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Post by Deleted on Oct 9, 2014 20:43:26 GMT
Not quite found what im after from searching so...
Ive never quite liked the idea of the roof bar bike carriers, but it seems that the ones for the rear of the car either need a towball (not got) or are rubbish, or obscure the number plate thus needing a lighting board (not got).
So i may be stuck with the idea of a roof mounted one. My question is... are they easy / quick to use? After plonking the bike on, do the securing points quickly fasten with straps or clips or are you left for 5mins tightening up fiddly wing nuts?
Convenience in being able to attach the bike quickly would be a huge factor in this for me for me. I ride at work, cant bike ti work, and say 10 mins delay setting off home on an evening gets stretched out through the congestion to make me about 40mins late home and my little boys autism doesnt like that difference to his routine.
Im just wanting to pop the bike in position, close three clip/clamps and be able to set off.
Am i dreaming this could be possible and thus stuck with having to fiddle with wingnuts or fiddly straps? Never had a vike carrier so have no idea. Anybodies exoerience would be welcome please. Thanks
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Post by ChrisD on Oct 9, 2014 20:59:14 GMT
I've used bike carriers that mount to roof bars and they are pretty quick and easy to use after initial fitting. You set wheel fixings to match the wheel base on your bike and then the diagonal clamp that grips the down tube is adjusted in a similar way to the quick release on your wheel. Once all is set up you simply lift the bike on to the carrier, raise the diagonal clamp to grip the down tube and then strap/clamp in each wheel. Job done.
Just like this...
I had a cheaper well known brand but the design was just the same.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 9, 2014 21:37:34 GMT
Thanks thats great, its the exact model ive been looking at on halfords website so this video is excellent thanks!
Guy in the video is either 8ft tall or his car is sinking. Think my 5'3" stature will not make things easier but hey ho. Thanks
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Post by chiban3 on Oct 11, 2014 8:55:56 GMT
I hired one for 3 of us to go to a sportive over a weekend, and it was fine. Putting the middle bike on was more of a challenge, hence I now understand why people who have one rack put it on one side, rather than trying to look tidy with it down the middle. Obvious in hindsight.
Since then (over a year) I've been contemplating buying the whole roof kit, but is not cheap and debating how much use I would really get from it (would have only been twice for BROC rides to date) versus storing all the bars in the meantime. If you do take the plunge I'd be interested to hear how you fare with that value assessment.
I have a relatively new saloon, so putting the bike in the back is not so straightforward, but I do it. My current train of thought is getting a Saris solo for the back for the frame and still removing the wheels to minimise obscuring the lights etc. Anyone tried one of these?
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Post by Spoakes on Oct 11, 2014 12:40:38 GMT
I have one Thule and two halfords exodus on my Skoda all locked in place and have no trouble putting my Jessica and my boys MTB and BMX on.
All work very well and quick and easy to fit.
Thule Β£49 decathlon ( no longer selling them kicking myself for not buying four)
Exodus Β£99 for 2 still on sale in halfords.
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Post by Spoakes on Oct 11, 2014 12:51:30 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 11, 2014 14:58:20 GMT
I already have roof bars on all the time so that aspect isnt in my value calc. Ive plumped for the Thule one in the youtube video above, Β£44 from amazon. Will let you know how it goes, for a 5'3" guy i think its going to be a stretch.
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