Picked up our Octavia Scout a couple of weeks back but as we generally use the van (which has a fixed rack) for bike transit duties I’ve only just realised our Saris Bones rack won’t fit it due to the frameless tailgate.

Are there any rear-mounted carrier options which don’t involve a tow bar, or is a roof mounted system the only way to go with this type of tailgate?

Have a look at http://www.roofbox.co.uk – there’s a configurator thing on there which will tell you.

(Also, great place to buy from; cheapest I’ve found and excellent service)

I’ve got a carrier for free from a Astra estate I used to have.Pretty basic, but did the job. Got 2 bikes on it with no problem, attached to the tailgate.
Something like this here:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Maypole-Quality-Mounted-Cycle-Carrier/dp/B0031SNXKC

Just South of Leicester. Cant be arsed posting/selling it, so collection only if anyone is interested.
Alan.

Cougar – thanks for the link.

Weird thing is that I’ve just put our model in, and it’s indicating that the Saris Bones rack we already have is compatible with the car. I’m pretty sure this would involve the clips going onto the glass part of the tailgate, which I would have thought is a no no.

Anyone used a Saris Bones rack with an Octavia Estate?

Hmm. Just answered my own question. I apparently need something called a Hatch Hugger which allows you to use the Saris Bones rack with glass tailgates. £12 from Wiggle which is somewhat cheaper than getting a new roof mounted rack…