[Closed] Bike roof racks V the boot.

Definitely worth it for me, I changed cars last year and didn't want to ruin the interior of the new one. I tend to leave mine on all the time, costs me maybe 1mpg on the economy. The rack itself is fairly secure, although I wouldn't leave bikes on there unattended for long!

Buy a tarp and keep putting them in the boot. Do you really want to advertise to the locals what's in your shed while you're out at work all day.

Bike on rack is advertising "come steal me"

Get an estate or something large enough to put the bike in without damaging stuff.

Seen a real nice bike earlier furnished on the back of a car, turned down a cul-de-sac, can still remember the colour and make of car now, be very easy to go back later and see which house its parked at. Simply not worth showing it off to the world.

I still remember the number of insurance quotes for damage due to bikes falling off or hitting height restrictions on racks.

I might get one once the whole family is on bikes, but I value my bikes far far more than my car's interior (and I've never done any harm to anything apart from the carpet/lining in the boot!)

Get a bigger car if needed.

I pop mine on and off as needed a 5min job.. I used to leave them on and they quickly look tatty/corrode.. And car looks cleaner without 🙂

Buy a tarp and keep putting them in the boot. Do you really want to advertise to the locals what's in your shed while you're out at work all day.

Yeah that is a down side. And as others say it is a permanent advert for bike thieves. Not the best area round here. Might get some kind of boot protector with high sides instead. Just like the idea of sticking it on the roof and not taking wheels off.

Thanks for the input guys.

Seen a real nice bike earlier furnished on the back of a car, turned down a cul-de-sac, can still remember the colour and make of car now, be very easy to go back later and see which house its parked at. Simply not worth showing it off to the world.

Very good point, a couple of years ago I had some guys ask how much my bike was worth at a red light. It was on the back of the car at the time. In car it is!

I'd go the towbar mounted bikerack way tbh....

Total pita to have to lift a bike up that high and not the greatest for mpg...

I've got a roof rack - I love it now. Mainly because I can throw the bike on in seconds and keep the inside clean. Before this, I had a big tarp in the boot which was pretty good. But the rack is definitely easier/quicker.

Downsides:
As above, if you live in a sketchy area then I wouldn't want the advertisement.
The rack whistles at high speeds (70mph+). This is a Thule wingbar edge, supposedly the most aerodynamic.
I haven't really noticed a hit in fuel economy - I'd guess it's less than 3-4 mpg.
I worry about the bike wobbling on the roof - ie no 'spirited' driving.

This is on a hatchback by the way - it's dead easy to lift bikes on. Maybe it would be more difficult if you owned a 4x4 or had T-Rex arms.

Yep don't understand putting in the boot
Can't imagine not having the rack

Large cheap tarp to protect the interior works well. I always prefer to put the bike inside the car, but the arrival of kids means the bikes often need to go on the outside. I now use a towbar mount - quicker to get on and off and better for mpg than roof bars.

The 591s can take the paint off your bike where they grip the down tube, so best to stick some helitape on.

Had a trip with a mates...

We needed to wrap the bike where the clamp fitted to stop it rubbing (carbon frame)
Tall Car & Short people don't mix, unless you bring a step
They wobble
Low bridges, petrol stations and car parks
It's not secure
advertising the bikes to the world
Salt spray in winter

We have a tow bar rack and that is as far as I would realistically go. We have low crime, no salt on the roads etc.

Inside makes more sense

I lashed out on a slightly more expensive tarp 😉 Heavier weight so doesn't flop about and make noise like the cheap ones tend to. Depends on your car, though, I can put 2 bikes straight into mine without taking a wheel out so it's quicker than a roofrack. No fuel economy impact, and cheaper (though, I do own racks, I just never use them)

I'm not sure how much the advertisment to thieves really is- most bike racks you see driving around have 2 kids bikes and a 90s Sarcin on the roof after all, the racks are worth more. Leaving the bike on the racks, now that's brave- it barely takes longer to steal a bike off a roofrack than it does to just take one that's leaned against a wall.

