ok so im looking for a sensibly priced simple bike rack that mounts low down to the tow bar and has the little channels that the wheels sit in and then you strap the frames to the bar bits to stop em falling off.
lots of brands have built in lights but i think there too low and would much prefer to just hang a trailer bourd at normal height from the bikes.
looking to carry two minimum but preferably three.
any suggestions?im not worrind about fancy details like tilting so you can open the tailgate etc.just secure, well made and resonably priced...
[url= http://www2.thule.com/Thule/ProductPage____83184.aspx ]Thule[/url]
if you want tow ball mount and wheel channels they're gonna be low, the Ride On is a great cheap rack - someone will prob prove me wrong though 😉
I like my Thule, but I fear it may be out of your reasonably priced criteria (personally, I think its worth it, but you might not).
They also do a high level brake light as an accessory if you're that worried, but I find the light bar to be the same height as a lot of vans and trucks.
you've just described on of these perfectly...
www.aistoncycleracks.co.uk
I've had pendle, thule and these and would now only use these. Stronger, better made and bikes are held better than the others. The website is pretty basic but give the guy a call (don't email) if you've got any questions, he's really helpful.
thule are good but just seem so expensive.....
aiston one is pretty good vfm...
any otheres worth a look?
nobody dare say halfords!!
I've got a [url= http://www.mottez.co.uk ]mottez[/url] one 4 bikes bought from towequipe google them. Its cheap, cheerful and solid, bit tight for 4 downhill bikes and takes a bit of fiddling, last time we went to afan it carried 2x bullits, a heckler and a 90's giant hardtail. Its about 150 iirc.
EDIT its this [url= http://www.towequipe.co.uk/products/cycle-and-rear-carriers-platform-towbar-carrier/a007p4rafv-4-bike-towball-towbar-locking-cycle-carrier-rack-mottez.html ]one £186 [/url]
These are quite good value at the moment;
http://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rbvehsel4.php?query=TR245&vptype=&emulate=accgen&qty=1
I've had the 'speedy fit' tool free attachment model for about 5 years, used weekly, with no problems. This is essentially the same rack with a simpler attachment system - ie. need a spanner to clamp it to the towbar.
Thule 9403 from halfords just over a £100 quid carrys 3 bikes
been using it for a year,excellent piece of kit at a low price
jackthelad
I've got this one.
http://www.bikerackshop.co.uk/thule-903-euro-classic-bike-carrier-racks.htm
absolutely stable at motorway speeds with 3 x 30lbs plus bikes mounted. Highly recommended
Pendle bike racks at this house, had one 3yrs+ now, no probs with it and made in Lancs!
I have a 3 bike Thule but I wouldn't say it was great. Bikes rub together very easily and the tyre mounts don't like big tyres. It does feel very secure though.
http://www.towequipe.co.uk/products/a352p-mottez-5-bike-trailer-cycle-carrier.html (watch the vid)
Well that's a bit different! Rigid mounting to towbar and a castoring wheel to allow it to steer, nice idea but can't see it coping with kerbs and pot holes too well!
These don't quite match your description, but they're very solid (at least the old one I have is) and attach to a plate bolted on behind the towball, so you can still use the towball to tow.
[url= http://www.towsure.com/category/7100-Towbar_Mounted_Cycle_Racks ]http://www.towsure.com/category/7100-Towbar_Mounted_Cycle_Racks[/url]
Reasonably priced, but absolutely no frills.
Ade
I've had the 3 bike Ride-On Thule for over 4 years now, but if I had to buy another one, I'd go next time for one of their more expensive models.
how do all these rack mount to the "tow ball"?? do they literally clamp around the ball and if so how does this not slip off or move??
Some (the better option in my eyes) have a plate that uses the main securing bolts on flange towbars, the rack just slots in. Nice and secure.
But many cars have swan neck and detachable towbars now, which don't have the two bolts. For these you need a rack which literally clamps onto the ball and grips it. My dad has one like this and it has gouged the towball on either side, luckily he flogged his caravan recently so it doesn't matter, but it wouldn't be good for towing any more.
My Thule Ride-On just sits 'around' the ball, no problems at all. It can be adjusted for 'reach', and different balls have different necks. Based upon both 2-bolt and swan neck experience - the 2-bolts sit better.
They are very secure, easy 100mph+ - depending on car.
My Thule 3 bike rack is good but it can be tricky actually load three bikes onto it and get the grippers for the top tube to reach each bike without one of the top tubes interfering.