.

 

http://www.bicyclepower.co.za/Products/SarisCycleRacks/tabid/110/ProductID/7/Default.aspx

[johannrissik]

Ok pictures as promised

 

Nice! I like the adjustable bit too.

 

What holds them upright?

[quintonb]

Nice! I like the adjustable bit too.

 

What holds them upright?

Thanks. In the picture there were just standing up without assistance.

I haven't decided yet, was thinking about using the crank arms as a fixing point.

Or maybe a similar system to the Holdfast Racks.

 

I have a "prototype" out that was built for a mate, it uses an upright section of Square tubing that the crank mounts to.

The upright is covered in High-density foam.

Have made a few tweeks on the one pictured.

[Hairy]

Take a look at Makro ... they have a BNB rack that mounts onto the towbar and has the platform system. I am 99.9% certain I will be buying this one very very soon....only R2000.00

 

Construction seems very sound and after having a "hanging" bike rack on my old car I am really looking forward to the simplicity of a platform system and also less risk of damage to the bikes in transport.

[duringd]

After using various racks I don't think I will ever again use anything but a Thule platform. Easy to use, well made, even looks good.

[Hairy]

http://www.bnbrack.com/en/images/productpart/full/20246.png

http://www.makro.co.za/p/29847/bnb-explorer-ball-bicycle-rack-with-lights/

http://www.bnbrack.com/en/ProductDetail.aspx?product=200

[johannrissik]

Thanks. In the picture there were just standing up without assistance.

I haven't decided yet, was thinking about using the crank arms as a fixing point.

Or maybe a similar system to the Holdfast Racks.

 

I have a "prototype" out that was built for a mate, it uses an upright section of Square tubing that the crank mounts to.

The upright is covered in High-density foam.

Have made a few tweeks on the one pictured.

 

I went for a full-length upright, foam covered, the whole rack comes apart quickly and fits in the boot.

 

Tail-light boards are about the most expensive part of the whole thing at about R400

 

Maybe we apply to register the name "Boere-Tooly"

[quintonb]

http://www.bnbrack.com/en/images/productpart/full/20246.png

http://www.makro.co....ck-with-lights/

http://www.bnbrack.c...spx?product=200

For R2000.000.....

Thats a bargain. Very nice.

Do they do a 3 bike carrier?