Afternoon...
Just looking for input/recommendations on towbar-mounted bike carriers - specifically ones that have a separate mounting plate that bolts on behind the towball, NOT ones that clamp onto the ball itself. Can be either top-tube or wheel support (preferred), and less than £100.
Cheers!
I have an old one ... its great.
I would go for the wheel support one as you already seem to think. Other thing to look at is how good the clamp is that holds the main tube .... some skimp on the padding ( I always use a rag round the tube )
Other thing I do is bungee cord the wheels to the rack ... in my setup, the front wheels can flap about sometimes, and the cord helps to stop that as well as tie down bike to the rack.
Onloy other thing I can add is that i always seem to think the car drives better with the bikes on ??? go figure.
http://www.aistoncycleracks.co.uk are the best racks I've ever used. I've had a Pendle, used a Thule extensively and these and would only ever use one of these. They're more solid, easier to use, hold the bikes very well and mines 4 years old and still going strong. They're also cheaper than the rest to boot.
You'll need to add a lightboard to the price unless you've already got one but I'd still highly reccomend them.
I used to have a Witter ZX88 type rack. They are very stable, strong and durable but the bikes can move around a bit and scratch your car boot.
RoofBox company in Sedbergh do some good stuff at sensible prices
mine is like the aiston rack linked by steve. recommended
Blimey! Those Aiston racks look top notch and good VFM.
I've used Witter and Pendle ones over the years and no probs with either.
Aiston rack here as well. Not the lightest but pretty bomb proof.
I have a Maxxraxx 4 bike carrier that I'd like to sell - drop me a email if you're interested. alaricdarmon@gmail.com
I'm in Kent, but since I work for a transport company I might be able to arrange delivery elsewhere...
It's the 4x4 version and needs a conventional style tow ball (2 bolt mount) to attach the mounting plate.
I have one for sale if interested:
http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/fs-maxxraxx-carrier-dmr-sts-simple-singlespeed-tensioner-1
Liking the look of those Aiston ones... How do they mount, do they tilt down to allow access to the boot, and can they tilt upwards to get them out of the way when there's no bikes on them?
Have you looked at pendle carriers, very robust and good quaility
http://www.pendle-bike.co.uk/
http://www.pendle-bike.co.uk/shopping/Wheel-Support-Behind-the-Tow-Ball-Mounting-Rack.php
May be over your budget but is it worth risking a cheaper one and having your bikes all over the motorways fast lane.
Good for 90mph (allegedly)
Hi
I have an Aiston 2 and 4 bike rack. Almost agricultural but very solid and well made.
If you collect and pay cash you can get yourself a deal too
The guy who makes them is a really nice bloke working out of his garage.
He can supply you with a lighting board too.
They dont tilt though but effectively the bikes are bolted to the rack making them harder to thieve.
Recommended
Cheers
Steve
I have a Witter rack and yes it is solid and has never let me down but I cannot recomend it because it wobbles too much
Pendle next time for me on the same score I will have a look at the aiston
What's wrong with the ones that clamp onto the ball? The Thurle one is ace, built in lights and a space for a number plate. Take 2 or 3 bikes. Really stable.
idiotdogbrain - They don't tilt at all, I don't know any that tilt up out of the way when not in use. Some do tilt down but it's a lot less useful than you think. If you have a hatchback with the bikes off you can generally open anyway and you soon get used to chucking things you might need by the back seats if you're loaded up.
saladdodger go Aiston not Pendle. As I've said I've had both and the Aiston is better in every way and cheaper.
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