Used to use the boot but for family days away I put the roof bars/carrier on. I just unbolt the rack as 1 piece then put it on hooks on the garage ceiling to keep it out of the way.

I always put the seats down and chuck it in the boot, however no matter how careful I am there are an increasing number of marks on the interior.

I had a rack that fitted nicely on my old Golf, but it just won't 'sit' right on a coupe. Are there specific ones for coupes with a boot?

Personally wouldnt use a tow bar rack because my bike is XL and wider than the car, so a bit risky through narrow gaps! Been using 591s for 10+ years and never had a problem. Only thing I do is put a small square of helitape on the frame where the clamp touches.

Tend to take the bars/racks off when not in use, but so far noticed only very small difference in fuel economy maybe 5mpg.

[i]Definitely worth it for me, I changed cars last year and didn't want to ruin the interior of the new one. I tend to leave mine on all the time, costs me maybe 1mpg on the economy.[/i]

I put 70k on a car over a couple of years, put Thule roof racks on for one of those years' - car went from 33mpg to 30mpg during that time.

I'd always put the bikes inside the car if possible, much more secure, fuel efficient and quieter, plus you don't need to worry about them falling off or catching barriers etc. I've got a roof rack but it lives in the basement so I'd need to go and get it, carry it through the house and wrestle it on to the car by myself, which is going to be an extra 10-15 minutes over wheeling the bike out, dropping the wheels and slinging it in the back on a tarp that's already in the boot. Leaving the roof rack on the car all the time is a big no for me, looks horrible, makes noise and uses more fuel for the 90% of trips when I don't have a bike with me.

only very small difference in fuel economy maybe 5mpg.

Thule 591 does not damage frame and is absolutely rock solid.

I only have a bike rack because I have kids though. Boot is preferable - far fewer worries about security especially if your car has deadlocks (most do). So even if a window is smashed, you'd have to pull the bike through the window itself as the doors can't be opened.

I'm usually using the Passat which is a saloon, so if I am on my own I often put the bike in a bike bag and put it across the back seats. No damage to interior, and the seats can stay up.

Interesting thread since I'm about to buy a roof rack for the bikes for holiday as the Mondeo is awkward for a boot rack (and we don't have a tow ball).

The halfords cheapy bike rack [url= http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/product-news/7-of-the-best-bike-carriers-2348 ]seems to be well rated[/url] and at only £20 it seems hard to argue against.

http://www.halfords.com/camping-car-seats/bike-racks-cycle-carriers/bike-racks-cycle-carriers/halfords-value-roof-mount-cycle-carrier

Mind you, the CRUZ 'Bici-rack' is even cheaper and seems ok too...
http://www.roofbox.co.uk/bike-carriers/bike-carriers-racks-range.php

What does the nicer Thule one do for me?

Bike racks are one of those things where the good ones are really good, and you are continually thankful you've bought the good one and aren't faffing around and making do. However, the good ones are chuffing expensive!

Ease of use then? I'm not planning on using mine much so can live with some faff.

I use the thule roof bars rack that clamps the forks, never been a fan of the other type, wheel gets chucked in a bag and sits in the car. Would never leave them unattended.

Planning on getting a tow bar fitted so we can load the beast up with bikes and a roof box

You tend a go around in circles; I've had every combination twice!

Best comb for me is roof rack (wing bar edge + pro 591) - no noise at all, mildly impacts MPG). Car is not tall (Fabia) so easy to put on.

Security: you can say all you want about advertising bikes - I don't think this much of an issue as there are so many cars with roof racks on it becomes hard to pin down who has and hasn't bikes in their garage/house. Doesn't phase me at all. That said stick a big lock on around both bikes on journeys. Last theft attempt I had was in broad day light whilst I sat having a coffee in a park in front of me.

