Strap on bike racks?

[mardpea]

Hi all,

Finally got my hands on the new Tig last week. Since then, I have been researching bike racks and have had little success. As I am not prepared to pay the $1500 plus price tag for a tow bar just to carry a couple of bikes, I need a bike rack that will strap to the tailgate but there seems to be none available that specifically fit the Tiguan.

Do any of you have experience with this type of rack and can you offer any advice as to what rack actually fits, without causing damage. There are plenty out there for SUV's so surely one must be OK.

Thanks in advance.

[gareth_oau]

check this one out

called the Saris Bones.

High quality, comes in different colours, fits virtually all cars, and its a piece af art!

rrp would be around $300

http://www.saris.com/p-299-bones-3-bike.aspx

[Sanman]

check this one out

called the Saris Bones.

High quality, comes in different colours, fits virtually all cars, and its a piece af art!

rrp would be around $300

http://www.saris.com/p-299-bones-3-bike.aspx

Nice idea, but No model to fit Tiguan if you go through the selector (except for towbar model)
Hayman Reece are about to release a Tiguan towbar which should be cheaper, but incredibly, they're not releasing the version without wiring until they develop the wired model

[harrip]

I'm interested in this too. Have found this online, not sure about availability in Australia as still research fully. http://rackattackvancouver.wordpress.com/2009/03/07/

[Arctra]

Hey guys, I saw a set of these racks at Anaconda this weekend. You might want to drop in there and see if they'll fit the Tig.

[mardpea]

Thanks Arctra. I dont have any of those stores near me but I did find a local bike shop that sells them. They didn't have any instock and the guy promised to check if they fitted and get back to me. Well.... that was a week ago and I have heard nothing. The other problem is that he thought they were $399. Considering that they are $US159.99 on the Saris web site and the exchange rate is around 0.90c, there is no way I would spend that much on one. (Should be around $180)

I will keep looking but it would appear that there are no such racks available for the Tig

[Arctra]

OK, if I get a chance I'll go to Anaconda this weekend and as if they mind test fitting it to my Tig for you. I love an excuse to go there, and besides, I need a few new soft plastics. If they fit I'll let you know so you can order online from them.

[Soundofav6]

Just a warning, as much as I love Anaconda BUT do not get their bike rack!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

my sister bought a set for ~70 last christmas. The foam protecter beam melted and stained the boot badly !

It works well and all but not on your brand new car!!

Saris has the tough strong appeal but I personally prefer the Thules ClipOn range. Go check it out.

http://www.thule.com.au/products.php

[Arctra]

I went to Anaconda on Saturday morning but they would not let me test the rack on the Tig I'm afraid. I was a little disappointing with the womans attitude to be honest, especially considering they had a demo rack unpackaged and sitting on the showroom floor (with hardly anyone in store at the time).

Anyway, it's an 3 bike Alaga rack for $130. Hope these pics help:

[Sharkie]

Alaga is $99 in Sydney ....

http://www.cellbikes.com.au/products/Car-Racks/p_63_ALAGA__3_Bike_Carrier__79_Online_Exclusive_SALE;jsessionid=0a0101421f431fb4b638d4eb43c9b1bae45abf2ecee7.e3eSc3iSaN0Le34Pa38Ta38Qbx90

[mardpea]

Thanks for all the help and tips but my search is appearing futile.

I sent an email to Saris to find out why the Bones 3 does not fit and the following is the reply that I received:

"The reason why the Bones 3 will not fit your vehicle is because the bumper is too small to provide a stable footprint for the feet of the rack. The Bones 3 relies on the bumper to transfer the weight of the bikes down through the bumper. Without the proper fitting on the bumper the rack is considered a non-fit. Let me know if you have any questions."

Now I'm even more confused. The bumper looks the same size as any other bumper but pushing it down, it appears a little softer than my other car (a Nissan Pulsar). Perhaps this is the reason there appears no racks that are designed for the Tig as the bumper has to support the weight, which could get considerable over bumpy terrain or roads.

[Zak]

I am going through the exact same process and appear to be in the exact same head space when it comes to shelling out dollars for towballs...

My thoughts were to get a roof rack that was still aesthetically appealing the lines of the vehicle; Whispbar which is still some $300 plus a bike mounting kit, but would also allow me to carry my surf ski and other bits and pieces.. Only problem I have with it is that the bars may be too close to the top of the roof. Has anyone had any experience with this model of roof rack? (I don't have a sunroof so no dramas there).

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

[goodfella]

I know its not a Tiggy, but I just bought a $139 Rhino Clip-on Bike rack for the wife's Peugeot 307. The guy warned me that the instructions are a bit Ikea-ish.. but I had it installed in 10 mins and fit the task perfectly, carrying my mountain bike and daughters peddly as well.

[ethosguy]

Strap on bike racks are a bad idea if you like either your bikes or cars; damage, at some point, almost certian.

Towbar 'bike beak' carriers not much better; bikes swing & rub each other and top tubes are thin and easily crushed.
My prefered type are the front wheel in with down tube clamp; you'd be amazed how much room a pair of wheels will consume in a Tiguan...
Down tubes are usually the thickest tube on the bike and will tolerate some pressure. Thule makes a nice one (lobster claw closed by a rotating knob, single support arm) but check the fit for your frame if it has unusual tube section or suspension.

I noticed on the newstand that a recent issue of Australian Mountain Bike covered the topic.

[goodfella]

Strap on bike racks are a bad idea if you like either your bikes or cars; damage, at some point, almost certian.

Ironically,you're so right! The 1st day I srapped the bike rack on my wife's car, a neighbour in our block failed to ask me to move it and continued to reverse her territory into the side of our car! So there.. Bike Racks cause damage to your car!

By the way, the clips are plastic coated and I slip some clothe underneath for extra protection.