Markellis Posted May 15, 2019 Posted May 15, 2019 I was thinking about this today and was going to start a similar thread I have always used platform racks in the past but with the car I'm using at the moment it's not an option as it has no tow bar. I've been taking front wheel off and loading into the boot. Surprisingly I can fit a large Pyga stage into the back of a Yaris with ease. With all the thefts I am reading about off racks I'm thinking of just sticking with loading the bike into the car. It takes all of about 2 mins to take wheel off and load. My question I was going to post is how many of the bikes that have been stolen off racks where locked? Is it easy to break the locks and disappear with a bike?
Me rida my bicycle Posted May 15, 2019 Posted May 15, 2019 I built my own racks on the roof love them. Loads easy, have never had any damage. I even have adapters for different bikes, but even though I am a lefty the rack does not work for them. ????????
ChrisF Posted May 15, 2019 Posted May 15, 2019 all bike racks suck. too true .... but what is the answer ?
Darko Posted May 15, 2019 Posted May 15, 2019 A bakkie with one of those load bay mats? too true .... but what is the answer ?
patham Posted May 15, 2019 Posted May 15, 2019 Platform rack - EASIEST to use ! But you need space for this in the garage .... fine dust on the bikes if you ride dusty roads. I used to have a Thule Hang-on for hatchback/SUV that was meant to be rated for 3 bikes, but I was never comfortable with more than 1 hanging off. To carry 3 bikes regularly I bought the Thule Easy-fold platform. Takes up less space in the garage than most products, and when you take the bikes on holiday, once you get to your destination it will fit into the boot of the vehicle. I can imagine that dust would be an issue on dirt roads. I just don't see how I can, let alone the wife, or youngster load and unload bikes from a roof mount rack on a large SUV.
ChrisF Posted May 16, 2019 Posted May 16, 2019 .... I just don't see how I can, let alone the wife, or youngster load and unload bikes from a roof mount rack on a large SUV. With the RAV4 .... higher than a car, but lower than many others ... I used a two step ladder Once I had to load a bike, and did not have the ladder .... so I did what Thule recommends ...- open the rear door- use the rear door-sill as a step- place bike it WORKS Thing with the roof rack, you MUST follow the basic steps :1) fold the straps out the way2) lift the arm, and open the clamp3) place the wheels, then tilt up the bike ensuring the clamp goes over the spot where you want to hold the bike4) tighten the clamp5) tie down the tire strap But YES, Maritz can use the Platform rack already ... going to be MANY years before he can use a roof rack....
ians H2Sport Posted May 16, 2019 Posted May 16, 2019 I've tried various towbar and roof mount racks. Thule is the best brand in my opinion, but no rack I have tried copes very well when full/all bikes loaded. Too much of a hack to ensure bikes are not touching. Now that the whole family rides the best option was to change vehicles. VW Transporter has made bike loading a pleasure - fun to drive too
patham Posted May 16, 2019 Posted May 16, 2019 With the RAV4 .... higher than a car, but lower than many others ... I used a two step ladder Once I had to load a bike, and did not have the ladder .... so I did what Thule recommends ...- open the rear door- use the rear door-sill as a step- place bike it WORKS It might work for racks either side of the roof, close to the doors, what about Bike 3 right in the middle of the vehicle which need a ginormous reach, or an even bigger step-ladder? Do I load the bike on the outer rack, then open the sunroof, stand on one of the seats, poke out meerkat style and transfer it to the inner one? I just saw heart-ache and trauma (and the odd sprained muscle) trying to get roof mounts to work for us, so it was an easy decision- although not cheap.
Uni Posted May 16, 2019 Posted May 16, 2019 you guys remember this? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5hcMOzMtx0 I saw this 5 odd years ago at the same time I was wanting to buy a bike rack and a new car. This would've ticked all the boxes and I would have bought the car just for this reason. Why it never came to fruition here in SA (or ever) I don't know, considering how much the cycling market has exploded here. I live in a upstairs apartment with no lock up garage, I have to schlepp my platform 3 bike rack up and down the freaking stairs. I should have biceps of steel, but yeah, can't go wrong with the Thule platform rack, however, I don't leave my bike on it unattended, even when "locked".
ChrisF Posted May 16, 2019 Posted May 16, 2019 I've tried various towbar and roof mount racks. Thule is the best brand in my opinion, but no rack I have tried copes very well when full/all bikes loaded. Too much of a hack to ensure bikes are not touching. Now that the whole family rides the best option was to change vehicles. VW Transporter has made bike loading a pleasure - fun to drive too Saw a family of 4 with 4 bikes at Bloemendal, also with the VW Transporter NICE !! Hoping that a VW Caddy Maxi can offer us the same for 3 people and 2 bikes .... but have to wait a while for this ...
Jehosefat Posted May 16, 2019 Posted May 16, 2019 I live in a upstairs apartment with no lock up garage, I have to schlepp my platform 3 bike rack up and down the freaking stairs. I should have biceps of steel, but yeah, can't go wrong with the Thule platform rack, however, I don't leave my bike on it unattended, even when "locked". Ditto, it's such a mission to carry it up and down the stairs If I am going to leave my bike unattended on the rack I lock the rack and lock to bike to the rack with a cable as well. Not that I think this approach is fool-proof but it makes me feel better
Dadbod Racing Posted May 16, 2019 Posted May 16, 2019 I'm using a Buzzrack 4 bike folder, I'm happy so far with it. Once my girls get bigger and they show an interest in cycling I'll probably opt for a platform style rack. I also have one of the Holdfast top runner rack which carries two bikes, however I can't comment on it cause I've never used it yet. That was bought for when I hook the trailer. I prefer putting my road bike in the car but if the familia is with me then there's no option but to go onto the car. But yes there's no such thing as a perfect bike rack but the dream though is a VW Transporter type thing... I once owned a Ford Transit van which I called Dusty, that van served me well! I had 5 bikes in there with ease, I could tie my bike comfortably in it, hang my wetsuit from the roof, it even served as a changing room! When I was done with a race the wife could stand at the back and held a 5l water over me for my shower! :-) Good times!
dave303e Posted May 16, 2019 Posted May 16, 2019 I was thinking about this today and was going to start a similar thread I have always used platform racks in the past but with the car I'm using at the moment it's not an option as it has no tow bar. I've been taking front wheel off and loading into the boot. Surprisingly I can fit a large Pyga stage into the back of a Yaris with ease. With all the thefts I am reading about off racks I'm thinking of just sticking with loading the bike into the car. It takes all of about 2 mins to take wheel off and load. My question I was going to post is how many of the bikes that have been stolen off racks where locked? Is it easy to break the locks and disappear with a bike? the older thule platform racks- just push really hard as you unscrew the bike clamp lock when it is locked ....
Spoke101 Posted May 16, 2019 Posted May 16, 2019 Ditto, it's such a mission to carry it up and down the stairs If I am going to leave my bike unattended on the rack I lock the rack and lock to bike to the rack with a cable as well. Not that I think this approach is fool-proof but it makes me feel better I use a 12mm chain inside an old cut inner tube, put that through the bikes, wheels, rack and tow hitch.
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