Andy Tang

iTrader: (3)

As I'm getting more and more into cycling, I'm after a bike rack for my Forester.

Ideally I'm after one that will take 3 bikes and one that will strap onto the back, rather than on top of the car.

Any recommendations with brands, what to look for, what to avoid?

Any experience with one on a wagon or Forester will be welcome.

Cheers
Andy

Beefy

I've heard good reports about Thule racks, pretty sure they make them both for the top and back of the car.

Mk2_heaven

thule definately cashback for damage if it fall off due to manufacturing

Scooby_Snax

I have a Thule roof bars & bike mount for the Forester.

Easy to fit, lockable, secure & feels good quality.

Most of the online sites let you select by car model to make sure you get the right bits.

Being 5'9" the only problem I have is reaching up to get the bike on & off the roof of the forester!

Brother_Will

Thule 9107/9108 (check thule.com to confirm which) Twin lockable clip on mount cycle carrier for the rear of the car with top and bottom support for each bike, no straps easy to use should not obscure number plate. £99.99

Andy Tang

iTrader: (3)

Will any of the Thule rear mounted options allow the boot to be opened with bikes on the rack?

Gutmann pug

Get a couple of builders with builder bum jeans to hang off the back ....Jobs a good un

ChrisB

The Thule catalogue I have Andy says they all will allow boot to open with the rack fitted. However, there's a note somewhere that says don't open with bikes on rack as they might go through the glass or damage the car.

The tow ball / bar mounted racks often tilt down to allow a boot to be opened. They aren't easy on the wallet though.

Have a look at http://www.roofbox.co.uk/ If you go into the Bike Carriers page on the left hand menu, there's a good guide which discusses the options and pro's / con's of each.

Peter Horlock

Try pendel.they are very good.

I would go for a tow bar mounted design........... when you carry 3 down hill mountain bikes around i would not trust any bike racks that hang on the boot.

Yours
Peter

Mog

I second the above, we have the Subaru demountable towbar so that nothing shows when it is not in use and a Pendle which bolts onto the ball, our version takes 2 adult and 2 childrens bikes.

Mog

Andy Tang

iTrader: (3)

I might just get myself a towbar, as they are cheap enough on ebay.

As for 3 bikes, I'm planning ahead a little! At the moment it will be just one bike, as I don't think my 8,5 month pregnant wife should be on a bike yet! The idea is that it will be 2 adult bikes initially, then a childs one in the future!

Thanks for the advice guys.

Tentenths

Andy,

I'd definitely agree with what others have already said about tailgate/boot mounts... avoid 'em!

Having struggled with one for some years on my Legacy and latterly on the Forester I eventually bought Thule roof bars and 2 bike holders. It's much more stable and you can access the boot without having to take the bikes off first.

Don't believe what some manufacturers claim about boot mounted racks and still being able to open the boot - the weight of two or more bikes makes it virtually impossible. Even if you manage to get the boot open you've then got to support it whilst you try and rummage in the boot!

IMO the main disadvantage of roof mounts is that, believe or not, two bikes have a staggering impact on fuel consumption, especially at 80 - 90 mph cruising speeds(where legally permitted). On short journeys you can live with it but on longer treks I've found that swivelling the handlebars so they're in line with the bike frame makes a big difference - it also cuts down the wind noise.

If I were starting again I'd probably look at towbar mounts.

taffyboyo

if you take the wheels off, you could fit a bike in a genuine subaru roofbox,

oh hang on a minute, there's one in my garage, what a strike of luck for you andy,


Mike

Toerag

just thought I'd add my experience - I have the standard subaru roof mount (6 years old now!) and it's fine. The hinges are going rusty, and the roof-rail clamps are getting stiff, but other than that it's fine. Having sidesteps makes it a lot easier to put the bike on and take it off though.

Ray_li

try

bags, tow-ball mounted luggage, boxes, luggage, clam-shell bag, carrier, holiday luggage,waterproof bag

aggs

I use both types of bike racks.

Tow bar one on the Scooby, (used occasionally)
Advantages
1/Quick to put demountable tow bar onto car.
2/Quick to mount rack and bikes on car.
Can still open the boot with Impreza but never used the tilt option on the rack, this will probably be needed on Forrester.
3/Rack quickly put into boot of car for security while riding bikes.
4/Bikes out of wind creating less drag.
5/If into proper muddy mountain biking keeps crud from falling onto roof while driving.(Bikes should be cleaned a bit to avoid danger to following cars anyway so maybe a poor point.)

Disadvantages
1/Can corner fairly fast but not at a normal fast road speed some planning and smoother driving required.



Roof Mounted rack (Used alot and racks always kept on car.)
Advantages
1/Bikes very secure and cornering not really effected.
2/ If roof rack is always kept on car then it is quick to use and put bikes on .It is always ready and convenient.
3/ Roof rack securely locked on car whilst cycling.


Disadvantages

1/If roof rails and rack not kept on car can be fiddly and annoying to put rack on because generally it is always a rush and raining and dark!!
Esp. when just popping out for a quick ride.!!
2/Bikes are in air flow and above 80mph really effect fuel consumption.
Our Golf TDI on our regular trip to Scotland drops to 35 mpg on Motorway when cruising at 80 to 90 mph, normally returns 45 at worst on same run.
3/Low car park barriers or multi storey car parks do not forget!!

I have not worked out fuel consumption with rack on back of Scooby as I never want to know!!
But would say not much change to normal and would cruise up to 90 with it on the back.

Hope some of the points above help. Aggs

aggs

Highly recommend Thule you get what you pay for.