A
A-class owner
Guest
Has anyone purchased a bicycle rack (Mercedes' own or other) for use on an A Class? Any recommendations welcome. How easy are they to fit / remove?
Thank you.
Thank you.
philharve
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- Your Mercedes
- W202 C230K Auto 2000
Some options to think about.
Hi A-class owner
The simplest bike rack I ever saw (I purchased one) resembled a pair of long-handled salad tongs, except that the spoon+fork end comprised two, small cups that clamped over the tow ball. The 'long handles' had short, horizontal arms protruding rearward onto which the bikes could be clamped. I could easily attach two bikes to this rack and it may have been able to take a third.
But this rack design is dependent upon there being a towing hitch. It won't work otherwise. However, its plus point was that it needed no other contact points on the chassis. Removal was easy. Simply unclamp the 'salard tongs' from the tow ball. The wheels could be left on the bikes but they protrude about three inches either side of the car. You had to be careful manoeuvring in tight places. This type of rack can obscure rearward view though. I had no problems attaching the rack to my Celica.
I have seen roof-mounted stands in which the bicycles wheels fits in channels attached to the rack. These racks are quite popular. However, you have to bear in mind that they add another three feet, or so, to the height of the car. I have seen a car owner attempt to drive into a height-restricted, multi-storey carpark with disasterous and very expensive results and not just to the bikes. Rook racking may not work well with an A-class which is fairly tall. I think your only option is a rear-mounted rack.
My present car doesn't have a tow hitch so I cannot attach my rack. Even if I could, I would not be keen to leave my car parked with bicycles on view. They might be stolen.
I have just recently adopted a different scheme which permits me to put a bike in my boot or on the back seat. I have purchased a brand new Brompton folding bicycle on eBay. It fits in a large, zipped carrier bag and my boot can accommodate 4 or 5 Bromptons is necessary. However, any luggage would have to sit on the back seat. At least my bike is out of view wherever I choose to put it.
REGARDS
Phil
Hi A-class owner
The simplest bike rack I ever saw (I purchased one) resembled a pair of long-handled salad tongs, except that the spoon+fork end comprised two, small cups that clamped over the tow ball. The 'long handles' had short, horizontal arms protruding rearward onto which the bikes could be clamped. I could easily attach two bikes to this rack and it may have been able to take a third.
But this rack design is dependent upon there being a towing hitch. It won't work otherwise. However, its plus point was that it needed no other contact points on the chassis. Removal was easy. Simply unclamp the 'salard tongs' from the tow ball. The wheels could be left on the bikes but they protrude about three inches either side of the car. You had to be careful manoeuvring in tight places. This type of rack can obscure rearward view though. I had no problems attaching the rack to my Celica.
I have seen roof-mounted stands in which the bicycles wheels fits in channels attached to the rack. These racks are quite popular. However, you have to bear in mind that they add another three feet, or so, to the height of the car. I have seen a car owner attempt to drive into a height-restricted, multi-storey carpark with disasterous and very expensive results and not just to the bikes. Rook racking may not work well with an A-class which is fairly tall. I think your only option is a rear-mounted rack.
My present car doesn't have a tow hitch so I cannot attach my rack. Even if I could, I would not be keen to leave my car parked with bicycles on view. They might be stolen.
I have just recently adopted a different scheme which permits me to put a bike in my boot or on the back seat. I have purchased a brand new Brompton folding bicycle on eBay. It fits in a large, zipped carrier bag and my boot can accommodate 4 or 5 Bromptons is necessary. However, any luggage would have to sit on the back seat. At least my bike is out of view wherever I choose to put it.
REGARDS
Phil
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