Loading a bike rack: does it look right?

Forums › Transport (cars, bikes and boats) › Loading a bike rack: does it look right?

freitasm

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# 216694 8-Jul-2017 16:21

Got a second hand bike rack this weekend, attached to the back of our Golf and loaded two bikes (two 26" wheels - one small girls frame, one large men's frame).

Because of the frames the bikes sit on an angle - which means the wheels "stick" out from the sides.

Is this how is supposed to be, or is there something else we're missing? Perhaps @dratsab knows?

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# 1815937 8-Jul-2017 16:26

Are you able to post a pic of the rack, without the bikes on it?

From what I can see, the inner bike has such a small centre triangle that it might be difficult to centre it relative to your car.

RunningMan

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# 1815940 8-Jul-2017 16:42

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If you haven't already done so, you'll probably need a supplementary plate from Licensys as your ordinary one is obscured.

Make sure all the lights can be clearly seen as well.

freitasm

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# 1815943 8-Jul-2017 16:53

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Camden

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# 1815947 8-Jul-2017 17:06

Mauricio

Unfortunately all bike racks are not compatible with all bike frames and the inner bike next to the tail gate is not designed to be carried on those types of arms, or visa versa. I know as I have the same problem with a Specialized Dual suspension Mountain bike and also a German Cube bike. I have a four bike carrier shaped like an inverted Capital L and I have to make another bracket to hang on the rack then attach the bike to it.

The old fashion ones that look like a capital Y with clip on second bike holder can generally accommodate strange bike shapes and I also use one of those. My Cube bike sticks out at weird angles but it sits securely though.

I have just looked at your photo again and I see you don't have a tow bar. Have a look at the Thule NZ site as it shows a range of boot or tailgate mount bike carriers but they are eye wateringly expensive ! Thule most probally have something to suit. There is also the roof mounted bike racks. They have the advantage of carrying the bikes out of the way and you can also open the tailgate. They look trendy too !

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# 1815949 8-Jul-2017 17:31

my bikes end up like that on my Ezygrip 2 pronged rack

its never been too much of an issue just as long as they dont stick out past your mirrors

mudguard

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# 1815952 8-Jul-2017 17:40

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Looks fine.

Provided the important bits of the bikes aren't rubbing, and they can't fall off, then you're fine. I've had oddball bike frame designs, so some wheels will hang lower or higher than other bikes.

As for supplementary plates, well I've been using a rack obscuring my plate for 15 years and never been pulled up on it. Touch wood. I will say, given the amount I ride, every car I've owned I've added a tow bar purely for my bikes!

freitasm

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# 1815957 8-Jul-2017 17:42

@Camden:

The old fashion ones that look like a capital Y with clip on second bike holder can generally accommodate strange bike shapes and I also use one of those. My Cube bike sticks out at weird angles but it sits securely though.

So your Cube bike still sticks out like my girl's bike?

@Camden:

There is also the roof mounted bike racks. They have the advantage of carrying the bikes out of the way and you can also open the tailgate. They look trendy too !

Problem with roof mounted is I can't see my wife putting one of the bikes there herself - and she would be using this most of the times with Bella's bike.

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freitasm

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# 1815958 8-Jul-2017 17:43

@mudguard:

Looks fine.

Provided the important bits of the bikes aren't rubbing, and they can't fall off, then you're fine. I've had oddball bike frame designs, so some wheels will hang lower or higher than other bikes.

Thanks - but looking at the first photo don't you think they "stick out" a bit too much? Mind you, the Golf is not a wide car...

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DarthKermit

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# 1815963 8-Jul-2017 17:49

If there's enough room in your boot, you could always remove some of the bike wheels while travelling to stop them sticking out so far.

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# 1815965 8-Jul-2017 17:52

you need a photo from the front of the car looking down the side to get an appreciation of how far it sticks out, the angle from the rear is deceiving.

freitasm

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# 1815970 8-Jul-2017 18:00

Ok... I will take a photo from the front tomorrow during the day.

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Jase2985

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# 1815977 8-Jul-2017 18:24

TBH if its not sticking out past the mirrors i wouldnt be worried

hashbrown

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# 1816021 8-Jul-2017 20:27

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This might help.

http://www.rhinorack.co.nz/products/sport-leisure/water/accessories/bike-bar-adapter_rbca021

cadman

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# 1816030 8-Jul-2017 20:41

freitasm:

@mudguard:

Looks fine.

Provided the important bits of the bikes aren't rubbing, and they can't fall off, then you're fine. I've had oddball bike frame designs, so some wheels will hang lower or higher than other bikes.

Thanks - but looking at the first photo don't you think they "stick out" a bit too much? Mind you, the Golf is not a wide car...

Beyond 200mm from the side of the vehicle (not including mirrors) any load needs to carry warning devices. You look to be beyond that but it could just be the perspective.

https://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicles/vehicle-types/vehicle-classes-and-standards/vehicle-dimensions-and-mass/light-rigid-vehicles/

freitasm

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# 1816032 8-Jul-2017 20:52

hashbrown:

This might help.

http://www.rhinorack.co.nz/products/sport-leisure/water/accessories/bike-bar-adapter_rbca021

Thanks @hashbrown, I've seen these in a US video, might be the answer - as above, I think the girl's bike is going way over the sides.

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