Bike racks

[JoeBlow]

Is anyone carrying their e bike on a boot mounted rack and if so which one?

Al

 

[Fingerpuk]

You can’t get a boot mounted ebike rated rack. Not yet anyway.

I’ve decided to get roof bars and Thule something’s once I’ve figured out which ones. Need one for the ebike and one for a dirt jump bike.

 

[R120]

Is anyone carrying their e bike on a boot mounted rack and if so which one?

Al

@TheBikePilot has a boot rack I think - I replied to your other thread about roof racks.

 

[TheBikePilot]

Yup I have a bootrack. Saris Bones 2 Works absolutely fine. I can have it on in around 3 minutes. I have had an eBike and an Analogue on there before with no issues. All I would say is put some pipe insulation on the plastic where the bike meets the rack else you will get rubbing.

You will also need a 'Bike Bar/Beam' for a full sus bike. You can get the Saris one but Halfords do one for £20. All Saris products have a lifetime Warranty.

I also strap the bike to the rack just to stop it flapping in the wind, and strap the front wheel to the frame to stop it spinning. I just use large velcro straps for that. All in all it works a treat.

I personally would put a 24kg eBike on a roofrack but that's just me. Lifting that on and off at the end of a ride is going to be a huge pain.

 

[JoeBlow]

I've done some research. By far the best option is the Thule Raceway for 2 bikes. It's sturdy secure and does not have those annoying straps flying around. It's rated at 30kg so, in theory, should take my 22kg Trek. The problem is it also states 15kg/bike so I'm not sure which is the valid limit if I only put one bike on it. It's not cheap so before I part with my hard earned cash it would be nice to listen to others experiences.

 

[congerball]

I need a rack for my car but I’m struggling to find one that will be compatible with a BMW 320D (2004) E46. It’s a saloon. Any suggestions would be appreciated ??

 

[JoeBlow]

I've done some research. By far the best option is the Thule Raceway for 2 bikes. It's sturdy secure and does not have those annoying straps flying around. It's rated at 30kg so, in theory, should take my 22kg Trek. The problem is it also states 15kg/bike so I'm not sure which is the valid limit if I only put one bike on it. It's not cheap so before I part with my hard earned cash it would be nice to listen to others experiences.

The problem is that you are covering your number plate and lights and I believe that is illegal. I was hoping for a rack that raised the bike above those areas.

Al

 

[Fingerpuk]

The racks can take the weight but the components holding the bikes into the rack haven’t been tested/verified for anything above 15kg. So if you have a crash your insurance doesn’t have to pay out. So it’s a risk.

I’m buying an estate car as with the seats down I can get three bikes plus gear inside with wheels off.

 

[JoeBlow]

The racks can take the weight but the components holding the bikes into the rack haven’t been tested/verified for anything above 15kg. So if you have a crash your insurance doesn’t have to pay out. So it’s a risk.

I’m buying an estate car as with the seats down I can get three bikes plus gear inside with wheels off.

Yes I am reluctantly coming to the conclusion that is what I need to continue doing. I have an SUV but maneuvering the bike into the space is still awkward as it is so heavy. I could do with a sheet of rigid plastic to slide it on. I tried trolley wheels but that didn't work. A sheet of tarp helps a little.

Al

 

[EMTBSEAN]

I have a Thule rideon bike carrier but it’s a tow bar mounted carrier, it’s really sturdy.

 

[Philpug]

I personally would put a 24kg eBike on a roofrack but that's just me. Lifting that on and off at the end of a ride is going to be a huge pain.

View attachment 34522

I Personally wouldn't put a 24kg eBike hanging rack OR a roofrack, but that's just me.

 

[JoeBlow]

I Personally wouldn't put a 24kg eBike hanging rack OR a roofrack, but that's just me.

I agree. I have dismissed the idea. It's not just the weight of the bike, I honestly do think a Saris Bones 2 would handle the weight of 21 kg with the battery removed. You can fit a sleeve to cover the battery compartment to counter the water ingress issue but it is also the faff of having to extend the car lights and number plate as I don't think it's possible to get the bike high enough to leave these clear.

What would be handy to know is if anyone has any handy tips for making getting the bike into the back of the car any easier. Ideally some form of sliding rail arrangement. The best I've come up with is a couple of sheets of plastic tarp used so that one slides/ruckles on top of the other. I've also used a piece of ply to cover the gap that is formed by the joint in the seats that catches the pedals.

Al

 

[Fingerpuk]

Sorry to derail but does anyone know of strap clamps that can be used on existing straps to stop them coming loose? My carrier has little buckets to tighten the straps, but after two miles they’ve started to loosen. The rack would be great if I could ensure the straps stayed tight.

 

[Jackware]

I agree. I have dismissed the idea. It's not just the weight of the bike, I honestly do think a Saris Bones 2 would handle the weight of 21 kg with the battery removed. You can fit a sleeve to cover the battery compartment to counter the water ingress issue but it is also the faff of having to extend the car lights and number plate as I don't think it's possible to get the bike high enough to leave these clear.

What would be handy to know is if anyone has any handy tips for making getting the bike into the back of the car any easier. Ideally some form of sliding rail arrangement. The best I've come up with is a couple of sheets of plastic tarp used so that one slides/ruckles on top of the other. I've also used a piece of ply to cover the gap that is formed by the joint in the seats that catches the pedals.

