Bike rack for Sedan with no tow bar

[abcdefg]

Hi Guys,

 

So I have a tow bar mounted bike rack but now changing my car to a car with no tow bar. So my options are:

• Getting a tow bar for the car
• Getting a bike rack that doesn't need a tow bar

So from the research I have done thus far it seems that getting a tow bar is a costly exercise. So I'm looking at what options are available in terms of bike racks that work on a sedan but don't need a tow bar.

 

One of the options is the Thule 968, but I am worried if it will do damage to the boot and paint. Has anyone had any experience (Bad vs good) with this bike rack or suggest any other options for me?

 

PS I found tow bars to cost like R5k-R6k

[Kranswurm]

Hi Guys,

 

So I have a tow bar mounted bike rack but now changing my car to a car with no tow bar. So my options are:

• Getting a tow bar for the car
• Getting a bike rack that doesn't need a tow bar

So from the research I have done thus far it seems that getting a tow bar is a costly exercise. So I'm looking at what options are available in terms of bike racks that work on a sedan but don't need a tow bar.

 

One of the options is the Thule 968, but I am worried if it will do damage to the boot and paint. Has anyone had any experience (Bad vs good) with this bike rack or suggest any other options for me?

 

PS I found tow bars to cost like R5k-R6k

Roof Rack

[Lurch the stalker]

I have a Holdfast 3 bike rack that I swop between a sedan and hatchback that doesn't need a tow bar.

 

It has done damage on the paint on the sedan's boot.

Also, I find it never quite sits as securely on the sedan as it does on the hatchback.

[Tayyib]

I had a thule strap on one and found that it rubbed off the paint on contact points. Also I hated the fact I couldn't access my boot which you often need to when going on a ride...I'm now using roof racks and very happy. They always there when I need it and it's convenient. ...iv never forgotten it's up there and driven it into anything like some people apparently do.

[droenn]

We've got the Thule passage on a hatchback - can go on sedan boots too.

 

To be honest, it works fine for the occasional trip to a race, but not much more. A lot of the clip on ones are fine on tarmac, but once you start bouncing along a (rougher) dirt road there is potential for things to damage car...

 

Tow bar ones are much better - but a bit overkill to install a tower only for a rack - unless you're using the rack >1 time a week?

[droenn]

oh and clip on ones offer no security. at all. ever.

[Rocket-Boy]

I have a Saris bones clip on and its awesome. Takes very little time to fit and is very sturdy.

Like Droenn says though there is no security, the carrier and bike can easily be stolen.

[Pure Savage]

I have a thule one which ratchets on, it has a base for bikes so the bikes don't hang. No rubbing and you can lock it onto your car.

 

Best R2500 I have ever spent.

[Samurai Pizza Cat]

I've been through this exercise, and I'm sorry to say: Towbar.

 

As mentioned before, the clip on / strap systems are not very safe, and could damage your car.

The roofrack systems are great, but you only need to forget once to end up with some serious damage to your car or bikes. ( I forgot about mine and hit a tree branch....R15000 worth of damage to my car.)

 

The towbar option is expensive, but well worth it.

[LazyTrailRider]

I agree with Dirt Merchant.

 

All other options suck compared to towbar-mounted. I've had them all, would never even consider using a different method again, just not worth the hassle.

[Eddy Gordo]

Indeed towbar option only. I went thru the same process. Spent money on roof racks. Upgraded car, roof racks dont fit. Then shopped and decided on towbar. Took me a while to save for the towbar. But go it done eventually.

I have since upgraded from that car. I made sure that I have a towbar now and even my wifes car has a towbar. No more worries about compatibility.

[Spez247]

Towbar...

 

If you have a good/great towbar rack already, there is no other option. You will never need to part ways with it, you just need to negotiate every time you upgrade the car, to incl a fair price for the towbar.

 

Sorry.

[scubes]

I too have a Saris Bones (2). I'd get a tow bar if I could but can't now. So bar a tow bar, a system like the Bones works well. On quickly and off super fast. Very easy to load up and safe to drive with and very stable. Security no but I don't leave my bike on the rack unattended, just use it to transport the bike. Any scratches on my car are my fault from hasty loading but the rack won't scratch the car it is a great rack. 

[Skubarra]

On my previous car, the cost of fixing the scratches caused by my bike/bikerack ended up being more than what a towbar would have cost me,

 

just sayin....

[Azi]

+1 for the Saris Bones - got the 2 bike version and brother inlaw has the three bike version. As long as the contact points of the rack and car is clean there is no marks. Some paint removed edge of the boot (where the clips go around) but nothing that is glaring or will give you sleepless nights.

 

We've both used the racks from Jhb to Durban on numerous occasions and no issues with stability.

[DR ◣◢]

Have to go with towbar. Can access boot, locks to towbar and is super stable. No chance at all of damaging your paint.