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Car Racks - Roof or Back?
sonny walkman 
| 10 Aug 15:47 |
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Joined: 15 Feb 2010 Posts: 22 Bike: My Profile | I have recently downsized my car. My old one was able to comfortably fit my bike into the boot with the back seat down but the new one won't. Are there any significant advantages to using a roof rack instead of a (hatch)back rack or vice versa or is it simply a case of personal choice. Thanks |
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happy
| 10 Aug 16:19 |
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Joined: 15 Mar 2006 Posts: 302 Bike: Orange P7 with Rock Shox, Michelin Wildgripper Lites, XTR Chainset My Profile | Hi Sonny, There's a couple of guides that have been on this site for a while actually, we tested both types and reported our findings. http://www.cycle-route.com/cycle-guides/Mont_Blanc_Boot_Rack_Review-15.html http://www.cycle-route.com/cycle-guides/Mont_Blanc_Roof_Rack_Review-16.html The reviews are pretty basic, but I think personally in the end, I preferred the roof type type, but they are certainly more expensive unfortunately. Happy |
| My Latest Route: Oct 2010 Livingston to Ayr Avoiding A71 | |
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sdwalker
| 11 Aug 14:55 |
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 Joined: 17 Mar 2011 Posts: 91 Bike: My Profile | also it depends on the car and how many people you have spare to help boot racks are great if you are doing it on your own as it is as simple as fit to car and lift bikes on. roof racks tend to be more stable but you either need to fit bikes with rack on the ground then do a tandem lift onto the car or you end up trying to lift bike slot it in on tip toes while the bike is swinging above your head. personally I use a boot rack as the wife isn't so keen on helping me put the roof one on but the choice is yours. |
| My Latest Route: Mar 2012 Bedgebury Forest Red Route | |
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sdwalker
| 11 Aug 14:55 |
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Joined: 17 Mar 2011 Posts: 91 Bike: My Profile | also it depends on the car and how many people you have spare to help boot racks are great if you are doing it on your own as it is as simple as fit to car and lift bikes on. roof racks tend to be more stable but you either need to fit bikes with rack on the ground then do a tandem lift onto the car or you end up trying to lift bike slot it in on tip toes while the bike is swinging above your head. personally I use a boot rack as the wife isn't so keen on helping me put the roof one on but the choice is yours. |
| My Latest Route: Mar 2012 Bedgebury Forest Red Route | |
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dudley
| 14 Aug 02:45 |
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Joined: 16 Jan 2009 Posts: 498 Bike: My Profile | need into the boot regularly? go roof-top. how tall are you? I can lift bikes onto the roof of the 4x4 with ease, but my wife cannot without the door open, an standing on the rear seat. You should never need to do the tandem lift thing with the whole rack as described above. Sounds a bit much! If it is just a car, and you are average height, it shouldn't be a problem. Likely to need more luggage, ie a roof box? depending on how many bikes you are thinking, you may then want to go rear, although you can do one bike and a roof box on top, and there are some pencil thin roof boxes that leave room for 2 bikes. have a tow bar? the tow bar mounted racks are better than the 'strap it to the rear door and hope for the best' racks. i hate to think how many bikes i've seen wobbling around on the back of cars on motorways with a loose strap(s) basically, it is personal choice. |
| My Latest Route: Nov 2009 Forth Estuary Circular | |
| toffo | 16 Aug 04:01 |
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Joined: 28 Apr 2011 Posts: 8 Bike: | I have just moved from a rear fitting rack to a roof one, the roof in my opinion totally outclasses the rear one as I constantly had to stop and re-tighten the straps due to them working loose (bit frightening when on motorway!) the roof is a lot more stable and secure also has the advantage of not having to climb through bike seat or dismantle the whole rack to get to the boot! |
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dudley
| 16 Aug 05:31 |
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Joined: 16 Jan 2009 Posts: 498 Bike: My Profile | another point to consider. If you take ferries with your car / bike combo, the increased height can increase cost. It generally does not increase cost on the back, unless it is the back of a van and makes it go over 6m or so. Just another thought! |