Wobble factor: yes they do wobble and it used to unnerve me but when you realise that the bike is actually being supported by it's own wheels and providing you've put something between the clamp and the down-tube (clean MF cloth) - there is zero issue. Even our two carbon frames; never had a problem. Drive <70 too.

On genuine issue I've had is what someone mentioned earlier - sat on the roof the bike racks and particularly the wheel trays are poor quality. I've had two snap after frosts. Ought to be made for outdoor use?

I don't even bother with tarp. Just a couple of €2 fleecy blankets. 1 lines the floor just right, and 1 between bikes, or fold an end over between wheels to stop any annoying rattles.
Usually have an old towel or 2 too.

Low bridges, petrol stations and car parks

only very small difference in fuel economy maybe 5mpg.

From now on bikes take priority. Passengers can take the bus!! 😆

Salt in winter is a big killer, will rust everything up that's steel.

Personally I use the out of sight out of mind motto and the inside of the car, well I'd rather not worry about it!

Buy a van 🙂 I have a partner crew cab with 5 seats.
Perfect for family and throwing bikes in.

If its just me or me and one other then they go in the boot, Inside is best if you can. however if there's more people and kit to transport then I have a "Strap on" boot rack, which is OK, but leaving it on is obviously an advertisement to the tea leaves...

I tried a roof carrier once, never again, it bolloxed the fuel consumption, and I could definitely feel the effect of cross winds,

That said strap on racks like mine are not at all kind to paintwork, my car is old and shite and I'm not bothered but seeing as the OP has a new motor he wants to keep nice that might not be the best option either...

How would you feel about fitting a towbar to take a proper rack OP?

industrial tarp and bubble wrap (the like 1" round bubble types) are your boot's friend!

5 seconds just draping the bubblewrap over the entrance to your boot avoids scrapes and dings...tarp protects the inside!

Cost - £pennies - ebay tarp is cheap.

I went from a normal 53mpg to struggling to get 37 last time i used a roof mounted rack

I did my first long trip with a bike on the roof and no caravan (the 'van is the reason I got a roof mounted rack), since I normall use a boot mounted one.

I would have expected 62mpg or so without any rack, I got about 54mpg with my road bike on the roof. I'd have expected about 50-52mpg with the bike on the back, so I think the roof is slightly more economical in my case.

Defiantly inside for me but I've just bought a van so its well easy.

I've a 591 on my mums polo which stays on there permently. I used to use it before I got the van but I'd started putting the bike in the car with wheels off anyway.

Its a good roof rack, it's just I feel better security wise better with the bikes inside, like I said its on mums car just in case I get a problem with the bike she can come and get me.

Thule 591 does not damage frame

Not my experience. They've worn the paint off a couple of my frames.

Yeah, all mine are helicopter taped as I've seen the damage the grip can cause. But otherwise great.

Whatever you do don't rely on the built in locks on roof racks

Whatever you do don't rely on the built in locks on roof racks

Yeah you'd have to be a pillock to rely on those wussy locks.. and yet people do!

The usual bull being spouted on here then!

Advertising that you have bikes 😕 Really? If you are that paranoid, then maybe dont cycle from your house either or better still move!
I've never seen paint damage from Thule roof racks. You would probably do more damage continually putting the bike in the car and out.
Worried about height restrictions at petrol stations+bridges.. well there is the chance at carparks, but thats really something you just have to get used to.
Pain to put bikes on roof? I'm 5'7-8" and had an MPV. Even with bike in the middle rack (3 racks) I had no probs. Just stood on the door seal. Takes literally secs.

I've had car/roof rack/towbar.
Quickest was roof rack, slowest was car.
Roof rack is very very quick to put bikes up and very stable. I've been to alps and Galicia (Spain) with them ontop of the car, and absolutely fine. Fuel mpg was affected, especially with 3.
I now have a towbar mount on our hatchback. Slower to put bikes on, but very stable and doesnt affect fuel too much.
Inside car, oil marks and scratches and not quicker with 1 bike. Maybe faster than towbar with multiple bikes, but that usually means a trip somewhere and I would need luggage and seating space inside anyway.

