garthdv Posted April 11, 2014 Posted April 11, 2014 Hi all, I drive a Golf 6 Gti so was looking at getting a bike rack that straps onto the boot lid as I do not have a towbar. My concern is that the straps might scratch the car. For those that have had experience with this, please could you provide some insight?
goodluck Phil danger Posted April 11, 2014 Posted April 11, 2014 I have a Thule rack that clips onto tha back of any car. It's very sturdy for a clip-on type of rack. The clips are rubberised and I have only once had a trip were there was a scratch on my car as a result of this rack - but that was ons a gravel road on which I drove for about 80km... That being said, I have only used it about 4 or 5 times - and it damaged the paint on my bike as well. I decided to get a towbar as well as a Thule Euroway G2, it was the best bike related purchase I have made! Totally worth it. I have never regretted it. It is about a million times better. Hope this helps!
goodluck Phil danger Posted April 11, 2014 Posted April 11, 2014 PS Although I have not used one before - have you given the roof mounted rack any thought? Sorry if this is off topic.
Uni Posted April 11, 2014 Posted April 11, 2014 I use a buzzrack and that doesn't have the rubberised clips - i tried putting something between the clips and my car but it was such a mission but yes it scratches - no matter how careful you are it's gonna happen even when putting the rack on / off never mind carrying bikes on bumpy roads. My next car criteria - my have tow bar or it's a bakkie where i cat fit my bikes in the back. (and lock them)
goodluck Phil danger Posted April 11, 2014 Posted April 11, 2014 I use a buzzrack and that doesn't have the rubberised clips - i tried putting something between the clips and my car but it was such a mission but yes it scratches - no matter how careful you are it's gonna happen even when putting the rack on / off never mind carrying bikes on bumpy roads. My next car criteria - my have tow bar or it's a bakkie where i cat fit my bikes in the back. (and lock them) +1
jcza Posted April 11, 2014 Posted April 11, 2014 Get a towbar and Thule, else roofracks & Thule. Its worth it. Fuel consumption will be higher with roofracks. PS: Remember when bikes are on roof, else it gets expensive Spoke101 and Brogue 2
goodluck Phil danger Posted April 11, 2014 Posted April 11, 2014 Agreed. Don't dance around it - just get the towbar and G2.
Pusher Posted April 11, 2014 Posted April 11, 2014 Never mind the clips, it will scratch where the bike rack rests on the car. No matter how you try and clean the car before putting on the rack! Roof rack or tow bar is the way to go.
funjunkie Posted April 11, 2014 Posted April 11, 2014 I have used a strap on Thule 968. It works well, but you will definitely get some scratches on your car.I eventually changed to towbar and platform rack.If you don't mind the odd scratch on you car than the strap on system will work.
cadenceblur Posted April 11, 2014 Posted April 11, 2014 (edited) been there, and done that. Protect your bike and car and go with the towbar and platform option. potential costs of the "cosmetic" damage to your beautiful car will far exceed the intial investment in the long run.It's also so much easier to load your bike / bikes for that matter. Edited April 11, 2014 by cadenceblur Brogue 1
Wez-O Posted April 11, 2014 Posted April 11, 2014 Get a towbar and Thule, else roofracks & Thule. Its worth it. Fuel consumption will be higher with roofracks. PS: Remember when bikes are on roof, else it gets expensiveTrue, perhaps don't allow your wife to park your car post ride in the garage if you go the roofrack route. Brogue 1
Super Sywurm Posted April 11, 2014 Posted April 11, 2014 Hi all, I drive a Golf 6 Gti so was looking at getting a bike rack that straps onto the boot lid as I do not have a towbar. My concern is that the straps might scratch the car. For those that have had experience with this, please could you provide some insight? I have a Buzz rack, drove from Kimberley to Cape Town with a bike on the back of my Polo, no scratches. We also drove to Knysna with two bikes on the back of a Jetta and no scratches. Keep in mind that the car needs to be clean, because the dirt under the rubber of the rack might scratch the paint.
V12man Posted April 11, 2014 Posted April 11, 2014 Put one of the protective plastic layers like VPS under where the clips attach and in the surrounding areas and your paintwork should survive ok. That said - I prefer the towbar mounted racks by far.
Uni Posted April 11, 2014 Posted April 11, 2014 keep in mind that the car needs to be clean, because the dirt under the rubber of the rack might scratch the paint. therein lies my problem. Access road to work is a dirt road, my car is NEVER clean.
G00SE Posted April 11, 2014 Posted April 11, 2014 (edited) I have a Buzz rack, Keep in mind that the car needs to be clean, because the dirt under the rubber of the rack might scratch the paint. I have a buzz rack too. The rubber stains the paint if you leave it on for extended periods of time. Put a cloth or tape over areas that touch, but a tow bar rack will solve these issues as mentioned by others.Lucky i don't drive a fancy car and am not too fussed by a scratch or two I would never put roof mounted racks on my cart - my memory is too cr@p for that... Edited April 11, 2014 by goose1111 Super Sywurm 1
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