We've just bought our first Freelander 2. Has anyone experience of using a Saris Bones cycle carrier on one? Or can recommend best option? Don't want to roof mount and don't have tow bar. Thanks.

I don't know about the Saris Bones but I use this one from Halfords. Takes 3 bikes. It looks high but it is the camera angle. Cost around £100. Easy to fit and remove when set up - just hook it on the top and bottom of the rear tailgate and engage two levers.

Don't reckon I'd use a Saris Bones.
Cracking rack but so individual and costly that I reckon it would get pinched from the car when out riding.
And I couldn't be bothered with the hassle of taking it off, going for a ride, then putting it back on.

I use a very old rack that hangs from the tailgate by two straps, sits on the rear screen with 4 big rubber suckers and is secured low down at each corner of the screen by two straps.
I do though only carry one bike on it, and that's my light sub 30lb mountain bike, wouldn't put any more in it.
It won't get nicked as I think there's more value in the hammerite I've coated it with over the years than the actual rack itself.  FL2 now gone and have a couple of items left for sale:-

Brodit active iPhone holder + Brodit dash clip,
Bluetooth Music Streaming Module.

Consider fitting a tow bar and going the tow bar mounted option especially if you will be regularly carrying 2 or more bikes.
That method is bomb proof.

I've got a saris ... Really good for 3 bikes ... Bit of a knack to doing it at first if you have a rear spoiler, with the top clips ... You have to push spoiler up in the centre and clip fits through . Folds away really small on the central hub ... Nobody has stolen mine .. But it's quick top pop off n put in the boot ... 3 straps and its on or off.. Any more info just ask 2007 freelander 2 XS td4 Stornaway Grey .... GONE

Thanks so much. We have jumped in and going to get a tow bar fitted. Do you have any suggestions on which works well - and allows us to open up the tailgate with it in situ. I understand there is a Thule that sits straight up from the tow bar that can be tilted down, do you know if this allows enough space to open the tailgate (if you have used such a system on your tow bar?).

chapsworth wrote:

Consider fitting a tow bar and going the tow bar mounted option especially if you will be regularly carrying 2 or more bikes.
That method is bomb proof.

Thank you all, really appreciate your helps.

Have you checked out LR Nut's tow bar mounted bike rack?

http://www.freel2.com/forum/post261809.html#261809 FL2 now gone and have a couple of items left for sale:-

Brodit active iPhone holder + Brodit dash clip,
Bluetooth Music Streaming Module.

I've got the Thule 2 bike rack that fits on the tow ball. Press a foot level and it angles down to access the boot. Works really well for me and is very quick to attach. Has a couple of locks as well.

We have a Westfalia BC60 - see http://www.auditowbars.com/westfalia-porti...rrier.html

This was the cheapest we found - its part of P F Jones the towbar people

Very compact (comes with a neat bag) and folds out to allow for 2 bikes (3rd bike extension available)

Easy to use and drops down to allow access to the back. Locks onto towbar and also has locks for bikes.

Very well made (quite heavy) and does well in tests for bike stability.

You can also get a luggage box which clips on + a tray for carry bags of sand, soil etc.


No issues with reversing sensors.