Towbar wins for me if you have a new car or a care you dont want to get mucky.

Oh one more thing - the bikes on the roof were pretty noisy, especially 2-up.

superfli - Member

Inside car, oil marks and scratches and not quicker with 1 bike.

2 the first 2, maybe if you're careless but with even a little attention, no. For the last, depends on your car, loading 1 or 2 bikes into mine is faster than any rack (one bike just goes straight in, 2 bikes is easiest with the front wheel off which adds a few seconds). That's assuming racks already fitted.

I suppose best argument I can make is, I have £400 worth of Thule racks in the garage that I've not used in about 3 years.

Thanks to everyone who posted on this thread, all interesting points.

Was considering a roof carrier, but think I'll be keeping the bike in the car now.

😉

Bike in duffbag to keep car clean'ish, duffbag in the back of estate car. When finished riding the bike lives in the duffbag in the house. Stops the wife moaning so much.
A roofrack/towbar thing always seems such a faff & I would be worried about it falling off all the time.

I've got Thule roof racks and I wish I'd invested in fitting a removable tow bar as the carrier is most definitely rubbing paint off my frame contrary to what superfli has said, I will be getting some heli tape for the frame and using a chamois or micro fibre cloth to protect the frame going forward. But next car will definitely be getting a tow bar fitted or I may go down the estate route and put it inside.

Intrigued as to what size cars people can just lob a bike in the boot. My 5 series touring (I am an IT Manager 😕 ) needs me to remove the front wheel to get the bike in the boot. Its a huge car but whats big enough for a whole bike to go in in one piece (and is not a people carrier or a van)

Subaru Forester
Skoda Octavia
Seats down pass it in, I'd guess a mondeo would work and a honda accord estate too.

NW, yeah, a bigger estate car/MPV you might be able to get the bike in whole, but most hatchbacks/saloons would require seats down, wheel/s off. You might also have to consider any prep to the interior (blankets etc) too, secs I know, but we are only talking 1min or 2 anyway.
BTW I left my roof racks on all year, so no need to fit each time.
UW, I suppose paint quality and toughness can vary, but my Spesh (at the time) and friends Marin's were fine for paint wear.

edit - forgotten about the duffbags, yes a very good idea.

cubist - Member

Intrigued as to what size cars people can just lob a bike in the boot. My 5 series touring (I am an IT Manager ) needs me to remove the front wheel to get the bike in the boot. Its a huge car but whats big enough for a whole bike to go in in one piece (and is not a people carrier or a van)

My old Volvo 240 GLE Estate - you could fit big daddy's coffin in that old beast.

How can you not get a bike in whole into a 5-Series Touring, they're huge!?

'03 Passat estate here, lone bike goes in with wheels on, seats down - easy. Two bikes - front wheels off, drop seatpost, roll them in upside-down on the back wheel.

cubist - Member

My 5 series touring (I am an IT Manager ) needs me to remove the front wheel to get the bike in the boot. Its a huge car but whats big enough for a whole bike to go in in one piece (and is not a people carrier or a van)

I could get 2 complete medium bikes into my Focus estate with just seatposts dropped- both wheels fitted. No bother getting them in, not always quite so easy to get them back out 😆 So if doing more than one I usually took the front wheels off.

My 5 is huge, but with the seats down I can't seem to find the right angle to get the front wheel at without the bars getting in the way and having to push the bike tight in by forcing the boot down. Doesn't seem like a good idea for the car or bike so its wheel off. Doesn't bother me I just wondered what was bigger in boot space...

Intrigued as to what size cars people can just lob a bike in the boot. My 5 series touring (I am an IT Manager ) needs me to remove the front wheel to get the bike in the boot. Its a huge car but whats big enough for a whole bike to go in in one piece (and is not a people carrier or a van)

Mk4 Golf Estate, I can get my HT or my DH bike in the boot fully assembled (Wheels in), I have to move the Front passenger seat forwards a tad but not so far a 6'er wouldn't fit, however if I put both bikes in together, each one has to lose a wheel...