| My Latest Route: Nov 2009 Forth Estuary Circular | |
| xcexpert | 17 Aug 17:18 |
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Joined: 15 Aug 2011 Posts: 7 Bike: | http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.204-0886.aspx Buy one of these Then a tow bar. Mine cost me £170 from Tow-Equipe at Nuneaton. Very Quality piece of kit & very professional outfit (No i dont work there) |
| odgious | 18 Aug 07:20 |
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Joined: 18 Aug 2011 Posts: 2 Bike: | Hello all .. I have a tow ball mounted rack and it is very stable, although some of the disadvantages are: 1. My car is diesel, and on long journeys the exhaust smoke blackened the tyre (mine still have the light coloured side wall) 2. The rear lights can be obscured 3. It is difficult to get into the boot when the bike is mounted Advantages 1. It is very easy to fit the rack, and it can be locked once on. 2. It is very easy to put the bike(s) on the rack, and they can be secured with bungee cords or straps 3. The rack is easy to store when not in use - i just keep it in the boot. I was considering a roof mounted rack but the expense has put me off so far. Hope this helps |
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colleenshirley
| 20 Oct 19:56 |
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Joined: 01 Sep 2024 Posts: 13 Bike: My Profile | Choosing between roof racks or back racks for your car really depends on what you're hauling and your vehicle. Roof racks are great for versatility, carrying bikes, kayaks, and more, but they can increase wind resistance. Back racks are easier to load, but might block access to the trunk. Either way, make sure your gear is secured and that your vehicle is in top condition. If you drive a Land Rover, you might want to keep an eye on regular maintenance. And if you're in the UAE, Land Rover repair Dubai is always available to help keep your vehicle running smoothly! |
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josephbunny53
| 21 Oct 04:03 |
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Joined: 10 Mar 2024 Posts: 49 Bike: My Profile | When it comes to transporting gear, having the right car rack can make all the difference. At HZ Car Care, we understand that whether you're heading to the mountains with your bike or taking a family road trip with all the luggage, the right rack can ensure a smooth ride. Our range of car care products not only helps you keep your vehicle in top shape but also enhances your travel experience. Explore our selection to find the perfect solution for your needs and enjoy the journey without the stress of limited space! |
| redig | 15 Dec 11:05 |
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Joined: 14 Jul 2024 Posts: 6 Bike: | Hamra, Beirut is a vibrant and central location with easy access to cafes, shops, and cultural hotspots. If you're looking to rent an apartment in Hamra, you'll find a variety of options that cater to different preferences and budgets. The area is popular with both locals and expatriates, known for its lively atmosphere. Rental prices can vary depending on the apartment's size, amenities, and proximity to key areas. Whether you’re searching for a cozy studio or a spacious unit, Hamra offers a great mix of urban living opportunities. |
| redig | 15 Dec 11:06 |
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Joined: 14 Jul 2024 Posts: 6 Bike: | Hamra, Beirut is a vibrant and central location with easy access to cafes, shops, and cultural hotspots. If you're looking to [url=https://www.beiteck.com/rental?area=Hamra]rent an apartment in Hamra[/url], you'll find a variety of options that cater to different preferences and budgets. The area is popular with both locals and expatriates, known for its lively atmosphere. Rental prices can vary depending on the apartment's size, amenities, and proximity to key areas. Whether you’re searching for a cozy studio or a spacious unit, Hamra offers a great mix of urban living opportunities. |
| redig | 15 Dec 11:06 |
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Joined: 14 Jul 2024 Posts: 6 Bike: | Hamra, Beirut is a vibrant and central location with easy access to cafes, shops, and cultural hotspots. If you're looking to rent an apartment in Hamra, you'll find a variety of options that cater to different preferences and budgets. The area is popular with both locals and expatriates, known for its lively atmosphere. Rental prices can vary depending on the apartment's size, amenities, and proximity to key areas. Whether you’re searching for a cozy studio or a spacious unit, Hamra offers a great mix of urban living opportunities. |
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