Thinking about buying a new cycle carrier, anyone got any recommendations on type? What are the roof mounted ones like? I drive a 3 door Corsa B with tailgate spoiler and no tow bar.
Got our old one which fits to the rear of the vehicle, not used it for sometime but from what I remember its held in place by two straps which run over the top and under the bottom of the rear door, but I dont think it would be wise to use given I have a tailgate spoiler - think the weight on the straps would break the spoiler as its only plastic.
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I had a well known brand strap -on type until I 'lost' it complete with the bikes. It was indeed tightened up but a diagonal distortion ,caused by the bump on a bend, loosed the straps.
Lashed out for a towbar on the Passat (Towsure- recommended) plus Witter 3 cycle rack. No problems and even ran at 100mph on the autobahn- doesn't half gulp the fuel with the bikes in place.
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I wasna fu but just had plenty.
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this is one i have loads of experience with personally i find roof carriers are very good but can feel a bit strange especially if you have a glass sunroof. most of the towbar mounted ones are very good even the cheap ones . as for the sort which hang on the back using straps i personally dont like these they move around too much and dont feel stable.towbars are fairly cheap and my latest bike rack clamps onto the towball so can be used on the detachable swan neck towbars.
i only carry two bikes using this carrier as i have the van for when i need to carry more . when we go to race meetings of all the people who use carriers as opposed to vans or estates the towbar mounted is the most popular for security and ease of use next would be roof mounted . the strap-on rear mounted carriers are used by some but tend to be abandoned after a short time in favour of one of the others. hope this helps...cheers...keo.
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Depends on number and type of bikes you need to carry and how tall you are!
I'm presently using Paddy Hopkirk roof carriers on a Xantia Estate to carry up to four bikes. These carry the bike upright, secured by a clamp on the down tube. The carriers mount to transverse bars (which in turn fit onto the car's integral roof rails). Unless the Corsa has roof fittings for the bars similar to those on an Astra you're going to be struggling with the gutter/doorframe mount type.
I'm only about five nine but don't find the lift too difficult, even if I forget to "kneel" the car first. Key is to be prepared and have the clamp and wheel straps open and ready to receive the bike.
With practice it's quicker than a tailgate rack and I can still get in the boot.
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Yes, the Corsa has the same type roof fittings as on an Astra.
Looks like the roof mounted one will be best, lift wouldnt be a problem as he is over 6' tall (although little me would struggle). Have to check out prices. Would need to hold two adult mountain bikes.
As someone's already mentioned, the tailgate one was a pain because it moved about and you had to keep checking to see if the straps were tight enough. Would also need to get electrics fitted to both cars as the carrier would cover the tail lights.
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The Paddy Hopkirk items are around £20 and claim tool free assembly but I challenge anyone to do it without a 10mm spanner!.
Decathlon do something similar as well.
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Agree with comments above as I too have tried all possible ways over the years. Best solution for my family of five was three carried on the roof, and two on a tow bar mounted rack. Roof is great for long journeys as it leaves the boot clear for access, but take care if you use a multi-storey car park!
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The best ones don't cover your rear indicators/lights and number plate. I'm sure no one who reads this forum would ever think of using one that did !!!
Mike.
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I have a Thule towball mounted rack. It is rock solid. I have used the strap on type and I find myself constantly checking to see if it is still there.
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\"Nothing less than 8 cylinders will do\"
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its worth mentioning that many manufacturers of bikes (especially those with suspension forks) don't recommend the roof-mounted types that involve removing the front wheel and clamping the fork to faux-quick release. The forks aren't designed for the lateral bending force, apparently.....
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its worth mentioning that many manufacturers of bikes (especially those with suspension forks) don't recommend the roof-mounted types that involve removing the front wheel and clamping the fork to faux-quick release. The forks aren't designed for the lateral bending force, apparently.....
The type I suggested clamp to the downtube but you need to check for clamp fit if your bikes have heavily oversized or ovalised tubes.
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Quite a lot of discussion and recommendations here also Daisy
www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=27260&...f
Or do a forum search for "bike rack" - loads of references!
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Daisy1, take a look at www.roofbox.co.uk and follow the Bike Carrier link on the left - a lot of useful info there.
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