I reckon a 7 seater MPV (Galaxy, Zafira, espace, etc) with all but one of the rear seats removed could take three fully assembled bikes and their owners with a bit of inteligent packing,

Thinking about it further, wheel size probably makes a difference to the overall length of a bike too, I'm not sure I could get a longer 29" wheeled FS bike in the boot fully assembled...

Intrigued as to what size cars people can just lob a bike in the boot. My 5 series touring (I am an IT Manager ) needs me to remove the front wheel to get the bike in the boot.

When I say 'stick it in the boot' I mean wheels off, of course. They've invented these great things called 'quick releases' and 'maxles' now, you should investigate.

When I say 'stick it in the boot' I mean wheels off, of course. They've invented these great things called 'quick releases' and 'maxles' now, you should investigate.

Jesus - whatever will they think of next? I'm off to search Google and see if any ones thought of making such a device for a seat post...

Outside on the boot door with a Thule Clip On rack was the most secure before I bought a van. Its all metal, no flappy nylon straps and is really solid. Did Heli tape the paintwork first though. The Thule roof system failed in a cross wind ending up with the bike hanging down the side of the car at 60mph. Very relieved it didnt go through anyones windscreen on the other side of the road.

I had a boot liner made by Aguille for the car and it was brilliant, made from North Face bag type material. Better fit and longer lasting than a OEM liner.

How much was the liner?

Mine's a Seat Leon (mk1).

MTB needs both wheels off to fit (bars are a bit long), roadbike just needs front wheel off, then lay the bike(s) in.

I take pedals off if transporting luggage too, as this makes it easier to fit it all in. If it's just 2 bikes, 2 camelbaks etc. for a drive+ride, then pedals can stay on.

2 bikes, 2 people, 2 people's luggage for a week, 2 lots of camping gear fits (edit: with the parcel shelf on, and most stuff below that level - certainly a clear view to the rear window).

Can also remove front wheel + saddle (+pedals), and get in vertically with only 1 part of the split-fold down, but again, I think long bars might poke thru to driver's head (not tried this yet). But I think 3 bikes, 3 people, 3 luggages would eb a struggle (I managed it with ski gear, but a snowboard and coffin bag boogers it all up)

I take front wheels out of road or MTB and stick in the boot of my Golf hatchback, not a hassle. If it's filthy I often take the rear wheel out too to minimise risk of tyres touching headlining or similar.

Advertising that you have bikes Really? If you are that paranoid, then maybe dont cycle from your house either or better still move!

Bit different, there are a lot of examples of being apparently being followed with bikes on the roof, you advertise them to a much wider audience, if you're riding it, unless they see you come out of your house they don't know where you live. Spot car with bike, just look for car on the drive.

I've never seen paint damage from Thule roof racks. You would probably do more damage continually putting the bike in the car and out.

From your sample of two? I've seen plenty of paint, and indeed downtubes damaged from racks. Never seen a frame crushed from putting it in the boot.

Each to their own and that, but no ****ing way I'm putting £5k+ of bike anywhere but in the boot of the car. Even if you do get a few marks on the car, they wash off!

My '03 Civic could take my Soul without taking the wheels off. My Spitfire is a lot bigger so it's a front wheel off job.

My old Passat estate 1994 vintage could take a bike with wheels on but not without the front wheel touching the front seats.

I can give several cast-iron examples of bikes stolen after cars with racks on were followed. It's quite unhelpful to dismiss this issue with bike racks out of hand.

Make up your own mind based on where you ride and where you live, but if you're South Manchester I'd say you'd be a bit daft driving round with your bike visible.

Another thing to consider; if some idiot crashes into you, your bikes aren't going to be insured and will be much safer in the car. I once nearly put my Dad's car into the Loch near Fort William (young and daft), when I hit the barrier the bike moved in the back and crushed my helmet. With a rack I'd have lost the bike into the water.

if some idiot crashes into you, your bikes aren't going to be insured and will be much safer in the car

My mate drove into the back of us 15 miles after getting off the ferry in France and broke two bikes and a rack. Had no problems claiming off his insurance.

