Cyclists over here please, tell me about bike racks for the car

[wishiwasrunning]

We're heading out to France this summer and hoping to take 4 bikes (2xadult MTB, 1x12", 1x14") on our Vauxhall Zafira '08.

Can anyone recommend a type of rack or things to avoid please? Boot mounted? Tow bars? (We don't currently have a tow bar).

I'm starting from absolutely no knowledge!

Many thanks!

[Kbear]

My advice is that a rack for four bikes is a nightmare, will really only fit two adult and two kids bikes and will leave dirty great dents in your bodywork and your DH will have the raving hump ... or maybe that was just us a few years back....

Sorry not be more constructive - I would get a tow bar one for a long journey like that so the weight is on the tow bar not the paintwork....

[BikeRunSki]

With 4 big ones we put 3 on the back (Saris Bones carrier) and 1 on the roof (Mont Blanc roof bars).

With2 big and 2 little, I'd put the small ones in the car and use a roof box for what would normally be in the boot.

[CMOTDibbler]

We have a Thule tow bar mounted rack, and its easy to get two adult bikes plus ds's 26" wheel bike on, so two small ones and two adult would be fine.

Its absolutely rock solid as well, and no annoying noise like you get with a roof rack

[wishiwasrunning]

Great thanks for the tips, our car doesn't currently have a tow bar and I saw some DIY kits, does anyone have experience of these?

Will definitely consider putting small ones in the car and using a roof box, we have room for both on our tunnel booking.

[HermioneDanger]

Don't get Mercedes Brighton to fit it. They'll not bother with half the fittings which will result in your bike rack and bikes being deposited on the motorway. They will then be obstructive and lie in you trying to sort it all out.

But seriously, get a tow bar fitted to your car if you can and have a tow bar mounted rack - they're much more stable in my experience than ones that go over the boot.

[TopOfTheCliff]

Dont get a rack to hang off a hatch back it will swing around and scratch the paintwork. I would get a towbar with a rack clamped to it. But you need a lighting board to be legal.