Towbar and Bike rack

[Surprize]

Morning fellow mtb'ers!

 

I need some advice please. I'm in the process of purchasing a bike rack and installing a tow bar, however, I have no knowledge about tow bars at all. 

 

The bike rack I'm considering is the BuzzRunner Spark 3:

http://www.buzzrack.com/galleries/buzzrunner-spark-3-tow-ball-platform-bike-carrier-2/

 

My issue though is that I need to decide between 2 tow bars, and have no idea what to look for or to look out for.

 

Option 1:

 

Option 2:

 

Please can anyone advise me on which option would be the best and the reason(s) why.

 

Thank you!!

[Sepia]

I have a removable option 2 and also use option 1.

Definitely option 2 for me.  More flexible in terms of what racks  and other fittings you can use.

I also seem to think the heights can be adjusted using plates and other fittings,  Stronger?  Maybe.

[Surprize]

Thanks for the feedback Sepia! 

 

I would agree that option 2 looks stronger in my mind, and that fitting the rack to it might be easier/more stable than fitting it to option 1.

[Amberdrake]

Option 1 is more streamline and looks more clean, perfect for trailers and clamp on Bike racks(like one you want to buy).

 

However option 2 provides some flexibility in terms of replacing the ball if it gets damaged. Adding spacer plates to shift position,adding extentions if bikes are to close to car etc.

I prefer option 2 

[FlyingScot]

Out of interest OP - what are the costs of both options and where are you getting it fitted?

[Surprize]

Hi FlyingScot.

 

I actually have no idea of the costs - I'm purchasing a new vehicle from Mazda and they add the tow bar of my choice at no cost.

[dirtypot]

Option 1 looks like a piel.

Option 2 looks like a towbar.

 

[Uni]

Hi FlyingScot.

 

I actually have no idea of the costs - I'm purchasing a new vehicle from Mazda and they add the tow bar of my choice at no cost.

when i put mine on the Nissan, I also had it done before I took delivery of the car - and as far as i'm aware each car has  a preferred type? i have type 2 - apart from initial installation problems i have no issues - it's hard to access the "plug point" due to the shape of my car but personally from an aesthetics point of view - i think 2 looks much nicer. 

[BigDL]

Every time I see a car with option one it always looks like a big willie sticking out.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[lerouc]

I have option 1, car came with it from factory, like the fact that i can remove the goose neck.

[Grebel]

I suppose it depends how often you are going to be using it.

 

I have seen a lot of removable towbars that don't get removed because it's too much hassle to fit and remove all the time (Unless it's one of those electric types of the spring loaded manual release types...)

 

If they both cost the same and you are going to be using a clamp on the ball type of rack then the only deciding factor for me would be the position of the plug (You don't want to be on your knees with your face in the gravel looking for the plug socket every time you put the rack on...)

 

I am pretty sure that most towbars are rated the same (Max towing capacity and max towball loading)

 

Option 2 however does have more flexibility in terms of ball positioning.

[lerouc]

But also option 1 is usually alot more expensive than option 2 and alot of the times option 2 they have to cut away some of the bumper which looks crap if not done by pros.

[Surprize]

Thanks for the input everyone. It seems as if option 2 is definitely the clear favorite...

[BDF]

I have a removable option 2 and also use option 1.

Definitely option 2 for me.  More flexible in terms of what racks  and other fittings you can use.

I also seem to think the heights can be adjusted using plates and other fittings,  Stronger?  Maybe.

I have had both and agree with Sepia's reasons here. You can also attach extentions to option 2 which you cannot with option 1. Go with #2.

[MTBeer]

option 2 so that you can put a spacer in to move rack further away from car. If that is a SUV then the bike handle bar closest to the car might hit the back window/door.

[GLuvsMtb]

I had an option 2 type fitted by the dealer on a Ford Kuga a few years back. When there were electrical issues a year or so on, they told me its after market and it would cost a fortune to repair. Just ask Mazda what the situation is when after market items are fitted by the dealer (Option 1 would be a factory option imo).

Last thing you want is an electrical issue and your car's warrantee being voided due to some small print somewhere.