Bike Rack Platform vs Clip on

[mjoubert15]

Hi guys,

 

I'm looking to buy a bike rack to carry two MTB's on the tow bar.

 

Now I see you get two variations, the platform carrier and the other ones that simply 'clip on' to the towbar with no platform. The platform carriers are much more expensive and thus I would like to know if they are really worth it?

 

I presume the clip on racks are not as sturdy, but are they bad enough that you will lose a bike/damage car?

 

Thanks a lot!

 

       

 

[BikeisLife]

If you can afford a platform rack, it's a no brainer. Almost lost my bike a number of times with a clip-on 

[Grease_Monkey]

I used one of those Thule XPress clip on racks for many years with no issues or dmagae to my car or bike. They are convenient and cheap.

 

A platform rack would be the way to go if you don't want to put the weight of the bike on the frame (as with clip on), or if you are transporting multiple bikes. I made the move the a platform carier when I was regularly transporting more than one bike - I found woth two or more there would always be a pedal or handlebar knocking against the other bike somewhere and it was like a jigsaw puzzle mounting multiple bikes.

 

My advice - if you have 1 bike and want convenience and good value for money get a Thule XPress. If you have more than one bike OR a very expensive bike, and you have the money then get a platform rack.

 

Whatever you do - don't buy a rack that straps onto the back of your car with straps and clips (ie: make sure it goes on a towbar).

[Grease_Monkey]

Also, do a search on the topic here in the forums - it's been discussed quite a few times, so you'll find lots of opinions and exeperiences there...

[Dirt Tracker]

Whatever you do - don't buy a rack that straps onto the back of your car with straps and clips (ie: make sure it goes on a towbar).

 

This ^ 

 

If a platform is on your radar then just buy it. I half assed it with a tow ball one for a while and then bought a platform off a friend and wondered why I had been such an idiot and not done it earlier. It's so much better, easier, less hassle, simpler and less frustrating than a clip on. The tow ball ones are in between, better than those dodgy strap rack ones that tear up paint and never seem to fit right how ever much of you life is wasted standing by them pulling straps - but not a platform.