platvis Posted May 23, 2018 Posted May 23, 2018 Hi Guys I need a towbar mounted carrier (for a Tiguan), but am wondering whether to go for the cheaper hanger-style racks, or the ride-on type. Any advice would be appreciated. Kind regards, PV
dirtypot Posted May 23, 2018 Posted May 23, 2018 Ride on. More secure, less damage to the bike. Hanging style can also be difficult depending on the bike (think horizontal shock on the old Sparks for example) and don't generally have space for a numberplate board and lights which is a legal requirement. Overall the ride on style is much nicer to use and is a more secure way of transporting your bike.
Iwan Kemp Posted May 23, 2018 Posted May 23, 2018 +1 for what everyone has said. The ride on type is safer, more secure and will result in far less damage, drama and issues. Options https://www.bicyclepower.co.za/product/saris-euro-thelma-3-bike/ https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/307311-brand-new-thule-velo-compact-2-bike-rack/
peetwindhoek Posted May 23, 2018 Posted May 23, 2018 At a stage race a couple of weeks ago I made a point of checking the different carriers as my partner did not want to use my "clip-on" rack and he got hold of a 3 bike Thule "standing" carrier. Did not see one clip on on any of the couple of hundred vehicles except for one on the highway driving back to Gauteng. I still use my clip-on but was VERY impressed with the Thule that could lock the carrier to the vehicle and the bikes to the carrier. And I could open the boot without having to remove the bikes.
lechatnoir Posted May 23, 2018 Posted May 23, 2018 Your Tiguan may be smart enough to know you've plugged something into the tow hitch electrical connector and NOT set your PDC off when reversing. No chances of that with a clip-on. FWIW, I have both... clip-on for short trips locally, and ride-on for longer distances
BikeisLife Posted May 23, 2018 Posted May 23, 2018 Don't even consider a clip-on. I have watched straps fly off of mine on the freeway, numerous times. Luckily I have a ride-on as well and when that's in use I suck it up and put my bike in the car, never trusting that thing ever again.
GaryvdM Posted May 23, 2018 Posted May 23, 2018 I think hanger style have there place: when transporting a single bike with good space on the top tube (which excludes some full suspension and smaller mtb hard tails.) Hanger style is not great for multiple bikes.
V12man Posted May 23, 2018 Posted May 23, 2018 Your Tiguan may be smart enough to know you've plugged something into the tow hitch electrical connector and NOT set your PDC off when reversing. No chances of that with a clip-on. FWIW, I have both... clip-on for short trips locally, and ride-on for longer distancesTiguan does recognize and turn off the PDC when there is something there without the tow hitch being connected - complains a bit then turns off till you stop and restart the car. (folks have the new one )
dannygirl Posted May 23, 2018 Posted May 23, 2018 Ride-on, and one that can tip so that you can get into the boot without having to take the bike(s) off. Trust me, you'll congratulate yourself time and again...
V12man Posted May 23, 2018 Posted May 23, 2018 Ride on is the only way to go for long haul use. 1 tip - if you have clamps then make sure the opening is facing down when on a top tube... that way it does not fall off completely if it comes loose - there are pictures in the Swartberg 100 thread if you want to see the result of it coming off.... (that said - I do have a clip on and often use it for kids bikes and 1 bike for short trips - 1 of 5 bike racks I have at home at the moment - soon to be scaled back to 3)
Starchboy Posted May 23, 2018 Posted May 23, 2018 I only have a hang on, which I find great for what i use it for; essentially short trips to local trails. I think one advantage compared to ride on's is that it is small, so when I head off on my ride I put it in the boot and don't have to worry about it being stolen. I wouldn't want to so along trip with it though
MarcBurger Posted May 23, 2018 Posted May 23, 2018 It's not really a good comparison, it's just a budget and priorities decision. I have a towbar hang-on that I won a few years back. Works fine for 1 bike, even though it can take up to 3. I still have to strap it up like crazy with bungie cords to stop it from bobbing around and being damaged though. A bit of a mission. I would love a bike rack like the 1up-USA racks (not local obviously)Ride on racks are just so flipping expensive, it's nuts. I would love a bike rack like the 1up-USA racks (not local obviously)Ride on racks are just so flipping expensive, it's nuts.
varkie2 Posted May 23, 2018 Posted May 23, 2018 If you are tall, very tall, go for the hang on ones, i ordered the ride on and the clamp couldnt reach my top tube. So sent it back for a hang on one.
Jehosefat Posted May 23, 2018 Posted May 23, 2018 If you are tall, very tall, go for the hang on ones, i ordered the ride on and the clamp couldnt reach my top tube. So sent it back for a hang on one. Or just clamp it on the down tube... All my bikes are XL and that's what I do.
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