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.......any real world experiences out there?
I usually just stick the bikes in the car, however, very occasionally we need to fill the car with useless crap like clothes etc for an extended stay somewhere.
Like the look of the Altea Linear but a bit spendy so the Saris 2 bike carrier looks ideal.
Cheers
Yep, a pain to set up initially but really solid. That said, they don't compare to a proper tow bar rack.
Cheers
Tow bar optioned would be the peferred, however, use will be so infrequent don't want the cost of having a tow bar installed and the carrier itself.
edit: comment was so good I said it twice apparently!
Never got on with mine but that was because every car I tried it with had a plastic roof spoiler (hatchbacks)
The upper straps hook over the hatchback but the straps rested on the spoiler and it was impossible to tighten them without bending the spoiler
Looked into them but not sure about fitting more modern full sustainable frames.
.......hmmmm, the golf does have a spoiler of sorts, more of a bump really. Will make sure I check it suits the model.
The angle of the hatchback and size of the spoiler will be important.
Sloping hatchback + pram handle spoiler = no chance
Vertical-ish hatchback + little spoiler = maybe
All the weight is carried by the bumper but the upper/side hooks hold it steady
Tow bar optioned would be the peferred, however, use will be so infrequent don't want the cost of having a tow bar installed and the carrier itself.
Yep, that's understandable. The big downside is you can't get in the boot with the rack on (tow bar racks normally tilt to allow access) but that's manageable if you have a hatchback and leave a seat down.
Vertical-ish hatchback + little spoiler = maybe
That's what I have, and the Saris fitted ok. That said, it only just cleared the spoiler.
Mine is great - works well, very solid , easy to use ...
And it is bright yellow ( it it was much cheaper when I bought it many years ago)
The rubber feet are hard , so can mark paintwork, so use something underneath.
Don't overtighen the arm retaining screws
saris is great on my spoilerless mkI focus takes 2 bikes no problems
can be a bit awkward with full suss frames- but you can adjust the arms a bit,
the most secure (non-tow bar) rack ive used
thanks all..........looks like I'm barking up the right tree, for once.
I used one for about 10 years no probs, had to get an extender bar for my zesty though, acted as a dummy top tube. I now use a thule rook rack and just lost a bike off the roof, human error though.
thanks all..........looks like I'm barking up the right tree, for once.
Sadly for you I sold mine last month!
If by any chance you live near Bristol you can have my top tube extender if you need one.
Used on a golf - excellent and no complaints except the holding sections can mark your frame and the feet can mark your car if not clean.
Very easy and quick to fit. I have used mine for many years without problems.
rewski - Member
........................ I now use a thule rook rack and just lost a bike off the roof, human error though.
😯
Right that's it, the bike comes inside and the clothes and bags can be strapped to the outside!
ransos - Memberthanks all..........looks like I'm barking up the right tree, for once.
Sadly for you I sold mine last month!
If by any chance you live near Bristol you can have my top tube extender if you need one.
Timing has never been my strong point unfortunately. And also the opposite end of the country eastwards.
I use mine on octavia hatch with no issues. Exactly same reason as OP, very infrequent use, so I didn't want to spend fortune on fitting tow bar and carrier. I use it on occasional trips, when I can't fit bikes inside the car. Both our bikes fit no problem, small 26er and large 29er.
As above, used on a BMW 3series hatchback and a 5dr Golf without issue. Feels pretty safe and is well made. In my opinion the 2 bike version (which I have) means they are very close together; in hindsight I wish I bought a three bike version and had a little more space between the two bikes that I usually carry.
I have the saris bones 3 and ive had 3 ht's on it at 70mph from from william to Laggan and back with no problem,just tie the wheels so they dont sway,it doest take to kindly to FS though but the beam bar works a treat,as for cars,ive had it on the new Astra and newish Focus,both with spoilers but top straps tighten up fine,
Seeing as it will only be fs bikes, i get the feeling this might not be ideal.
Don't own one but think the lass who presents the Saris Solo rack on youtube is very nice.