[Closed] Towbar carrier. Which for most clearance between bikes?

IME, it's all to do with loading the bikes. Getting pedals and cranks aligned, mechs not hitting forks, bars not hitting each other or saddles. If it's the same bikes all the time then you develop a loading pattern that works. Otherwise I twist bars, lower saddles and often apply foam padding on forks.

I have the Atera Strada - there is enough space to avoid any contact between bikes but you do have to think a little about positioning, so the first time takes a few minutes.

Thanks, is the arm length adjustable on the Alteras? If not do the bikes not end up at angles to each other once you factor in different frame shapes/heights etc.

Can't remember the model number but one of the Thule ones is designed for e bikes so they sit wider apart from each other.

We can get four on our Thule without any faffing about.

I had a [url= ]Thule 945[/url] and I couldn't figure out how to get two bikes on without them touching each other. Ended up selling it again. My bikes are all XL / XXL though, that clearly doesn't affect their width but it probably limited how far I could move them left/right across the car.

Atera Strada Evo has more space than most. If you check on [url= http://www.roofbox.co.uk/ ]Roofbox.co.uk[/url], they tend to list gap between bikes for most models.

You could always get something like a Maxxraxx which lets you adjust the distance between the bikes. It also folds up nice and small making it a lot easier to store. I'm selling one..

The heavier and heavier rated Strada (I forget which one it is) has more room than the lighter ones. Only 5 or 10mm but it all adds up.

Atera Strada Evo has more space than most.

Actually, I've got the Evo and found it tighter than the Thule one I tried for space. Although the wheel spacing is OK, the differences in arm lengths don't match, and actually pull the tops of the bikes closer together.

I was on the verge of sending the Evo back because I couldn't find a way to fit two bikes next to each other without touching but eventually figured one way that it could work.

Once you've figured it out for a particular combination of bikes it's very quick to load/unload but the first time you do it can take a while. Personally, I couldn't live with the ordinary DL as it doesn't have removable/swappable arms so adds yet more constraints to the puzzle.

I've got a Strada DL. It's good but there isn't much space between the bikes. There's enough but you need to line stuff up. Road bars can be a bit awkward.

I've got no personal experience of them but some of the Pendle racks look well spaced out, maybe worth a look.

Thule 928 is 23cm bewteen bikes, but only carries 2, 3 with an additional adapter.

Aston rack would be an option, its a bit agricultural, but I believe they will make one to your requirements

I have a Strada Evo 3. No problem with fitting three bikes on, but it does sometimes needs a little bit of playing with to make sure nothing is touching. I often have two 29ers and a small 26er on there. If I am only carrying two bikes, then I use positions 1 & 3 which gives loads of room between bikes.

The 4th bike fitting on these is a add on bracket and that bike is fixed to bike number 3. You might want to check the weight limit of the rack for 4 big bikes.

It's a mix of my fs, the wifes ht, a 24" kids bike and a bmx so should be fine on weight.

Think I'm going to plump for the Strada Evo, going to order from roofbox so will have a little play with it in the house when it arrives.

Thanks.

http://www.aistoncycleracks.co.uk/double_cycle_racks.htm

Hand built by an older fella in Newcastle, look a bit agricultural, but fit 4 bikes with loads of space and are very solid. High speed drive from Cardiff to south of France in the summer with four bikes on and it handled it well. he will make up special items for you too - mate of mine had special wheel supports made for his fattie.