Cycle carrier for 2 adult and 2 children

[Norfolkandchance]

Hi,

I've done a search but please direct me if I've missed it.

We have a Mercedes B class with a tow bar fitted so there are a number of options.

2 adult bikes and 2 children's. Currently 5 years old (twins). Sometimes one of the adult ones has a female cross bar. Obviously the boys will grow so a reasonable degree of future proofing.

The boys' bikes fit in the boot without and disassembly, but pretty much fill it. I wouldn't have thought their next ones will.

Currently we don't need the boot - I don't think we'll go on holiday with all 4 bikes int he near future, bhut we might - it depends how hooked we all get, I suppose. So we could put the boys bikes in the boot and just carry the two. If we did go on holiday with the 4 bikes then we would need the boot, obviously.

Could you talk me through the options and advantages / disadvantages so I can start comparing products please?

Thanks

[DJFish]

We've got a 4 bike, tow bar mounted carrier.
It's great, does what it says on the tin, is quick to fit and tilts to alllow boot access.

Downsides are it's takes up a bit of room when stored & every car we buy/lease from now on needs a tow bar.

[Norfolkandchance]

Thanks - going to go for a Thule hangon4 for a little over £100 quid. We can always upgrade later.

[CraigBroadbent]

If you have a towbar, then the best thing is to get a carrier that fits to it.
They basically fall into 2 categories, hanger and platform.
Hanger type have two prongs that hold the upper tube of the bike which isn't great if you have steeply angle top tube like a ladies bike or some MTB.
The hanger type often don't have lights and a number plate holder, but beware you will most likely need as it's the law and anyway you want people to see your lights.
The platform type are more expensive but generally better as they support the wheels, and include the lights.
Unfortunately there is a limit to how much a towball can take. Don't go over 3 bikes and keep the heaviest closest to the vehicle.
If you want the fastest/lightest see auxtail.com

[SwissJonese]

We have 5 year old twins too. We used to have the Thule EuroClassic G6 4 bike rack which we loved (strong bit of kit), but unfortunately I couldn't open the T5 barn doors so changed it to a Atera STRADA DL which isn't as good but worked a treat for our recent trip to Switzerland. We had 2x 14inch ridgeback bikes bikes and 2x Adult MTB:-

[VEX]

We 'invested' in this from the excellent 'Roof Box Company'

https://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rbvehsel4_tab.ph...

It is brilliant on the Grand Scenic, is light enough for the wife to fit it and then because it is low it is easy to load as well. We can get 4 MTB's on it, the daughters are both on 26" wheels now (frogs) and we have a pair of older (2008ish) Gary Fishers.

Not tried it on the work / DayVan yet, but had a factory towbar fitted just for this, will know more by the end of the summer.

[MrHappy]

I bought a Maxxraxx Maxxraxx.co.uk about 10, maybe 12, years ago and we're still using it now. We have four bikes on it and two of those are ladies frames and another is a very awkward bugger. Very securely held, we went down to the south of France at 130kmh with no issues. Happy to recommend.

[Norfolkandchance]

Thanks for all the replies. I bought a Thule hangon4 in the end. It seems good though I guess the ones where you place the bikes on are easier to use, this was a lot cheaper. If we as a family get the bug then we can always upgrade. Thanks again.