Al

I can get my large fat ebike easily into my Ford Focus hatch by taking the wheels off. I store the wheels in wheelbags (EVOC double wheel bags are perfect) to contain the mud and water and making them easier to handle.
A large plastic lined lined builders dust sheet is draped in the boot and over the reclined back seats, doors etc.
If I'm leaving the car at any point I also use the back seat securing hoops on the side to chain the bike to and cover it over with black sheet.

 

[Doomanic]

I’m buying an estate car as with the seats down I can get three bikes plus gear inside with wheels off.

Don't buy a car you're proud of if you're doing that. I have a 5er Touring and I've got tyre tracks on the roof lining!

 

[Doomanic]

Mud wipes off the roof lining

That depends on what the roof lining is made of. It doesn't wipe off an absorbent surface...

 

[Fingerpuk]

How can I stop my straps coming loose?

I need answers!

 

[TheBikePilot]

How can I stop my straps coming loose?

I need answers!

Which straps can you post pictures..?

 

[Gary]

How can I stop my straps coming loose?

I need answers!

Do them up properly, making sure to re-tension them properly once you've loaded the rack up and secured the bike. and then tie the ends in the correct direction so that the buckles can't slip.
if that doesn't work bin the carrier and buy something that is actually decent quality. Your bike rack and bike falling off could cause a very serious accident.

Even better, have a towbar fitted and buy a good quality towbar mounted rack with lighting/numberplate board.

 

[JoeBlow]

How can I stop my straps coming loose?

I need answers!

The Thule Raceway is the tidiest most robust looking boot rack I've seen and it does not have any straps. Unfortunately Thule cannot recommend it for my specific car.

Al

 

[Fingerpuk]

I can’t get a tow bar fitted. The M sports suspension linkages don’t allow for it.

I’ve found some webbing clips that I’m hoping will help, otherwise it’ll be a Berlingo.

 

[tophies]

I have a Levo and I drive a Rav4 (2017) sometimes I put the bike in the back with the seats down, but I still have to remove the front wheel and like you say it is a tad heavy to manoeuvre.
As its a company car getting a towbar fitted is too expensive every 4 years. So I bought a hollywood rack. I will say that this is the best for carrying the Levo and works really well - but you have to also get the extension bar link here to be able to support the bike as the frame wont sit right

By the way Bike Racks, Carriers, Storage | Trunk, Hitch, Tire - Hollywood Racks do some good install videos to show you what car they fit as well

 

[Canmore TLCC 29]

I need a rack for my car but I’m struggling to find one that will be compatible with a BMW 320D (2004) E46. It’s a saloon. Any suggestions would be appreciated ??

We are having a 1-1/4 receiver installed and going with the Swagman Current. It can handle up to 200 ftlb torque. Total cost less than $1000 CAD.

 

[JER4096]

Yes I am reluctantly coming to the conclusion that is what I need to continue doing. I have an SUV but maneuvering the bike into the space is still awkward as it is so heavy. I could do with a sheet of rigid plastic to slide it on. I tried trolley wheels but that didn't work. A sheet of tarp helps a little.

Al

Hi. With a Mazda CX-5 SUV, I've found a black plastic boot-liner helpful for sliding Turbo Levo in, with front wheel off.

 

[Canmore TLCC 29]

I can’t get a tow bar fitted. The M sports suspension linkages don’t allow for it.

I’ve found some webbing clips that I’m hoping will help, otherwise it’ll be a Berlingo.

I would never put a rack of any kind on my 2008 M3 hardtop convertible. But I could fit amazing things in the back seat because of the convertible top. Sadly, a Turbo Levo is not on of them.

 

[Gary]

Owns fancy Beemer...

actually drives...

 

[Giff]

I agree. I have dismissed the idea. It's not just the weight of the bike, I honestly do think a Saris Bones 2 would handle the weight of 21 kg with the battery removed. You can fit a sleeve to cover the battery compartment to counter the water ingress issue but it is also the faff of having to extend the car lights and number plate as I don't think it's possible to get the bike high enough to leave these clear.

What would be handy to know is if anyone has any handy tips for making getting the bike into the back of the car any easier. Ideally some form of sliding rail arrangement. The best I've come up with is a couple of sheets of plastic tarp used so that one slides/ruckles on top of the other. I've also used a piece of ply to cover the gap that is formed by the joint in the seats that catches the pedals.

Al

I do that. Slide it in on a large thick plastic sheet. Drive side up and the opposite pedal off.

 

[Canmore TLCC 29]

Owns fancy Beemer...

actually drives...

It’s good to dream.

 

[Hamina]

Eufab Premium II has been ok. Just drove 1200km with two EMTBs with it. We didn't remove the batteries. You might want to update the "hangers" to a newer model where you can attach the rachet around the frame. Max is 60kg. There's also the fatbike tireholders but I've managed with the originals with 2,6" tires.

Price was a little cheaper than Thule and quality seems to be good.

 

[p3eps]

Second outing with this today now we can travel further than 5 miles for recreation IN Scotland!
Simple to use and seems fairly sturdy and stable...
Buzzrack eScorpion 1