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Hi.
I need a family bike rack that can hold 4 bikes (Mountain adults - womens tourer/city and 2 kids 20" mountain.
I have a tow bar and roof rails so please suggest away.
All thoughts and comments appreciated.
We use a Pendle four bike tow bar mounted rack, which seems to work well. The rack consists of two arms that fit into sockets that mount behind a Whitter-style tow ball (would not fit swan-neck type tow ball). The arms just pop in the boot once the bikes are unloaded. (A lighting board is needed.)
i have thule 9503, only used it once and very pleased with it so far!
However it only takes three bikes
I have the Atera 3 bike, which converts to 4 with an add on.
Quick and easy to put on (one movement hand lever to clamp it on), lockable to car and bikes, good clearance to the boot (particularly with the roll away rather than pivot away), small enough to store easily (in the boot if you're out and about)and seriously sturdy in use.
Downsides? The locks won't stop a determined thief, the plug for the light board just needed replaced (though it is 2.5 years old in weekly use including a couple of trips to the Alps) and the biggy - price. It used to be a lot cheaper.
Overall if it's going to be regularly used on both long and short trips it's still a good deal. If it's occasional long trips then you don't need to pay for the excellent clamping on rolling mechanism (spend a little less and get the same quality of bike support), if it's occasional short trips get something cheap.
www.aistoncycleracks.co.uk
Their wheel support rack is fantastic. I've had pendle and thule before and this is hands down better in every way and cheaper. The website is basic but give the guy a call and he'll answer any questions.
Our wheel support rack is available with attachments for kids bikes. Fittings for either type of towbar. The wheel supporting D-Loops are smaller to accomodate 20" wheels and the chassis allow adjustment for the shorter wheelbase. Basically this rack
http://www.pendle-bike.co.uk/shopping/Wheel-Support-Ball-Mounting-4-Bike-Rack.php
But you would need to order direct over the phone or through a dealer to sort out the correct number of kids bike attachments. If you have any questions we would be more than happy to help.