Bike rack installation

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#1407736 16-Oct-2015 11:13

scuwp: I have the standard 4 bike Torpedo 7 version, one that you bolt onto the tow ball. Paid about $100 on special. Used plenty of times with 3-4 mountain bikes bikes and no complaints. Simple and solid, and the tie-downs it comes with are great. If you have a lift/hatchback I would however recommend one of the fold down ones.

Ah, good to know they're ok quality, given they're so affordable!

We've a wagon, so I assume the tiltable models (such as that sold by Torpedo 7) will also work with this? (Is this what you mean by "foldable"?). The more I think about it the more frustrating I realise it would be not having access to the boot whenever the bike rack is on!

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#1407775 16-Oct-2015 11:43

jonathan18:
scuwp: I have the standard 4 bike Torpedo 7 version, one that you bolt onto the tow ball. Paid about $100 on special. Used plenty of times with 3-4 mountain bikes bikes and no complaints. Simple and solid, and the tie-downs it comes with are great. If you have a lift/hatchback I would however recommend one of the fold down ones.

Ah, good to know they're ok quality, given they're so affordable!

We've a wagon, so I assume the tiltable models (such as that sold by Torpedo 7) will also work with this? (Is this what you mean by "foldable"?). The more I think about it the more frustrating I realise it would be not having access to the boot whenever the bike rack is on!

Sorry 'tilt-able' is probably better terminology. Its no biggie but can be slightly irritating to have to remove the rack completely when you want to access the boot. That said I always pack it away when not in use anyway, too many light fingers around in some of the remote areas we park to access the off-road tracks. I prefer the racks with a straight out arms, infinitely more adaptable to different bikes/scooters/whatever than the clamp types.

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#1407884 16-Oct-2015 13:44

I've been looking at one of these can you put 5 bikes on s straight out 4 bike thing?

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#1407889 16-Oct-2015 13:56

Make sure you get your supplemental plate sorted too. Was a lot of ticketing for obscured license plates going on a few months back. Friend got one when his was quite easy to read. Guess if it's enough to mess up their ANPR cameras they care tho.

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#1407894 16-Oct-2015 14:04

joker97: I've been looking at one of these can you put 5 bikes on s straight out 4 bike thing?

There are racks designed for five bikes, eg this guy makes one: http://www.narley.co.nz/

This is the same brand recommended earlier in this thread (see page one); I was keen on the brand before I realised the difficulties of opening the boot with it in place, hence looking at this tiltable one from Torpedo 7.

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#1407916 16-Oct-2015 15:11

As others have said, East Coast Towbars is good and cheap. If you aren't in a huge hurry, East Coast periodically pops up on Treatme. We got ours fitted for $299 (ford focus hatch).

We got a Zapp bike rack from Bike Barn. Wasn't that expensive ($120-ish from memory), but I wanted to be able to take our kids' bikes in and see which model they fitted. The 16 inch bike (for the 6 year old) only went on one particular one, so we ended up with that. It is the two strut padded style that you rope things to with (supplied) bungees - pretty basic, but all we need.

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#1407921 16-Oct-2015 15:26

joker97: I've been looking at one of these can you put 5 bikes on s straight out 4 bike thing?

read my post above about the ezy rack. could probably fit 6 but then the weight is getting up there for the tow bar tongue.

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#1407940 16-Oct-2015 15:49

mdf: As others have said, East Coast Towbars is good and cheap. If you aren't in a huge hurry, East Coast periodically pops up on Treatme. We got ours fitted for $299 (ford focus hatch).

We got a Zapp bike rack from Bike Barn. Wasn't that expensive ($120-ish from memory), but I wanted to be able to take our kids' bikes in and see which model they fitted. The 16 inch bike (for the 6 year old) only went on one particular one, so we ended up with that. It is the two strut padded style that you rope things to with (supplied) bungees - pretty basic, but all we need.

Yeah, I've go a quote from East Coast Towbars for $450 or $480 (for one with a removable tongue), as I covered in another thread - that compared to $815 from a local firm!

I'm waiting to hear back from them as to whether the removable tongue towbar places any restrictions on what type of bike rack can be used with it (as the one I'm looking at has a secondary attachment that sits under the ball to ensure the rack stays straight), but certainly planning on booking it in to be done there.

Good point re kids' bikes, as the smaller frames may be difficult to fit on some. I take it you got something like this one? http://www.bikebarn.co.nz/zapp-4-bike-rack-silver.html#description_contents

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#1407943 16-Oct-2015 15:59

joker97: I've been looking at one of these can you put 5 bikes on s straight out 4 bike thing?

Depends on the bikes. 5 is probably pushing it for space and weight. The other think is if it sticks out more than 1 metre from the back of the vehicle it must have flags.

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#1422045 5-Nov-2015 23:03

still looking - anyone has any comments on ZAPP (16kg!! 4 bikes rated) ? is that the one that someone said was wobbly?

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#1422048 5-Nov-2015 23:04

Jase2985: we have an ezigrip 2 prong 4 bike one

http://www.ezigrip.co.nz/product/7b83c-4-bike-modular-prong-folding-top-hanger/

im sure i could fit more than 4 bikes on it if i tried, its a great rack.

hi clicked on your link - is yours the 7AD09C ($99) or the 7PF09C ($250)?

in fact - does anyone have a review on the 7AD09C as it's only $99 (thinner, but is it as secure/solid as the $250 one)

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#1422089 6-Nov-2015 05:54

mine is the 7AD09C, but the previous model without the folding prongs

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#1422990 7-Nov-2015 22:17

ok thanks.

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#1423073 8-Nov-2015 10:45

Hmm all the 4 bike rack (tow ball) recommends a stabilizing strap. Unfortunately all my wagons have a spoiler - which in my mind (haven't checked the height of the contraption but google images suggests the spoiler will get between the strap and the rack. I don't want to break the spoiler, so ...

Is it secure (the $99 4 bike ezigrip, the $250 4 bike ezigrip) without the strap.

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#1423085 8-Nov-2015 11:01

got an example of the stabilizing strap? or do you mean this thing? http://www.ezigrip.co.nz/product/7b50-safety-support-strap/

i use that to space the bike off the rack a little to keep it a little firther from the car so it doesnt get scratched

never used it to stablise the rack and never had an issue

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