Bike Carriers

[bobski]

Hi,

I just bought a couple of bicycles for me and the missus. I've got a VRS wagon, looking for input on bicycle racks.

I'm not going to get a towball, I just can't justify the money given I don't need a trailer and it seems like you can't open the tailgate when the rack is on.

I was looking at the Thule clip on racks which are around the $250 mark.

Eg Thule Clip On Cycle Carriers for Sale

Does anyone have any experience with them? Are they a pain in the neck to put on and take off and do they damage the area around the door they are clipped onto?

Both bikes sit up happily inside without their front wheel, so an internal rack of some sort could be an option.

Roof racks are also an option. But I'm guessing produce more drag, whistle, scratches etc...

[gareth_oau]

think about this brand as well - very sophisticated design, supposed to be the world's best

Bones 3-Bike

[K1W1]

We have a Saris rack and I don't really like it. The times I have used it on the VRS it's been difficult to get things tight enough to hold everything stable. The problem theses days is that with all the plastic bumpers and the like it's difficult to cinch things up really tight and if you don't they slip and move. There are also issues with this style of rack regarding tail and brake light visibility and also number plate visibility. Most people get away with things but you only need a cop having a bad day.

The Saris rack did put a couple of small dents in the boot lid of our last BMW but they were able to be popped out from below by me.

I've had various bike racks for well over 30 years now ranging from ones like and including the Saris through to towbar mounts and now Thule roof mounts. The Thule roof mounts are the best hands down. Thirty seconds to get two bikes on or off and they never move a mm no matter how you drive. They are so easy to use that everything else looks positively archaic imo. The racks make a tiny bit of wind noise and seem to make no appreciable difference in fuel economy. They are expensive but once you have the basic system changing from vehicle to vehicle is really just a couple of adapters.

[zach]

can't you get the towbar only (ie no wiring) installed if only using for bikes? this should only cost a couple hundred plus the bike rack

[K1W1]

can't you get the towbar only (ie no wiring) installed if only using for bikes? this should only cost a couple hundred plus the bike rack

Skoda dealers have been charging up to $1600 for tow bars.

[bobski]

@KIWI, thanks for the reply re: roof rack mounts. Definitely a more expensive option, but sounds like they aren't as bad as I thought.

can't you get the towbar only (ie no wiring) installed if only using for bikes? this should only cost a couple hundred plus the bike rack

My problem with the tow bar is having to open the tailgate and requiring light mounts (which I take it will require wiring). The thule rear mount clip on seems that it might sit above the lights.

[Brycem]

I have had Thule aerobars and pro ride 591 carriers on various cars over the past five years. Exceptional quality and rock solid at high speeds.

Expensive but you get what you pay for. See if any of the uk suppliers will deliver here as they will be much cheaper anyway and particularly given strength of dollar against pound.

[zach]

Skoda dealers have been charging up to $1600 for tow bars.

Yup but you can pop down to any installer and get it done for about $300-$400 but will not be able to use for towing as you wont having the wiring done. I am not sure how 'legal' this is however.


bobski I thought you could get a bike rack which still allows you to open the tailgate/boot

[monkeysrus]

I have ordered the internal Skoda rack. Is stuck in Germany at the moment. Ill post up proper pics when i get it.



The whispbar rail bar from prorack is also the way to go with a wagon i reckon.

Whispbar - Australia's Quietest, Most Fuel Efficient Roof Rack System

&

Cycle Carrier Accessories from Whispbar

[K1W1]

Yup but you can pop down to any installer and get it done for about $300-$400 but will not be able to use for towing as you wont having the wiring done. I am not sure how 'legal' this is however.

If you are comparing with the cost of VW towbars be careful. Most people have found that installers say Skodas are different underneath and require different (hard to come by because of small demand) bars. If you really know any installers that will fit a bar to a Skoda for $300-400 and are not just spouting figures please name names as people will be very interested I'm sure.

[K1W1]

Just got back from a ride two bikes on my roof on the Thule racks and one on the Audi on the Saris. I really know why I dislike those fit on the tailgate racks now. No more than 30 seconds to put the two bikes onto the roof of my car but probably over 5 minutes and two people to mount the Saris rack and hang the bike off it. Admittedly SWMBO is a bit pedantic about making sure there are no scratches but still it's a pain and to me would dissuade me from taking the bike. I think I'd end up going for a motorcycle ride instead.
Even though the Saris rack is high on the Audi and the wheels of the bike are above the bumper sensors they still go berserk whenever you engage reverse with the bike there.

[TuNeS]

I have a similar setup to K1W1, however I used black Rhino Racks with the Thule bike carrier as it doesnt look as gumby or sit as high as the Thule racks. Thats my opinion though.

[K1W1]

I agree the Rhino racks look better but when you have a mate who us a state manager for a Thule distributor you don't argue the point to much.

[MariusGT]

My GT had a full blown Thule tow bar/ball w wiring installed when I bought it. Just bought a 3 bike (A frame like a Mac rack) rack and installed the base piece- then you clip on the other. Works a charm.

With 2 bikes on there the lights are still in full view- the rack is lockable (to car, and also bikes to rack) and there is a handy metal plate to screw in a bike rack number plate. Also the rack I bought can be tilted so the boot is able to be opened without whole setup being removed.

Been on freeway a few times and feels very solid and safe. Fuel use is identical

[woofy]

Hmm who was it talking about the internal rack holder...guessing its for wagons and not the hatch?