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Original poster

Cycle rack for car - idiot guide please

30 replies

CindersAgain · 22/04/2023 20:27

We need to put a rack on the boot of the car. For one bike. I have no idea where to start. We don’t have a tow bar. It’s a BMW grand tourer.

How do I work out what would work? Drive to Halfords?

OP posts:
Original poster
CindersAgain · 23/04/2023 08:44

Cheeky bump so I don’t have to brave Reddit.

OP posts:
Kfjsjdbd · 23/04/2023 08:56

We have a Saris bike rack on our BMW which I think is supposed to be one of the best. It is easy to fit and takes all our bikes.

Kfjsjdbd · 23/04/2023 08:57

On the Halfords website you can put in your reg and they will tell you what will work

MeinKraft · 23/04/2023 09:00

Yeah Halfords can fit them.

Polis · 23/04/2023 09:02

My neighbours down the road had one that rested on the boot lid and was held on by straps. The weight of the bikes made several quite bad dents in the metal where the rack touched despite it having soft rubber pads.

Original poster
CindersAgain · 23/04/2023 09:09

Polis · 23/04/2023 09:02

My neighbours down the road had one that rested on the boot lid and was held on by straps. The weight of the bikes made several quite bad dents in the metal where the rack touched despite it having soft rubber pads.

Eek!

OP posts:
Original poster
CindersAgain · 23/04/2023 09:10

Thanks!

I’ve put the registration number/model into both Halfords and Saris websites and there are no boot ones that fit.
Maybe roof is the way forward.
I might go and see if I can lift a bike that high 😂

OP posts:
VainAbigail · 23/04/2023 09:12

There will be an Owners Club for your sort of car in fb and those sorts of groups are very good for advice such as this if you join the page and post the question.

Pedallleur · 23/04/2023 09:19

Saris are arguably the best for this sort. Have a look on youtube and eBay. If it's one bike can it go inside the car?

Pedallleur · 23/04/2023 09:21

Just realised it's not a hatch. So front/rear wheel out and in the boot? Otherwise a roof rack. DO NOT go under low entry points e.g. car parks with a bike on the roof. You Tube again.

halfsiesonapotnoodle · 23/04/2023 09:28

Whatever it is, make sure the fucker is attached very securely. I was involved in a motorway crash caused by a bike rack coming off a car at high speed, with bikes still attached.

EggInANest · 23/04/2023 09:31

Yes, I have had near misses twice on motorways, avoiding bikes that have come off.

Original poster
CindersAgain · 23/04/2023 09:31

halfsiesonapotnoodle · 23/04/2023 09:28

Whatever it is, make sure the fucker is attached very securely. I was involved in a motorway crash caused by a bike rack coming off a car at high speed, with bikes still attached.

Jesus. Yes, we will. DH is very careful. That must have been awful.

OP posts:
Original poster
CindersAgain · 23/04/2023 09:32

VainAbigail · 23/04/2023 09:12

There will be an Owners Club for your sort of car in fb and those sorts of groups are very good for advice such as this if you join the page and post the question.

Aha, great idea. I’ve found one and have asked to join.

OP posts:
Original poster
CindersAgain · 23/04/2023 09:33

Pedallleur · 23/04/2023 09:21

Just realised it's not a hatch. So front/rear wheel out and in the boot? Otherwise a roof rack. DO NOT go under low entry points e.g. car parks with a bike on the roof. You Tube again.

I don’t think we can fit all the people/luggage in too. Would work for the odd day trip though.

OP posts:
Original poster
CindersAgain · 23/04/2023 09:34

Pedallleur · 23/04/2023 09:19

Saris are arguably the best for this sort. Have a look on youtube and eBay. If it's one bike can it go inside the car?

Looks like Saris doesn’t do one that fits.

OP posts:
JamMakingWannaBe · 23/04/2023 09:42

Why can't you get a tow bar fitted?

Polis · 23/04/2023 09:51

Why can't you get a tow bar fitted?

We found the best option was one that clamped to the tow bar with a board with a number plate and lights on it.

Although tow bars aren’t cheap to fit.

Pedallleur · 23/04/2023 09:59

Tow bar is the best but most expensive option. Roof bars prob the cheapest for one bike

Original poster
CindersAgain · 23/04/2023 10:01

JamMakingWannaBe · 23/04/2023 09:42

Why can't you get a tow bar fitted?

Feels like a big deal? Is it not?

OP posts:
Slaistery · 23/04/2023 10:02

I did the tow bar option - I’m too wee to get the bikes up on the roof, and I can do the four bike Thule tire bar carrier on my own. If you do go down that route consider your parking sensors - mine go crazy because they see the carrier when I’m in reverse - I think it’s handy because I don’t forget it’s there, but ymmv

Polis · 23/04/2023 10:09

Feels like a big deal? Is it not?

It’s not a big deal and worth the cost if you have something to tow or are going to be using the bike carrier regularly. For the odd trip, it’s a very expensive option. Hiring bikes where you are going might make more sense, although not always practical.

JamMakingWannaBe · 23/04/2023 10:10

From memory, towbar was £100ish, same for fitting and £150-200 for the rack. Mine takes 3 bikes.
I depends how often you are traveling with bikes.
If it's one bike and a one off, do as PP suggested and just take the wheel off so it fits in the car. A roofbox for luggage might be easier than a rooftop bike rack.

Polis · 23/04/2023 10:14

It depends on the type of car. For both our cars, with electrics, the tow bars cost three to four hundred pounds each. That was parts only. My husband did the fitting.