Bike rack / carrier

[Perrina]

Hi,

ive got a saloon a6 and I want a bike carrier. Does anyone recommend one? I've looked at Thule and Saris websites and I want a rear boot rack as opposed to a roof. There seems to be two types, ones that fit on a tow bar and ones that hook and strap to the boot. The towbar options looks better, stronger and secure but I then need to get a towbar fitted and personally I think they ruin the look of a car when the bike carrier is not in use.

If anyone has any tips or experiences these would be appreciated.

thank you
kevin

[Guest 2]

I would PM PFJones on the site who are a sponsor, I'm sure they will have something which suits your needs an probably advise better.

VW AUDI Forum - PF Jones (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/member.php?94224-PFJones)

[MarkTM]

Audi quoted me £1100+VAT FOR THE TOWBAR ALONE*! then I used these people:

Tow Bars Bristol Bath | Cycle Carriers Bristol Bath | Park Assist Installation Bristol Bath | Hands Free Phone Kits Bristol Bath (http://www.britanniabristol.co.uk/)

£583 inc Westfalia towbar/electrics/cycle carrier (for 4 bikes)/lightboard & number plate

Sturdy as anything and OEM, if you need to access the boot with the rack in place you can loosen and tilt backwards (a two man job if there are 4 bikes on it though!)

*Appreciate at a dealer you are paying 'software engineer' prices or something that (barring the electrics) really needs little mechanical expertise.

No problems to report after 8 months of fitting :biglaugh:

[aoxomoxoa]

I have the Avant so use a roof-mounted carrier, but my son uses a Saris carrier on the back of his Focus and has had nothing but praise for them. Easy to fit and bikes are very secure.

[apole]

Hi Kevin,

Couple of things to consider first that may help your decision. Firstly how often will you use it, how many bikes and what size, plus how secure do you need them to be in terms of anti-theft?

Over the years I've tried many solutions across different sizes of bikes as my children have grown up.

If you use it enough and are keeping the car long enough a tow bar solution in my experience was the best.

For me, the roof mount systems were no use as I'm a short *** for starters, and often have back problems.

I didn't think much of the strap on carriers, some are better than others, but they do tend to damage your car, and are not secure in terms of theft.

The towbar ones come in many flavours, either the hanger type (witter and Thule) that tend to mount to a plate between the towball and towbar, or towball mounted ones such as the Thule or Fiamma that is like a ladder rack so the bikes are supported from the wheels, rather than hung on prongs.

The hanging type are easier to load the bikes on as you lift them on. Downside is if you have different sizes and frame styles of bike they can end up all over the place, and can move around a bit, not dangerous but can cause slight damage to the bikes.

The ladder type is alot more secure, tends to have a light bar and place for number plate, but it's harder to load up on your own as you are trying to secure the bike whilst holding it upright.

Also the hanger type can often prevent access to the boot once it's in place.

I now have the 3 bike Thule on my towbar, it also allows me to use some good quality locks to secure the bikes if you are away from the car. Thing fits in the boot as well.

Towbar for a saloon can be picked up for around £120, that is a detachable one so when not in use you can't see it. You'd have to add fitting and electrics to that.

All carriers tend to block your number plate and rear lights, another reason for liking my current one as it has a light bar and number plate.

It all comes down to personal circumstances and choice and none are perfect.

Hope this helps.

ATB

Andy

[Perrina]

Thank you guys for your replies and especially Andy, some great advice. I like the idea of a detachable tow bar, I will look into this when I find out the total cost including the bike carrier. It will only be for two bikes but a three bike carrier would be preferential and I'm stuck with the A6 for at least 5 years (not that I'm complaining)
rehards
kevin

[skinso]

Do they fit any towbar? I can get a new towbar from a local place to me called trainors for £100

[MarkTM]

Skinso, am assuming (always dangerous!) that the £100 is supply only? You will need electrics too which can cost anything from £40-£100 depending if you want a bar for anything other than a small trailer or carrying bikes, if so then you'll need dual electrics so the higher end of that scale. Then you will need a light-board with your number plate as your car plate (and possibly lights) will be obscured once you've loaded bikes onto it.

To my knowledge bike racks that fit towbars should fit all, mine's a Thule and the rack clamps onto the ball and a large bolt goes through the carrier to fasten/tighten to the ball.

[skinso]

£100 is for the towbar and electrics. I asked the question when enquiring about the towbar as at that price I thought there would be no electrics but was told its towbar and electrics

[skinso]

Towbar for Audi A6 Saloon 2004-2011 - Flange Tow Bar | eBay (http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewitem?index=0&sbk=1&nav=SEARCH&itemId=290608486864)
There's 1 same price on ebay