As is the way of NSR, I am obliged to ask for an opinion before I make a purchase.

This time, roof racks and cycle carriers.

What does everyone think of this package?

Atera GIRO

Cheaper than a Thule set up but still looks OK to me.

Thanks in advance!

Steve

 

Bloody expensive way to move a bike around, also i think it's bad enough lifting bikes onto a carrier that goes on the back of the car never mind up onto the roof, also the height can be an issue at places where they have a bar that restricts access for larger vehicles.

We have one that sits on the back of the car with straps ect, cheap and cheerful from halfrauds, fully adjustable and fits any car without the need for roof bars.

 

Roof is more secure, and the car uses less fuel than boot mounted stuff, according to Which?

I used to use Scoob bars with cheap and cheerful carriers, upright, except for one Thule wheel-out job as the uprights wouldn't grip the odd shaped downtube on my lad's trials bike.

 

I'd need to carry 4 bikes (mine, wifes and 2 sprogs). Can a rear mounted holder fit on a saloon boot and carry 4 bikes?

Steve

 

If you want them to knock together and maybe knock chunks out of your boot paintwork, sure.

 

Towbar mounted can

 

My car is does not have any published towing weights so I've assumed it cannot take a tow bar (BMW 320 Efficient Dynamics).

Surely a normal boot mounted carrier would need a light bar as the bikes would obscure the rear lights.

Steve

 

Well, any car can pull something and 4 bikes wouldn't be as heavy as a car hopefully. I see BMW literature (google) says it can't tow either but there will be aftermarket kits that will allow the fitment of one - http://www.pfjones.co.uk/bmw-3-serie...le-towbar.html

 

I used the giro's on my last car with no problems and they are easy to use. Although I did get hit on the head from a falling bike through operator error

 

I wouldn't imagine it would make a huge difference to fuel economy, maybe the odd mile per 100 miles.

I'd get down to halfrauds and trial fit one, as they can go on top of the boot area so as not to obscure the lights, and as for any paint work issues it's the same level of risk regardless, and i don't fancy your chances much dropping a bike from roof height, and kids bikes can be bloody heavy, try lifting one above head hight, then think how you will feel after you have lifted 4 up there, especially if your vertically challenged.

 

Bloody co. car so I might be limited to official or approved accessories.

Might try the cheap and cheerful Halfrauds option.

Steve

 

I've got a Cycling mag from last year I'll dig out........it reviews bike carriers and the Halfrauds one came out quite well !!

Shaun

 

I use a Thule tow bar mounted rack on our E91..

The tow bar was really straight forward to fit, and the electrics just tag into the CAN wiring.

 

Halfords own roof mount kit is pretty good, locking etc and can take oval frame tubes

 

I can recommend the Thule 591 system very highly.

Although it might not be the cheapest, it is very good quality, holds the bikes very securely to allow motorway speeds..

This site has them at a good price new

http://www.fordonlineparts.co.uk/pro...FREPfAodGRJ0zw

Alternatively have a look on the bay, some good deals