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I've got a large towbar mounted rack that I use for big family trips etc. But it's an arse to keep taking on and off for the odd ad hoc ride on my own. I'd ideally like A very small tow bar mount I could keep fitted most of the time that still allows me to open my boot etc. So I could quickly throw a bike on and get out for a ride. Does this kind of thing exist or do I need to go for a single roof rack mount. Just prefer not driving with the bike on the roof.
Small enough to keep in the boot. Says two bike but I've only ever put one on
https://www.thule.com/en-gb/gb/bike-rack/towbar-bike-racks/thule-xpress-2-_-970000
One of those rockbros suction ones sounds like it'd work for you.
I've just bought the XPress version RB links to above and its very good.
That Xpress looks good. Is it ok with not marking the frame. Does it hold the bike nice and secure.
The rubber loops hold the bike very securely- no movement. So far, no frame rub that I can see. I'll put a photo on later.
We can make you a single rail version of our rack. Also no frame touch so no chance to mark the frame. Superfast loading and unloading.
Cheers Craig. Can you send me details. oli.burke@gmail.com
Nice looking rack but surely the point of a folding bike is that you don't need a rack for it? 🙂
Buzzrack racks are very good. Had a two bike Scorpion for a year now, and it's been problem free.
They do this single bike, folding rack for £75 (which seems a bit of a bargain IMO)
https://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rbvehsel4_tab.php/car-specific-accessories/buzz_rack_buzzwing_1_bike_folding_rack_brp711/Qx%40w%2C6M42VAwp3%40Rb%7B~cC4urewt0%60G
I keep a thule Xpress 2 in the car at all times incase I need it. Awesome wee rack for £50. Rarely ever use the bulky 3 bike wheel trough thule rack I also have
Bike in car if just the one? A tarp would keep car clean and costs about 7 quid...
do you hot have to use a lightboard with those Xpress racks? I used to use one with out tandem as then you could just take the wheels off and it would fit across the back just fine.
The buzzrack looks great. How has your 2 bike one been. Can you fir a 29er on it with 2.4 tyres?
That Thule express looks good, and quicker to use than my atera strada, but surely you need a light board with it?
I have the Thule Xpress one.
It is indeed, on & off in seconds, the only contact with the car is on the tow ball. It can be locked in place also. It is very well made.
It holds my Puffin without any fuss.
It needs a light board, but I’ll shamefully admit I’ve never used it for the 15 min trip to where I ride. (If I were heading further afield I’d stick it on, but the bike goes in the car then.
For nipping out for a quick blast it’s fine, it lives in the boot all the time.
For one bike a roof mounted rack is just sensible. Leave it on the whole time. There's already a pushchair and a million pairs of wellies in the boot of the car at all times.
Bonus if that is that if I ever need the 'team car' the wife can just come and get me without the excuse of not being able to lift the rack.
Slight hi-Jack, I've just got a Buzzwing Buzzrack3 as my new car has a tow bar, but even when it wrench the nut right up on the clamp it can swing side to side a little bit, is this normal? Or will it go away as the tow ball wears in a bit?
Not normal. Try cleaning the eye of the tow bar, might be some grease on it, same for the clamp
The buzzrack looks great. How has your 2 bike one been. Can you fir a 29er on it with 2.4 tyres?
No problems at all. With the longer straps I can fit a Large 29+ Krampus on there no problem. Also long wheelbase (1220mm) 650b+ fits with no problem.
I like the Buzzracks, as they seem to be built with heavier bikes in mind (mine is rated for 2 x ebikes!) so are very solidly built. Maybe not quite as neat as the Thule ones, but at half the price for a similar spec then they're damn good.
Slight hi-Jack, I’ve just got a Buzzwing Buzzrack3 as my new car has a tow bar, but even when it wrench the nut right up on the clamp it can swing side to side a little bit, is this normal? Or will it go away as the tow ball wears in a bit?
No, mine has been rock solid. Is the clamp the same as mine - do up wheel by hand and then tighten a nut with the spanner?
I'd check the ball for rust/protrusions, and make sure the inside of the clamp is clean.
Both the rack and the tow bar are brand new, does the little green spacer stay in on the bolted clamp bit?
Might have been mentioned- can’t be bothered to read all comments as feeding 6 month old!! Some bloke in North East (ish) used to make one.
Thule Xpress is very good. Holds bike securely, is easy to put on / off and folds down to store. I use a short piece of expanded foam pipe insulation to protect frame.
light board is essential to be legal.
Also got the Xpress2. Brilliant bit of kit lives in the boot of the car with the light board. Doesn't mark the bike, and very secure.