Holdfast vs Thule

[boesman88]

Hey guys,

 

Its 18 months since this topic was discussed and I was wondering if there are any changes to the sentiment above.

 

I came across the buzzrack cruiser which boasts with what seems to be comparible functionality to the more expensive Thule racks including locking clamps, ample space, tow bar mount, tilt down etc - basically everything people complimented the Thule on above in this thread. Has brands like Buzzrack finally caught up, or is it still a case of Thule 9/10 and Buzzrack and others 6/10?

 

I need to decide on a 3bike carrier and at almost R3k less than a comparible Thule, I am hoping that my fellow hubbers will give me some positice reinforcement that the Buzzrack will be as good and last as long as the Thule... please, for my pocket’s sake... ????

[boesman88]

Link here: http://buzzrack.com/galleries/buzzcruiser-3-tow-ball-platform-bike-carrier/

[herrowpreeze]

Hi Hubbers,

 

I'm looking to upgrade to an bike carrier that fits on a tow bar and can carry 3 bikes. This would be my first time using a carrier that fits on the towball and I have some "trust" issues. 

 

My two options are between the Holdfast one and the Thule one. I want to know if the holdfast carrier would do the job for a better price or should I spend more and buy the Thule carrier.

 

I want the Thule one, but the Holdfast would be better for my budget.

 

Thanks for the help

 

I had one of these hold fast, not the greatest to be honest, the build quality is really cheap and spares are really expensive.

 

The hold fast also has this stupid nut and bolt locking device which is a ball ache to mount to the car

 

Don't get me wrong, the Hodfast will get your bikes form A to B, but the thule is a much hasle free and better quility

[boesman88]

Awesome news (pity for holdfast) but I’m now down to two options :-)

[Traveler]

Hey guys,

 

Its 18 months since this topic was discussed and I was wondering if there are any changes to the sentiment above.

 

I came across the buzzrack cruiser which boasts with what seems to be comparible functionality to the more expensive Thule racks including locking clamps, ample space, tow bar mount, tilt down etc - basically everything people complimented the Thule on above in this thread. Has brands like Buzzrack finally caught up, or is it still a case of Thule 9/10 and Buzzrack and others 6/10?

 

I need to decide on a 3bike carrier and at almost R3k less than a comparible Thule, I am hoping that my fellow hubbers will give me some positice reinforcement that the Buzzrack will be as good and last as long as the Thule... please, for my pocket’s sake...

 

The Buzzrack is made very sturdy, and from what I have seen they should last a long time. They are well made, and are relatively easy to use once to you wrestled it onto you car....  fitting and removing is a pain to put it plainly.... The spanner and bolt system is not user friendly and a couple of Hubbers have complained that they still have issues with it, even when the bolt is tight all the way and then they still have sway on the rack.

 

With that said, the importer is RFA Distributors in Midrand and they carry a lot of spares and their services is REALLY good.

 

I will not swop my Thule for a BuzzRack.

[boesman88]

And that concludes my research. Thule it is... ease of attachment/removal is a key criteria for me. For a less frequent travel requirement the buzzrack might have done the trick given the price point

 

May but you are a helpful bunch! Thanks :-)

[dannygirl]

Buying a Thule was the best choice I've ever made as far as cycling gear is concerned.

 

Yes, it's way more exensive. But in terms of the hassle saved when putting it on the car (we regularly need to swap the rack between two cars, have two sets of number plates which alse transfers very easily) - it is just load and go!

 

Plus I had great after-sales service when one of the arms gave problems after about 3 years' use - was replaced!

[splat]

I didn't want to spend Thule money, so I bought a Menabo Winny 3 Bike Carrier a few years ago.
It served its purpose (it carried 3 bikes) and I was happy'ish with its usability vs cost in comparison to the equivalent Thule.
Then I wanted a 4 bike carrier, so I got a Buzzrack BuzzyBee 4 carrier which lasted about 3 months before I sold both and got a Thule Velo Compact 3.

 

I wish I had done that in the first place. I would have been happier for longer and felt that the extra cost was well justified.

My wife can now transport bikes without my help, so her and the kids are happier too.

 

Edit:

 

The Menabo was heavy and very difficult to get on and off the towbar. number plate swapping was close on impossible.

 

The Buzzrack could not actually fit 4 bikes on. I don't think it tilted and was a mission to bolt and unbolt each time. Also quite heavy.