best way to carry bikes

[hawkeye]

w203

I've got two mountain bikes and I can see the boot flexing slightly when I put the Halfords high-level bike rack on the back - uh oh !! Not happy. They've also moved a couple of times, in transit - it's time for it to go !

So, looking for alternative. I don't have roof rails but I think this is the best option for me - can I retro-fit them? Any one done this? Are there non-mercedes ones? Given I don't have an estate are roof-rails an issue? How much weight can I put on them - I'm missing not having a folding back-seat for the weekend DIY trips

Alternative is a towbar - retro-fit Seems fine but a lot of hassle with light boards/reg plates etc.

many thanks for any suggestions

 

[Legoman]

id personally go for the towbar solution , the roof ones arent good for fuel economy and getting the bikes up there can be a pain. u can get high level towbar ones negating the need for numberplate afaik

http://www.roofrackshop.com/product_detail.asp?prdID=697 this always appealed to me.

 

[JEZ.S320L]

id personally go for the towbar solution , the roof ones arent good for fuel economy and getting the bikes up there can be a pain. u can get high level towbar ones negating the need for numberplate afaik

Or simply buy an ML - you can put them inside, then. Easy Peasy!

 

[mr. serious]

Or simply buy an ML - you can put them inside, then. Easy Peasy!

I find it easier just riding them....

 

[Geoff W]

Buy yourself a van and put them inside! I really think cars which carry bikes on the outside should not be allowed on motorways as a large proportion of bike racks can be seen moving about, can you immagine the carnage if one should fall off?

 

[Bowruss]

Hello Hawkeye

IMHO tow bar is the only way to go. The problem is as you say - cost and plate faffing. However, I've tried the roof bar racks and nearly ruptured myself lifting our two bikes up there. Also, I had to watch out at the Chunnel - someone had gone the wrong way and was parked up gathering the bikes up from where they'd been knocked off by the height warning.....

Same can happen in car parks.

The back mounted variety seem to me to flimsier and prone to both wobbling and possible paintwork damage. You could use central heating foam pipe lagging round the bike frames and the rack tubes to stop any chaffing. Cheap at B&Q.


If you get a tow bar, have a think about whether it's a swan neck job or whether it it prides the more usual 2 hole ball plate. Halfords do a good rack which clamps in between the ball plate and the tow bar plate and I think it will pivot away to allow tailgate access if like me you have an estate.

This last point is one of the most tiresome aspects since if they don't pivot, you can't get onto your tailgate....

I think the tow bar ones ar safer - you can check for wobbles and do 'em up tight as you like - and you don't need ibruprofen the day after!

Good luck, Russ

 

[brandwooddixon]

Had a removable towbar fitted to my E class in order to carry a bike rack. You can just see a socket for the bar itself below the bumper - the sockets are up underneath.

 

[philharve]

Bike carriers

Hi Hawkeye

I replied to an A-class owner on the subject of towbar carriers ...

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=31081

... and I bought my carrier at a bike shop. It clamps onto the towball and hasn't let me down yet.

The problems with roof-mounted racks have already been stated above but it's surprising how many forget they are there when they pass under low bridges or come to park their vehicles in a multi-storey carpark. Ooops!

I see several members recommend changing your car or buying a second one more suited to transporting your MTBs inside. I will offer a lateral solution too ... buy a couple of folding bikes instead, unless you MUST have MTBs and ride off road. I purchased a Brompton folding bike which slips comfortably into the boot in its own carrier bag. Out of sight and out of mind and therefore unlikely to attract the attention of thieves.

REGARDS

Phil

 

[G MAN]

After similar thinking & research I went for the Thule EasyBase tow ball mounted & think it's brilliant (quite dear outlay but well worth it & check e-bay as they show up from time to time) Number plate ,one off, clips in lights are integral & it folds flatish to carry in car when not in use actual model is Euro 913 or something but google it & you'll see what I mean

 

[Legoman]

yep thule is the link i supplied above , there awesome bike racks which although pricey , certianly worth it.

 

[hawkeye]

Towball & Thule it is then !

many thanks for the advice. Now I've just got a quote for 355 quid just for the towball ! Sounds astonishingly expensive to me - but another garage said 380 + vat !

Anyone got anywhere cheaper?

And the Thule I looked at was 270 - gulp !!! Thinking of giving up cycling ;-)

 

[bigasotonuk]

Hi,
Was that for a genuine towbar and electric kit? was that including fitting?
I see your in Southampton have you tried Towsure by the Northam Bridge? They do an excellent kit (all the bolt holes line up with existing dimples in the boot floor) with removable swan neck ball for my C class W202 i know, but should,nt be much different in price mine was approx. £100 +fitting.
I bought a full double electric kit specific to the W202 for approx. £50 off of e-bay german quality with superb instructions on how to deal with the bulb failure unit keeping it fully functional it was a few years ago but if your interested i,ll see if he is still trading.
Hope this is of some help.