Need to take your bikes along on your next adventure? What are your options? Towbar mounted carriers.

Need to take your bikes along on your next adventure?  What are your options?

Whether you're going away on holiday and want to explore the local roads, a bike rack is a really practical way of getting your bike from A to B (without pedalling).

Having a bike rack on your car gives you more room inside for people and luggage, and means you no longer have to worry about muddy or oily bikes making a mess of your interior.

What are your options?

Roof mounted bike racks

Roof mounted bike racks are mounted on roof bars on the top of your car. 

Pros

• Stable and secure.
• You can fit up to a maximum of about four bikes, depending on the size of your car.
• They’re quick to install and you can get bikes down quickly, as long as you can reach them easily and pick them up safely.
• You can still access your boot and your rear view won’t be obscured.

Things to consider:

• You need to be tall enough the reach the bike rack and some physical strength is required.
• They add a lot of height to your car; an important thing to remember when entering height-restricted car parks or going under low bridges, for example.
• Some require you to remove the front wheels of your bikes, which can be a hassle.
• They can reduce fuel economy by causing drag.

Tow bar mounted bike racks

Tow bar mounted bike racks attach to the tow bar of your car, making them a simple solution if you’ve already got a tow bar or are happy to add one.

Key features

• Tow bar mounted cycle carriers are sturdy and easy to attach/remove from your tow bar.
• They can carry up to four bikes.
• They mount directly onto your vehicle’s tow bar, leaving the roof/boot free to carry other loads.
• They’re the easiest option when it comes to lifting bikes on and off a rack.
• They don’t restrict your view while you’re driving and some can be folded down when not in use.
• Most models come with a lighting board attached, although you may need an extra number plate.
• Some have a tilt mechanism that means you can still access your boot even when there are bikes on your rack.
• They’re stable and offer easy access to your bikes.
• They keep bikes secure, both while driving and when parked. Your bikes can be locked onto the rack, and the rack to your car.

E-Bikes

Electric bikes are becoming increasingly popular. A towbar mounted cycle carrier is one of the best ways to tow e-bikes, as the towbars are mounted at a practical height and will take the weight of two to three electric bikes on the carrier. Most electric bike racks can carry 2-3 bikes. A solid and quality cycle carrier will prevent too much rattling and annoying noise from occurring. 

As you would know, the weight of an e-bike is greater than a normal bike and on average is around 8 kg more, this is due to the battery pack and the motor on the e-bike. Most e-bikes are equipped with a removable battery pack which is beneficial for transportation of the e-bikes, making it easier for you to lift onto your bike carrier. 
Many platform carriers are also compatible with e-bikes. E-bikes can weigh up to 35kgs so lifting them/or using an inbuilt ramp makes it much easier.

Family bike rides can be great fun, especially if you get the chance to explore somewhere new. 

If you’re planning a cycling adventure a bit further away from home, the best way to take your bikes with you is probably a towbar mounted bike carrier. 

Thankfully, there are plenty of different types of bike racks to choose from. In fact, you’ll be spoilt for choice.  

All "ball" mounted bike carriers are compatible with our Euro towbars.  Thule and Yakima have a large selection.

Plan your next adventure today.