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Camping

Our UK Camping forum has all the information you need on finding the right equipment for your tent or caravan.

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Original poster

Rear mount bike racks

12 replies

meatloaf · 04/08/2013 22:39

Not really sure where to post this, but thinking that camping might be a good place.

I have got a bike rack and was planning to take DD's bike when we go to Cornwall. I did a bit of a dry run today, driving to the petrol station with it on. Never went over 40mph.
The rack seemed secure and did bounce a little. But I was a little anxious about travelling with it on the back.

Has anyone ever had a negative experience with them? I am afraid it might fall off, am I just being paranoid? My journey is going to be around 5 hours in total.

Please tell it will be fine and any tips.

This is the one I have. Although I have a Honday CRV so the rack sits a lot higher.

OP posts:

decafonly · 05/08/2013 11:11

This is next on my list to research as the kids want to take their bikes and we don't want to invest in proper roof bars or a tow bar yet as I think we need a bigger car for camping first!

Dh isn't convinced by these strap on bike racks as we did see three bikes come flying off the back of a car on the motorway a few years back. For all we know it could have been due to them carrying too many bikes or not fitting it properly etc but I think the image is stuck in his mind now!

Sorry, don't want to put you off the idea meatloaf - has anyone got one that they use regularly without problems?

hillbilly · 05/08/2013 12:49

We have one and find that it is fine for the kids' small bikes but when we added one of ours it damaged the car. For that reason we are going to invest in a tow bar and separate bike rack.

hillyhilly · 05/08/2013 12:58

I've just used mine for the first time and although I was terrified on the way there it was totally fine, the 2nd journey was better and I'm relaxing a bit now it just feels frightening!

hellhasnofurylikeahungrywoman · 05/08/2013 13:03

I use a Saris rack regularly like this one. I have never had a problem with it. I use an old sock over the pedal closest to the car to prevent any damage to the car.

VivaLeBeaver · 05/08/2013 13:05

I use a saris bones rack frequently and never had a problem.

Blu · 05/08/2013 15:52

OP, like you I feel nervous.

I have twice had to evade bikes which have fallen of rear carriers in the 3rd lane of a motorway, and my generally v competent friends wrecked their bikes when they all fell off before they got to the end of the road...

lucamom · 05/08/2013 19:16

We arrived in Cornwall today from just outside b'ham-travelled with kids bikes on a rear rack with no problem (usually my DH has his bike on too).

As long as you fit them right they're safe

Original poster

meatloaf · 05/08/2013 19:31

I am too scared. I don't think that I can take the stress on a 5 hour journey. And Blu that is what I am totally afraid of.

Am going to get used to it on shorter journeys first.

Thanks for all your comments.

OP posts:

millimat · 05/08/2013 20:19

Dh is a keen cyclist but wouldn't use one of those. We have a tow bar one.
Do you have a light thingy? Legally all lights (indicators, brakes etc) need to be on show fully even if they can be seen through the spokes.

Original poster

meatloaf · 05/08/2013 21:36

I am not going to take it with me camping. But when I just have DD's bike on the lights are clear. Didn't even think about what it would be like with my bike on too.

OP posts:

Blu · 06/08/2013 12:34

The bikes would stick out beyond the width of the car if we had one of these carriers, and the way people cut you up and zoom past in London streets, I just don't feel confident.

Mum2Fergus · 07/08/2013 19:06

Can't for the life of me remember the make but ours is a trunk rack. Will take 4 but most we ever have is 3...attaches with 6 straps. Never had any issues with it. We do make a point of a stop or 2 to put a bit of tension in the straps but could probably manage without, more habit than anything else. I've a Peugeot 308 and the carrier sits on the hatch as opposed to bumper level.

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