Roof racks and cycle carriers - suggestions?

[Bobby Dazzler]

Baby D #1 turned into Junior D, and as she get's older she wants to take her bike on holiday. A sign she's getting older and more independent

Last year her bike and Baby D's trike both went into the boot of the ML, but she's already asking that I take my bike on holiday this year, and so the boot is probably getting out of it's depth.

I don't want to carry the bikes in the caravan either in case it damages furniture or the floor. As the tow bar will be in use, and I will want to get access to the boot on long drives, that rules out two more options for bike carriers.

So I'm looking for a roof based bike carrying system - but the question is which - any recommendations?

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I've already had a look at the Thule website and there are lots of options for our W163 ML.

Feet: Shortlisted to Rapid System 775 or 757 - both seem equally suitable and similar cost.

Bars: Shortlisted to WingBar 962 or SlideBar 892 - the SlideBar has the advantage of sliding 60cm in either direction to make it easier to mount the load, but costs 2.5x more

Carrier: Shortlisted to ProRide 591.

Any experience of this kit?

Is the slide-out SlideBar worth the premium (c£110) to avoid stretching, injury, scratched paintwork, etc?

 

[BTB 500]

Putting adult bikes onto the top of a tall vehicle like an ML is no joke. I've done it with a large MPV, and I used to have to stand on a step (and I'm 6' 1"). On one occasion I fell, with the bike landing on top of me!

So ... you can get carriers with gas struts that you pull down horizontal to attach the bike, then flip up vertical afterwards. They are obviously a bit more expensive, but something worth considering IMHO.

 

[BTB 500]

Incidentally, you may find it cheaper to just get a folding bike. You can get them in all shapes & sizes now, including proper mountain bikes with suspension if you want.

That's the route we went.

 

[A210AMG]

We are probably going on holiday with the caravan this year.

I have a great bike rack below but cannot use this when I tow.. I have roof bars so will probably get the thule bike rack as like you I don't want them in the van. If we stop on route we cannot then use the van as they wuld be in the way.

Then I had a thought, maybe a mad one??

Could a towbar be fitted to the back of my van and the rack I have go on the back??

I agree picking bike up that high on an ML and securing them while holding them very tricky. I think its thule again that do a system you put the bike on the attachment at ground level then it swings up into position?

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Incidentally, you may find it cheaper to just get a folding bike. You can get them in all shapes & sizes now, including proper mountain bikes with suspension if you want.

That's the route we went.

I didn't think of that, but a very good idea. Baby D's rather fond of her bike, but it may be a good option for me though.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Could a towbar be fitted to the back of my van and the rack I have go on the back??

Fiamma have bike racks which mount to the back of the caravan. Not very keen on attaching things to the caravan though due to the risk of ingress, not ideal for weight distribution either.

A carrier for the A-frame would be ideal, as our combination of permissiable nose weight (quite high on the ML) and twin axle (balanced so not nose heavy naturally) might make it an option.

Hmmm...

 

[A210AMG]

^ If your in the caravan club and get the monthly magazines with the flyers that drop out everywhere they are often in their and start around £100.

You could get a bag off e-bay like an awning bag and put it in the boot in that

 

[A210AMG]

I've seen that type on motorhomes...

I cannot belive they can be good to attached 3 or 4 bikes (in weight) to the back of a van...

The A frame could work but then 3 bikes right at the front is a LOT of wieight also?

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

^ If your in the caravan club and get the monthly magazines with the flyers that drop out everywhere they are often in their and start around £100.

An A-frame carrier you mean? Never noticed one on the flyers.

I subscribe to Autocar and Caravan Club, and my outlaws take out a gift subscription to Top Gear and Practical Caravan for Christmas and Birthday, and they all arrive at the same time. When I open the cellophane, the living room floor likes WHSmiths when all the flyers fall out!!

 

[A210AMG]

No the fold up bikes

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I've seen that type on motorhomes...

I cannot belive they can be good to attached 3 or 4 bikes (in weight) to the back of a van...

The A frame could work but then 3 bikes right at the front is a LOT of wieight also?

Well Thule make a big deal of their ProRide system taking bikes up to 20kg, so a worst case for two bikes would be say 40-50kg on our nose weight, and I think we're OK up to 135kg (total).

 

[A210AMG]

Is that the 'A' Fram one though? do you have to remove the platic cowling around the front to fit it?

A lot of european vans have these but unlike UK vans we tend to have all the front bits covered in plastic.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

No, the roof mounted ones make a big deal of holding bikes up to 20kg, so I was thinking worse case would be 20kg per bike, plus frame/mount.

Just looked through Practical Caravan, albeit quickly and no ads for A-frame mounted. Google next...

 

[A210AMG]

I thought you meant this type,
Fiamma Carry-Bike XL A Pro Bike Carrier for Caravan 208168 | eBay

Fine on European vans that seem to have exsposed A frames but ours are all covered up.



As for the rear type..
Fiamma Carry Bike 2 Bike Rack 200 UL Caravan Motorhome | eBay

I'm not sure I would be happy fitting / drilling? this onto the van... plus on ours we have a window in the back... It would be right over that.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

A quick Google revealed lots for the continental exposed/flat A-frame but little for a UK caravan with fancy cover.

Roof it is then.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Mont Blanc appears to be a little cheaper, and their Barracuda looks nifty - it holds the bike upright so you can use both hands to secure it.

Also found a few lifts, but the only one I can find for an SUV is JEEP branded. Not sure who actually makes it.

 

[A210AMG]

The Thule stuff has the bar that holds it upright as you fasten in on.

Thule Proride Locking Upright Cycle Carrier: Amazon.co.uk: Sports & Leisure

Cannot commnet on the Mont Blanc but I do know the Thule gear seems very very well made / put together and works very well.

I'm sure a quick google will find them cheaper.

If you have a double caravan step I use that fot putting the roof box on, you will need it with the ML as they will be high / heavy to lift up.

 

[A210AMG]

The Thule stuff has the bar that holds it upright as you fasten in on.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0018P6G5Y/?tag=amazon0e9db-21

Cannot commnet on the Mont Blanc but I do know the Thule gear seems very very well made / put together and works very well.

I'm sure a quick google will find them cheaper.

If you have a double caravan step I use that fot putting the roof box on, you will need it with the ML as they will be high / heavy to lift up.

 

[Troon]

Can't you just put the bikes in the van?