Best bike carrier/rack for car ADVICE needed please

[Scott]

I want to invest in the best way to carry my growing families bikes on our car.

Do I go on the roof or on the rear door or a tow bar/hitch system?

At the mo I need to cater for:

Me & Wife = 2 bikes
No 1 Son = 16" bike
No 2 Son = 12" bike

Now I may need to just stick the litlle ones in the boot for now but I do want to future proof so I am wanting to carry 4.

My car is a Chelsea Tractor (Audi) so I may struggle getting them on a roof system.

Anybody out there that has any input, it will be much appreciated.

Regards
Scott

[Snoop Doug]

rear door rack for me was a bit dodgy, had the odd strap ping loose with unfortunate timing, nothing else fell off mind. Roof is useful for maybe a couple of bikes, used extensively never had a problem (cue sound of carbon fibre shattering as it scatters across the four lanes of the M25). Never tried a trailer, probably the most solid option and would've thought you could carry what you need that way. Guessing - prob most expensive too (dagnabbit)

Snoop

[Andrew G]

Keith Coffey has a good one but I don't know what it is, I'll try and describe it and you can search about. If I remember at the weekend I'll ask him what it's called.

You need a towbar fitted for it but it holds at least 3 bikes, maybe able to get one that holds 4 (or it may as is) it's just I've only seen it with 3 on it. It's a vertical bar which has horizontal(s) sticking out which support the bikes. The good bit was that it hinged at the base so that it could swing out the way to gain access to the boot (he has an estate car).

[sonic909]

Ok, various options for you;

You say Chelsea Tractor by Audi... i am guessing the mighty Q7?

If so then that vehicle has T tracked roofrails and to but bars on is an easy option, Thule make a direct fit kit for that car (and they also supply Audi!)

If you were to put bars on the roof this would enable you to carry upto 4 adult cycles on the roof, however you may struggle with the childrens cycles on roof mounted carriers, however the better Thule carriers are more versatile for both childrens cycles and weird shaped frames like MTB full sus.

Or you have the option of rear mount, either a metal clamp cycle carrier that effectivly clamps onto the tailgate and is very sturdy if fitted correctly or the traditional strap mount, again very secure and effective however rarely fitted correctly. Both of these will be hampered if you have a rear spoiler. There are various options from Thule, Halfords, Karrite, SarisBones and many others.

With the childrens cycles you can get them onto rear mounts using either a false crossbar or just fitting it at a wacky angle.

All rear mounts limit you to 3 cycles max, and low mounts could mean you legally need a lighting board or second rear numberplate.

Another option is a towbar mount, which does exactly that, clamps securely onto the towbar and usually has a lighting board on too, they tilt to allow tailgate access and are very strong and aerodynamic, they also allow any cycle size or frame shape to be carried.

This is my forte, any questions post away or PM me...

And dont buy one without PM'ing me first... i can probably get you the best deal

[Andrew G]

Result, Keith (Sonic) probably knows which one it is Keith (C) has so I don't have to worry about my poor memory .

[sonic909]

Gonne hazard a guess its a Thule 9403 or varient.

I can build and fit them quicker than i can do a 10TT!

[Dombo]

There's a good place down towards Sevenoaks sells the Thule kit at very good prices and will master the keys for you. google Thule Roofracks and it should come up.

[sonic909]

[quote="Dombo"]There's a good place down towards Sevenoaks sells the Thule kit at very good prices and will master the keys for you. google Thule Roofracks and it should come up.

[Scott]

Man I love this club.

Cheers Guys for all taking the time to post.

Sonic- the business is yours. I will PM you and we can talk turkey.

Cheers
Scott