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Hi,
Long time lucker, 1st time poster but cant find an answer by browsing others threads.
I am in the market for a bike rack for my Hyundai i30 but unsure which will work best.
The rack will be not be used a lot (couple of times a month to Hamsterly which is about 10 miles away), and i would prefer to take it off the car when not in use. Will potentially be used to take 2 or 3 bikes on holiday.
I do not have a tow bar and am not looking to fit one as i dont intend to keep the car for a long time.
I do not have roof bars either but would be more open to investing in these as opposed to a tow bar as they can always be sold on when i change cars, but even then the cost is a bit more than i would like to pay for minimal use.
I would prefer a clip on the boot type rack. I have done a bit of reading up and the Saris Bones seems to be very popular. My only concern is visibility of the lights (number plate is low down on bumper) when the rack is loaded up, not so much for small journeys but definitely for a holiday abroad. If i had to also get a light board for this option i may as well either get the roof rails or tow bar fitted!
Is there a secure rear mounted rack that works with the i30 that lifts the bikes high enough so not to obscure the lights. From what i can tell the lighting configuration on the i30 is very similar to a circa 2008 Mondeo Estate (spent the whole commute studying the lighting arrangements on cars).
So what all all you i30 (or Mondoe estate) drivers using to transport your bikes?
Any and all help greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
Rob
Sorry, just spotted this.
If it helps, have a look on Roofbox.co.uk - they have a configurator which will tell you what's compatible. Excellent service too.
When I bought my (old shape) i30 (what is yours the two are quite different) I already had from previous car a Thule Clip-on high 9106
It didn't fit the i30 but I replaced the upper metal straps with some longer mont blanc ones and now fits perfectly and is really really secure
Takes 5 mins to fit or remove, takes 2 bikes lifted above the rear lights and number plate, can still open boot when rack is attached (carefully as its heavy) and bikes can be locked to rack for that bit of extra security
It is definitely the best boot mounted rack available, expensive though and does need modding to fit an i30
Thing with roof bars for a euro trip is yes you save a bit on not needing a lighting board but will loose more than that in additional ferry/euro tunnel costs for the higher vehicle, and increased fuel consumption / drag
The Bones would work, or one of these a riding buddy has just got (Focus):
http://www.bikeradar.com/beginners/news/article/saris-grand-fondo-car-rack-just-in-33571/