Bike transport

[Carbon_Kooi]

I was having a chat with a friend today about bike transport.

So we wanted to know which is better - towbar rack or flatbed trailer?

I would like to know what my fellow hubbers think about the two regarding safety, drag, fuel consumption and so on?

I can't find any stats on this using google, does anyone have experience with both or some data to make some conclussions to which is best?

 

Thanks

[Wannabe]

Have used both methods with same car, although not a flatbed trailer but a "normal" Venter type trailer with four bikes on it. Trailer option worked out quite a bit more detrimental to fuel economy. Towbar type was with only one bike, and my fuel economy stayed about the same as without anything behind vehicle. Just make sure you have extra lights and number plate clearly visible, as you may not obscure your vehicle's tail lights or number plate in any way. You will get stopped and fined on your way down to the Argus in towns like Beaufort West and Laingsburg, etc if your lights are obscured.

[Tankman]

 

So we wanted to know which is better - towbar rack or flatbed trailer?

I would like to know what my fellow hubbers think about the two regarding safety, drag, fuel consumption and so on?

 

Neither, use a roof rack.

With your bike facing forwards, you cant really get it anymore aerodynamic than that.

 

Personally, I am not keen on putting a carbon bike on the towbar or a trailer.

What about debris like stones that gets flipped up by your car?