Bike Rack for Towbar

Trying2SaveABuck on 29/01/2017 - 20:46
Last edited 29/01/2017 - 22:22

I got a Honda Civic VTI 2016 with a Towbar looking at getting a bike rack that mounts on to the ball of the Towbar I know there are a few around. I don't have roof racks and not too keen on spending to get them installed i'd prefer a less permeant option.

A simple rack that can easily be put on and off the ball of the tow bar able to hold at least 2 bikes. Any suggestion would be appreciated its mostly for recreational mount bike riding, I'm sure there are cycle lovers in the Ozbargin community.

Thanks in advanced

Automotive

Comments

  • Euphemistic on 29/01/2017 - 21:27

    I've had a few types. Basic steel macrac beak type for 3 bikes with a metal plate to clamp down on the top tube. . then upgraded to a pacific brand 4 bike beak type that strapped the bikes down with Velcro straps into a rubber cradle, it was also a quick remove type, pretty good, but harder to load bikes with a sloping top tube, or little girls bikes.

    Now I have a torpedo 7 platform rack for 4 bikes. It's pretty good value. Holds the bike weight on the wheels rather than the frame, less scratching but isn't affected by frame shapes. It is a bit fiddly to load, and bulky to shove into the car when you are out for a ride.

    Next stop, I'm considering an Isi carrier to be able to use it on the draw bar of a caravan. Looks like a great bit of kit, but pricey - like you could buy more than 3 torpedo 7 racks for the same price. The torpedo 7 rack is flat, where the Isi slopes up and should fit the caravan better. Still, worth it for ease of use and keeping good bike well supported.

  • poboy on 29/01/2017 - 21:45

    Bear in mind, I believe it's illegal to drive with a bike rack that does not have bikes on it. In Vic anyway.

  • mskeggs on 29/01/2017 - 22:33

    We have a macrac type with the steel bracket held in place with wingnuts. It carries 3 bikes. Like this: http://www.macrac.com.au/wp-content/uploads/MR3S.jpg
    It is ok, but was a real pain with one of the kids bikes that didn't have a well positioned crossbar, so I had to have that bike mounted upside down in a diagonal position.
    That bike has been outgrown, but if it had been a bike we were keeping longer term I would have looked for an alternative carrier.

    So my tip is ensure the bikes you have will fit the carrier well. Also, there is a bit risk of scratching the bike paintwork, so plan on keeping some rags or similar at hand.

    • Euphemistic on 30/01/2017 - 07:39

      That's the type I had first. Horrid thing, I'd avoid it if possible.

  • Davo1111 on 30/01/2017 - 00:39

    you can get them for peanuts on gumtree these days. Generally a side of crushed biking dreams

  • iwearpants on 07/02/2018 - 16:12

    Interested which way you went.

    For two bikes I recommend the Thule Express 970. Compact and super easy to put on and off without using any tools.

    Relatively cheap. Can be had brand new for about $150.

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