Cycle Carries

[RogerP]

Can anyone given me any help and advice on cycle carries.

I'd need to carry upto 3 bikes whilst towing.

My options are ;

1) fit roof rails to my vehicle and transfer Thule aero bars and cycle carriers over from another car - Cost fitted £400

2) fit a tow ball type system - cost £150 ish

Help I need relates to the towball option. Whilst this seems the cheepest I'm not sure. When towing we'll need access to the boot to let the dogs out. I'm also not sure about the bikes snagging the van , when turning corners etc.

The roof bars are an option but the cost is steep , although I will get other benefits from the rails long term.

Can any one offer any experiencies to help me. So far I've looked at the Maxxraxx Premier which seems OK. It also seems easy enough to take off with the bikes loaded when we need to get the dogs out for a comfort break.

For info the car is a Freelander 2 , slight complication is that I've got the sports styling pack fitted and I think it rules out the usual hatchback type carriers as there is a high level spoiler on the boot door (but to be fair I haven't looked into this yet)

 

[VIP640]

What about a spare wheel carrier type for about

 

[VonRyan]

Hi Roger,

Also be aware that if you go for a towball/towbar fit carrier you will be adding to the nose weight of the tow bar. So if you have 3 cycles weighing a total of say 60kg you will have to deduct this from the amount of weight you can apply from the caravan. If I am correct I think the Freelander has a very good nose weight of 150 kg (if I am wrong every one please correct me) which means that the maximum nose weight you can apply to the tow ball from the caravan hitch is 90kg which in its self is pretty good as most hitches will only allow for a maximum of 100kg.

This is just a thought! but one that you need to be aware of

Regards

Rob

 

[Reg]

Take a look at the A frame carriers made by Fiamma. They can give locker access and carry three bikes ........ if you have a big enough A frame.

But as Rob says it adds to the nose weight.

 

[RogerP]

What about a spare wheel carrier type for about