Oh and a visible bike inside a locked car definitely won't be insured for theft but one locked to a rack might be

That'll depend on the specific policies in either situation, and certain roof racks which clamp the fork can't be locked if you have a through axle anyway, plus you have to remove the front wheel. That takes a lot less effort to steal than breaking into a car.

At the end of the day it's personal, but I'll continue to store mine inside the car. To my mind it's like this:

In car:
- could get stolen if someone breaks into car
- may get a few marks on the car's interior if you're clumsy

On rack it's liable to:
- get stolen off rack
- get stolen from home after advertising where it is
- get trashed by a height barrier
- get trashed in an accident
- affect fuel consumption
- be damaged by the clamps on the rack

I'm happy with my choice!

rone - Member

Security: you can say all you want about advertising bikes - I don't think this much of an issue as there are so many cars with roof racks on it becomes hard to pin down who has and hasn't bikes in their garage/house.

Its not the fact you have a bike rack on your car, scrotes probably don't give that a second glance, but when they see your shiny steed furnishing said rack that's when their eyes light up and they can follow.

I doubt anyone would follow a car with a bike rack. Add the bike and that piques the interest. A decent bike on a rack stands out like a sore thumb for those inclined to crowbar your shed/backdoor.

If you are that paranoid, then maybe dont cycle from your house

Harder for a car to tail you back to your house, and its easy to look over shoulder/go through some backstreets to rule out being followed if you desired. Bike crime is huge and its not really viable for most people to "just move house" 😀

ScoobysM8 - Member

Oh and a visible bike inside a locked car definitely won't be insured for theft

Mine is thanks.

Oh, not to mention that you can lock up a bike inside a car very easily, and even the worst lock you use will be better than a rack's lock (a knotted bit of string is more effective to be fair, as long as it's one of those irritating failed bows that you need your fingernails to undo)

Tip for inside car, I use a couple of interlocking gym mats from ebay, can be had for a few quid. eg.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Big-Eva-Interlocking-Mat-Tile-Jigsaw-Puzzle-Foam-Exercise-Kids-Play-Safety-Floor-/261347835555?pt=UK_Sporting_Goods_Exercise_Fitness_Fitness_Accessories_ET&var=&hash=item3cd98b7ea3

Rear seats are leather so bike can easily catch these with seats down and scratch/scuff, so simply place two squares as above over rear of folded down seat, thick enough and nothing goes through them. If putting another bike on top place x2 more of these matts on original bike at contact points, and second bike on top. Then just chuck a bed sheet over them both.

or from hong kong dirt cheap if don't mind waiting

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/9pcs-Interlocking-EVA-Foam-Exercise-Floor-Mats-GYM-Garage-Baby-Play-Mat-Tiles-/271488572660?pt=UK_Sporting_Goods_Exercise_Fitness_Fitness_Accessories_ET&var=&hash=item3f35fadcf4

Take wheels off, place in wheel bags, wrap frame in dust sheet, sorted.

Well I'm still not convinced the bike on the roof is any more an attraction to theft than riding it around. Especially when you repeat the pattern by coming home on it.

Molly, the liner was £70, lasted for 120k miles. Made up from cardboard templates so a really good fit. Fixed with Velcro completely lined the boot up to the bottom of the windows and the top of the back seat. Clever design accommodated back seats up or down with full coverage.
Ask for Adrian at aiguille, mill yard, staveley.

Best bike rack ever is the one on my smartcar 🙂

It sorta bolts into the bodywork making it look like some push around toy .

Normally - wheels in padded bike bag, in boot, frame on top, done...

If long journey, with other luggage etc - everything goes into bag (requires pedals off)), in boot, done...

Normally only one bike though, but can easily rest second bike with front wheel off on top of bag...