Which bike rack?

[Fetchez la vache]

Hi all I need a new bike rack.

Alas funds dictate looking at the cheaper end of the market, and I'm *hoping* to spend less than £80.
- To carry 3 bikes (for the odd family jaunt)
- Boot fitted (ie not towbar or roof)
- Ideally should fit a big 4x4 as well, as I may swap my Saab estate for a Nissan Pathfinder soon, and would be handy to fit on the wifes alhambra too.

Any ideas appreciated Thanks

[caiss4]

I have a Thule Backpac which is surplus to requirements. I used to use it on our Mk1 Galaxy so it'll fit an Alhambra and also a Pathfinder although it'll probably need a different fitting kit for those two types of vehicle. Also only has two bike fittings on it but there is the option to fit a third.

If you're passing down the M4 I'm sure we could strike a deal!

Anyway I do recommend the Backpacs as they are a very solid fitting to the vehicle and don't rely on straps but of course new they are £150+ so I guess out of budget.

[JPJ]

I believe the Sairs Bones is THE best boot mounted rack you can buy. Not tried it myself, I've gone for the roof mounting option.

Edited by JPJ on Thursday 12th March 13:28

[SystemParanoia]

if you got a pathfinder... wouldent the bikes fit IN it? along with everything else.. upto and including the kitchen sink?!

[snotrag]

Saris Bones is the best design with the most adjustment to fit a variety of shapes, over spoilers etc... Just not convinced the plastic thumbscrews are the best idea. Often selling people spares. I guess you gotta be careful.

Other than that, the metal frame type racks are much of a muchness to be honest.

[deckster]

JPJ said:

I believe the Sairs Bones is THE best boot mounted rack you can buy. Not tried it myself, I've gone for the roof mounting option.

I've got one and as long as it fits you're fine - it was great on a Fiat Coupe but just doesn't sit right on the RX8, for example. Also as the bikes tend to sit quite low you really need a number plate board. Apart from that - yes great rack, well built and really solid.

[dern]

I bought a mont blanc one from argos last weekend and it seems to do the job. I think it was 50 quid.

[davidd]

Taking this slightly off topic, what do people recommend for root mounting?
We have a bmw 3series touring (e91) with roof bars, it turns out we cannot fit a boot mounted one becuase of some plastic bits that will fall off!

Cheers

D

[deckster]

Thule all the way. The best on the market bar none.

[BOR]

We have an E91 and use the BMW roof racks and mtb bike mountings. High quality rack, no complaints.

I would recommend, that you ask for racks and bike mounts with the same key. We have three bike mounts, which all use different keys, which is slightly annoying as it could have been avoided if I had known beforehand.

[stevieb]

I am in a similar diemma.

I had all the stuff sorted for my impreza. but now i have a Xc90 and need to carry 4 bikes. I would prefer if they were towbar mounted for ease of access and also having them on the roof is a pain when you get to car park height restrcitions.

Any pointers which one to go for?

Thanks

[Martin_Bpool]

try www.skidrive.co.uk

Quite a bit cheaper than most.

I've got a Thule 968 rear bike rack (£54.99) will fit 3 bikes and fits most cars.(http://www.skidrive.co.uk/cycle/product_detail.php?partno=968001)

Thule fitment guide for the 968:
http://www.thule.com/upload/PDFs%20Fitting%20Instr...