Are rear door mounted bike carriers safe for VW Polo's

[Steven Knoetze (sk27)]

I have the Thule one you fit on the tow bar. But, I usually just put my bike (29er ds) in the polo (also hatch).

Take out both the rear seat cushions (mine are permanently out because it's also my "bakkie" for the dog. Put seat (back rests) down.

Remove front wheel.

Put bike in from boot, with the handlebar and fork first.

Fit in very easy and quick. 

 

I do this because kaapenaars generally drive like tossers and one day someone is gonna rear end me with the bike on the rack. (I don't put bike in car in rainy weather though).

 

I have fitted to large framed MTB's with camping gear into the back of our VW Polo vivo for a weekend away in Hogsback. Just removed both wheels, seatpost with saddle and then pack very nicely, beware of bending rear derailleurs!! It is possible but it was not not easy. Very tight squeeze. Also if you need any 1 item along the way you are royally stuffed!!!!!

[dre]

I had one, Thule hang on rack, bought second hand locally.

It worked great but I wasn't at all pleased with the paint it removed from my Polo when removing the rack. I even applied VPS to the attachement areas but then the clips wouldn't slide over the boot lid at the top.

Needless to say I sold it straight away.

I am now rather saving up for a tow bar and a decent stand on rack.

Just be wary of the paint damage is what I am saying.

 

No experience with hang-on Thule myself, but also heard that you can "feel" the heavyness and swaying of the bikes (esp. if there are two or more on the rack).

 

Next one I buy is those Thule EuroWay type which fits on a tow bar.

[Steven Knoetze (sk27)]

No experience with hang-on Thule myself, but also heard that you can "feel" the heavyness and swaying of the bikes (esp. if there are two or more on the rack).

 

Next one I buy is those Thule EuroWay type which fits on a tow bar.

 

I'm really not slamming the product but I don't think the german engineers would've factored in an additional 10-45kg swaying off of the back on 2 hinges and a single boot closure.

Just seems like a bad idea, in the long run.

[bikebefok]

 

 

 

If the Clip On is properly installed it should have clear plastic protector where the top hooks make contact, stuck onto the vehicle. On the bottom hooks there should be black rubber pads. 

As long as these are in place there shouldn't be any paint damage.

Whenever I've seen scratching/damage it's been where these protective materials have not been used.

[Wolf Lyle]

Just don't do it. Get a tow hitch and save your car and your mind. Driving with a door mount carrier was the most stressful experience. payed 2K for a towbar (fitted) and got a Thule platform , What a pleasure

[bikebefok]

Just don't do it. Get a tow hitch and save your car and your mind. Driving with a door mount carrier was the most stressful experience. payed 2K for a towbar (fitted) and got a Thule platform , What a pleasure

I must concur, the platforms are far superior. 2k for a towbar is a VERY good price though. Really depends on what you're driving. In motor plan and having to get it fitted by a dealer can be an expensive prospect. Nonetheless, if you can afford to do it, one of the better Thule platform carriers should give you a solid decade of use if looked after.

[Pikey]

I have one of these, and must say that the 26" wheels of my Scott will not clear traffic. It sticks out way to far for my comfort, so I remove both wheels. And must say that by removing both wheels, you can feel that the car has to work less. So my guess will be there might be a fair amount of wind resistance.

I will rather remove my wheels. Not in the position to buy new wheels at the moment. And judging how people drive these days in respect to clearing distances...

 

oh, fitted to a Kia Rio.

have one these on my wife's mini, best rack other than towbar or roof racks.

 

But can't beat towbar and platform,sooo easy to use.

[RedMister]

I've been using the Buzz Rack 3 bike carrier on my Polo hatch for the past year with no major issues. It carries 2 x 29ers with ease. It hooks on the top, sides and bottom of the rear door. Part of it rest on the window and part rest on the with your VW polo sign in the middle of the bottom section. This ensures that your number plate is not obscured by the bike.

[RedMister]

have one these on my wife's mini, best rack other than towbar or roof racks.

 

But can't beat towbar and platform,sooo easy to use.

[RedMister]

I'm really not slamming the product but I don't think the german engineers would've factored in an additional 10-45kg swaying off of the back on 2 hinges and a single boot closure.

Just seems like a bad idea, in the long run.

[RedMister]

I travelled from Langebaan back to Cape Town with my 29er hanging at the back of my polo hatch and could feel a definite increase in the wind resistance and also how the car handles...It does create a fair amount of drag. In town I can tolerate it but really feel it on the long road.

[Rocket-Boy]

Just don't do it. Get a tow hitch and save your car and your mind. Driving with a door mount carrier was the most stressful experience. payed 2K for a towbar (fitted) and got a Thule platform , What a pleasure

I guess everyone's mileage will vary.

That bones I bought from you is awesome. I have done quite a bit of distance with it and two mtb's on and its always rock solid. Heck I brought my two roadies with me on it this evening and didnt give them a 2nd thought.

Not so sure about the thule ones but the saris bones is a brilliant rack.

[SPARTA-cus]

Not a fan of strappy or clip on. Had one similar to what Surv0MTB posted. A few years ago, while driving to PTA my bike slipped of and made sweet love to the tar. At +- 120kmh!!!!!! There was a bumpy section and this made the rubber strap come loose. Realised the bike was of about 15km later. Everyone was tooting. Other two bikes were fine. When I got to my bike, it was already claimed by n passerby. Luckily some backup arrived and I got the bike back! Well, what was left of it.

 

Bought a Holdfast bike carrier a while ago. Sturdy and hooks onto the towbar!

[Wolf Lyle]

I guess everyone's mileage will vary.

That bones I bought from you is awesome. I have done quite a bit of distance with it and two mtb's on and its always rock solid. Heck I brought my two roadies with me on it this evening and didnt give them a 2nd thought.

Not so sure about the thule ones but the saris bones is a brilliant rack.

Out of the door mounts , I agree, I think the saris is probably the best. Glad its working for you. I just didn't like the feeling of 30kg hanging on my rear door hinges. gave me the creeps. And when I changed bikes the rear shock got in the way..

Platform takes about 30seconds to attach , pop the bike on and forget. can hit 140 on the freeway without any sway etc.. for me it was worth it. live in the city, so it gets used every time I ride (as there are no trails within riding dist from my house , and im not brave enough to ride on the tar)

[Rocket-Boy]

Out of the door mounts , I agree, I think the saris is probably the best. Glad its working for you. I just didn't like the feeling of 30kg hanging on my rear door hinges. gave me the creeps. And when I changed bikes the rear shock got in the way..

Platform takes about 30seconds to attach , pop the bike on and forget. can hit 140 on the freeway without any sway etc.. for me it was worth it. live in the city, so it gets used every time I ride (as there are no trails within riding dist from my house , and im not brave enough to ride on the tar)

Mine is on a sedan though so maybe thats why it feels nice and sturdy.

I will probably get a towbar mounted carrier when I change cars just because its quicker to mount. I have the bones down to an art now, takes about 2 mins to get it on but its still not as easy as a towbar mount unit.