Tow bar mounted bike rack

[Master_G]

Hello!

I have a Thule RideOn 9503 as pictured (if I've attached the picture correctly).

Problem I'm having is that on my Kenevo, the 2.8 tyres don't fit in the holders, I've actually split both of them open and I'm losing trust in it.

Can you get tyre holders for fatter tyres? I've googled it and can't seem to find a concise answer.

If not, what 1 or 2 bike tow bar mounted rack do you recommend?

 

[steve_sordy]

I can recommend the Thule Velospace XT 2-bike carrier.

Thule VeloSpace XT 2bike 13pin UK Model (938)

It is designed for fatbikes and/or emtbs. The bikes can weigh up to 30kg each and the tyre width up to 5" (I think, if that is important to you, best check). Anyway, its certainly more than you need for an emtb.

Because it is stronger to carry more weight, at 18kg it is 4kg heavier than the normal 2-bike carrier. The one I pointed to is a 13-pin version, so any electrical gubbins on your car will be supported, provided it is installed correctly. It will need a 13 pin towbar or an adaptor plug if your towbar is 7-pin.

To be honest, I am no longer sure which combos (if any) of 7 pin/13 pin towbar and 7 pin/13 pin rack don't work well together. I went for a 13-pin towbar and I could have had either a 7 or 13 pin rack.

18kg sounds quite a weight, but it can be carried easily in one hand and positioned with two. I store mine on two brackets on the garage wall. I do that because the tow bar is not designed to be sat on its ends or front or back, only flat. So that leaves wall or floor and I don't have the floor space, nor the back strength to pick it up from the floor!

I have had the rack since early Jan this year and so far it has been perfect. The plug needs the correct technique to clip in and out of the towbar socket, but once learned, it's a doddle. I wish that Thule had spent another 50p on the locks! I got mine from Halfords as the best price. I opted for click and collect at my local Halfords and then got a nice surprise when that earned me 10% off! Halford's website doesn't say that, it just happened.

Buy some Gorilla tiewraps as a just in case belt and braces to wrap over the bike frame and rack clamp. That may be the best advice you will ever receive!

 

[arawa]

I like the look of this rack as my current one is the same as the OPs and I will have the same problem with bigger tyres on a new bike. Perhaps a stupid question. Are the clamps suitable for bikes with carbon frames? Thanks.

 

[Maxb]

I just attach some 3 inch guttering to my rails fits lovely ?

 

[Master_G]

I just attach some 3 inch guttering to my rails fits lovely ?

This is what I was thinking, my rack itself if fine, I do however fit 6 straps instead of 3 for peace of mind. You have any pictures on how you fitted your guttering?

 

[Maxb]

Mine is a different model than your rack but I think this could work on your rack.
I just used 3 inch shed guttering and some zip ties to attach it , the bike is still attached to the metal rails by the straps the gutter just holds the wheel in place.

 

[Master_G]

Mine is a different model than your rack but I think this could work on your rack.
I just used 3 inch shed guttering and some zip ties to attach it , the bike is still attached to the metal rails by the straps the gutter just holds the wheel in place.
View attachment 20390 View attachment 20391

Yeah this is what I'll do to mine then! Thanks!

 

[steve_sordy]

If you are unlucky, you might have to buy longer straps for the wheels.

For my bikes (carbon or not), I always put some pipe insulation between the frame and the jaws of the clamp.

 

[Master_G]

If you are unlucky, you might have to buy longer straps for the wheels.

For my bikes (carbon or not), I always put some pipe insulation between the frame and the jaws of the clamp.

I don't have jaws that clamp, I have a foam covered metal rod that you tie the bike to. That part works well, it's just the tyres being too wide for it that is the issue