Car bike rack

[midnightstar66]

My 2 DD's are getting really keen on bike tracks and cycling in general so I borrowed a bike rack to go to a track that was a bit of a distance away this weekend. It was the type you attach on to your boot and put the bikes on the arms that stick out.
I don't know if it was just the individual rack but it was an absolute pain in the backside getting both the bikes on, avoiding pedals, trying not to damage paintwork, handle bar grips, spokes etc. Was looking at the roof bars but as a line parent and I'm not hugely tall are they tricky to get up there? What's the best solution wise people of mumsnet? Ideally I'd like to take my bike too sometimes. I don't have a tow bar!

Tow bar. Sits away from the car and some tilt to facilitate loading. Otherwise roof rack but the potential is there for damage to the car or if you drive under a low object e.g. a gate frame or car park entrance you smash the bikes etc

Saris bones prob the best hatch rack. You can use bungee cords to keep the wheels straight. Ideally it's a job not to be rushed. Check everything is secure twice

Thank you. I don't have a tow bar sadly and is out of my price range to get one fitted. Yes I'm concerned about height with the roof bars as many of the costal car parks here have metal frames to drive through. Are all the boot ones as much of a faff as I've experienced today?

And yes I used bungees galore, all very secure but a bit like solving a rubix cube to get them all on and probably a bit of damaged grip on a handle bar that had to go through spokes (likely not great for the spokes either)

Saris bones prob best in design terms but others are available. Remember the bikes go opposite way to each other ie first one on then the next goes the opposite way e.g. front wheel next to the other bikes back wheel. Some less faff than others. I used a Tow bar rack. But not cheap

Halfords have a number of models. Saris claim 5 minutes to fit.

Yeh I had them the opposite way and bigger bike on first/ the friend I borrowed it off did say that children's bikes were more problematic than large ones but the hassle is putting me off doing this very regularly.

Will look in the that brand, thanks!

Please do not get a roof one. I was in a very serious motorway accident caused by a roof bike rack with bikes still attached, from a car ahead, coming off the car at 75 mph. It was dark, windy and raining and it caused massive damage to about 20 cars. The motorway had to be closed and the debris was everywhere. Tow bar rack every time.

Look for a Halfords Exodus bike carrier on eBay. Unfortunately, they don't make them anymore, but they're brilliant. They attach with clamps, not straps, and they are very, very secure.

Thanks @missmouse101 that's the kind of advice I was looking for. Mine was a very basic one with 2 arms you slide the bikes on to. The one @Pedallleur has suggested looks far more simple and with cheaper versions available. I definitely can't afford the tow bar option as my car isn't fitted with one to start with.

5 bolts should have the handlebars turned 90 degrees and the pedals removed in a couple of minutes or so if it makes them easier to fit on the rack... We use the Thule rooftop carriers, but only for local journeys, e.g to the local woods. For longer trips the bikes get put in bike bags and they go inside the car.

We had a saris bones for three bikes. Simple to fit and you alternate the bikes. We velcro -ed the wheels together. Just watch you dont obscure your lights or number plate.