Carabike

[Tim_374395664]

If anyone's thinking of buying one of these things, reviewed in the latest mag, have a very careful look at it first. Its very difficult to park bikes facing the same way .. ok one facing forwards and one facing aft will do .. you'll find that the thing will trash the spokes on the front wheel of the forward facing one and the spokes AND the gearset of the other one. You can't use this thing, which incidentally is way overpriced for what it is, in a moving caravan! Take my word for it, it will ruin your wheels and gears - even if the manufacturer claims that it won't! Suggest plan B which is lay your bikes down sideways against the front seats with covers on, lounger cushions between them and some means, possibly rope, of stopping them from moving. I've got one of those expanding bars which fixes against the seat fronts both sides which I may be able to fix the bikes to. I'm just off to the South of France using this method and the Carabike can stay in the garage .. if you use it out of doors a good gust of wind is enough to bend your spokes .. it is a very badly thought out piece of kit .. overpriced and aimed at caravanners who will seemingly buy anything the makers claim is 'a good thing'. I have no connection with this firm or any other firm in the caravan business .. just a dissatisfied customer!

 

[Phil_374467382]

Hi, We bought one of these and have used it on our last two trips with no problems whatsoever. We also used it on-site outside the caravan and again had no problems. We didn't want to use a roof carrier and have found this an acceptable alternative. It will be interesting to hear what others say.

 

[Tim_374395664]

Hi, We bought one of these and have used it on our last two trips with no problems whatsoever. We also used it on-site outside the caravan and again had no problems. We didn't want to use a roof carrier and have found this an acceptable alternative. It will be interesting to hear what others say.

Check your spokes! ... (not the manufacturer are you?)

 

[Matthew_374467460]

We've got one of these and I have to agree with Phils comments, It works for us. When we first received it, I found the wheel a bit of a tight squeeze - then I measured my tyres ( I know ! I should have checked beforehand ) as they were slightly wider than 50mm. I just used a bit of old fashioned leverage and opened up the width on the hoops. Everything seems fine to me. Planning our second trip and happy to continue to use it. I guess a stormforce gale might blow it over, but I'd be more worried about my awning in those conditions !!!!

 

[Phil_374467382]

Check your spokes! ... (not the manufacturer are you?)

My spokes are fine and no I don't work for them. Out of interest, what has their respone been ?

 

[Tim_374395664]

The only reason I can think of why this thing works for you is that you're using it with mountain bikes with very thick wheels ... with an ordinary bike or hybrid the spokes get bent - take my word for it - they do! I've tried pushing the bars closer but its still no good for transporting bikes in a caravan on the move .. just standing still in the garage the bikes are leaning over on the spokes, although they do spring back when I take the bikes out but that's just in the garage .. in the caravan they do damage! Entirely up to individuals if they want to take a chance but don't say I didn't warn you! Mine's going in the skip!

 

[Steph_374467861]

I see where Tim is coming from. We have suffered no damage but our wheels are slightly loose. They will stand up ok in the stand but when we use it in the van we simply placed a couple of old pillows in the gap on each hoop before pulling them together. We've been pleased with the stability while towing and I have to say that the customer service was good - I phoned on a Tuesday to enquire about the delivery time which they quoted at 3 - 5 working days, I explained that we were leaving on the Saturday and wanted to use the stand for the trip - They arranged for a next day carrier at no extra cost and we received the stand on the Wednesday. As said previously, we're happy with ours but others will have to make their own decision.