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Loads of options about but...not many take long wheel base MTBs. Loads of old threads around but wondering if the easy option to just go for a Thule one is flawed and there is experience of other options?
Or is it easier to go for a 3 and get a clip on which I assume is only suitable for smaller bikes.
I've got a 3 and the clip on but the problem is nose weight on the ball rather the number of bikes so I think I've only ever used it once. I'm not sure I would be comfortable with a big bike on the clip on
How long is a long wheelbase bike now?
I think my 2015 Camber Evo (large) is 116 cm.
How much more are we talking now? Just thinking our Buzz Rack looks like it would take more.
The big problem I've found is not the length of modern bikes, but the width. Makes it really hard to mount them on a rack that's effectively designed around old road bikes with a max 130mm OLD. I've just bought a second hand Thule and sold a Buzzrack. Both have the same problem.
Curious to see what folk have to say as I’m looking to upgrade too and width when racking up boost bikes is the main pain for me. You’d think one of the manufacturers would have solved for 3 bikes with boost spacing by now
Modern wheelbase? My Stage Evo 6 Large is 129cm - probably not the longest either, but a good representation I suspect.
You’d think one of the manufacturers would have solved for 3 bikes with boost spacing by now
Buzzrack E-Hornet has you covered there iirc
I’ve a 7yr old Thule Velospace XT (i think thats the model). Folds up flat for storage in the garage, detachable arms, clamps reliably, works like a charm, mostly. I reckon they are all compromised in some way, just choose your poison.
Have the 4th rail clip on, used with proper bike semi-frequently. Issues:
1) you have to make sue the additional clamp for the 4th bike is really well fixed to both 3rd and 4th bikes - it clamps to both, and with carbon frame weirdness you really must be sure it’s fixed. Mine popped off on one drive, and although bike 4 stayed connected it had tipped over and we shaved about 2” of the handlebar that dragged on the road.
2) With 4 modern bikes on board it is v tight on forks and chainstays in between. I keep a stock of pipelagging stuffed in the car to solve any rubbing issues
3) i think all my bikes are over 1300mm wheel base (e.g. Pole evolink), and thus I needed to buy the optional Thule XL fat bike wheel straps to be able to secure both wheels. Note wheels are still in their trays, and this works well.
In general, we only have 2 bikes most of the time on the rack, no stress, usually have bikes on position 1 and 3. With 4 bikes on board I HATE the amount of bounce in the rear view mirror. obviously it’s fine, nothing has ever broken, but christ it’s stressful all the way to the alps. High speed ‘yumps’ are awful (see the 40km of road through Rotterdam Europort - terrifying!)
At the moment it's needed for two adults bikes and two kids bikes. My mtb is a banshee paradox and the wheel based is about 135cm so it's pretty long.
I'm not worried about the nose weight for now but with 4 adults bikes it would be a challenge.
Do check the weight of the rack + 4 bikes. Some cars the tow ball max weight is lower than you think.
I think mine is 80kg, it's on a Skoda kodiaq, so currently not an issue but if it is I still have the roof rack option