[Closed] Bike Racks

It's only part of an answer, but the current Berlingo will take 100kg on the dealer-fitted roof rails. So that includes the mountings and stuff, and you'd want to stay inside that with the high C of G of three bikes. Shouldn't be a problems then.

Personally I prefer roof racks so I can get in the back easily. YMMV, and yes they probably cost you in MPG.

(edit) And I use extra straps, if you twist them the don't flap or hum.

have you considered a tow bar mounted rack ? some of them tilt to still allow you access to the boot an I think a rack plus tow bar roughly cost the same as 3 roof mounted bike racks an roofbars etc 🙂

a roof rack system can normally take up to 4 bikes...but you may need to buy the fittings for the extra bikes....fitting them top and tail style works best...
boot mounted racks can take anything from 2 to 4 but this depends on the design of the rack...there is also a lot more faffing about with this as you will normally need to improvise and stuff pipe lagging foam between the frames to stop them bashing into each other and then lock the brakes to stop the wheels spinning when you're driving...the down side to this is also that most of the manufacturers of this type of rack specify a max weight limit...for an average 3 bike rack it could be say a total of 45kg which in real terms may only be 2 AM bikes depending on the spec etc...
the tow bar system is better and generally have a higher carrying load...

I've a preferance for towbar racks. Minimal impact on MPG, and wheel suppourting ones instill me with more confidence than the roof mounted ones you see swaying down the M1 in a crosswind!

If you're competent with a spanner then you can get the kits from towequipe for £60-£80, you'll need a torque wrench through, a big long one that goes upto big numbers as the bolts are mostly done up dry.

Aiston racks don't tilt to allow boot access, but are incredibly well made (by a Geordie in a shed in Newcastle). I've a 2 bike one and could quite happily stand on it (so 100kg, Vs the max of 30 it'll ever actualy be used for).

for an average 3 bike rack it could be say a total of 45kg which in real terms may only be 2 AM bikes depending on the spec etc...

15kg is 33lb, is there an AM bike on the market that heavy? Mines 32, with a bottom of the line alloy frame, reverb, old lyrics, heavy wheels/tyres, flat pedals, full chain device, and nothing on it was bought based on being light! You're more likely to hit the nose weigh limit of the car (usualy ca. 60kg including the weight of the rack). But that's probably still good for 3 'AM' or 4 trail bikes.

I'd be carrying a stripped down Swift - my son's bike - a Felt 29er, I haven't finished putting this on a diet yet but probably about 28lbs and my wife's 26 inch bike (15" frame and not too heavy).

We may not have the Berlingo that much longer and tbh, my spannering skills are a wonder all in themselves and folk come from miles around to gaze at the results of my ineptitude! 😯

Can't see me bolting serious bits onto a car any time soon.......

I recenty got a tow bar mounted rack (Thule 909). It tilts so access to boot isn't an issue. Only downside is parking, but I generally won't be trying to squeeze into tight spaces whilst the rack is on.

The problem with roof racks I see is:

geting the bikes on the roof
Bikes covered in mud and sh$t equates to your car roof getting covered in mud and sh$t.
Forgetting about bikes when getting through tool booths, barriers etc.
Fuel cost

Food for thought

I've just got a Thule set up for the roof..

Really, really pleased wih it.

Seems spotty dog so far.

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