Having had 15 years with my old Freelander (1) which I loved I have happily transitioned to a Freelander 2. But I have come up with a problem regarding bike racks . My old Freelander had the metal spare wheel attachment - easy to load 2 bikes. Just spoken to Land Rover dealer Who advised that the only recommended bike carrier for a 2014-2015 Freelander 2 is a roof bike carrier. There is no way I can get the bikes on top of the roof ..... am getting on a bit !!! I noticed that Halfords suggest a very expensive bike rack that straps into the back ...... have any of you discovered a good rear bike carrier ??? Have you tried the Thule or had tow bars attached ? Again they don’t seem to be recommended on the official accessory site ? Can you help .... we are a cycling family.

I have the Thule Rideon 3 Bike rack, attached to the tow bar.

The rack has a tilt function so you can tilt it down to open the hatch. Works well.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001P82432/ref...uFbXTERT2T

Have used a Thule (tow-bar fitting) 2-bike rack for several years now without any issues. Not carried any really heavy bikes like ebikes or big mountain bikes, just road racing ones, but it seems very strong and stable. It's also dead easy to install/uninstall.
Thule 914 Euroride. Cost just north of £200 in 2014. I've decided to stop being a good example and will now just be a terrible warning.....
2008 TD4HSE - gone but much loved.
2014MY SD4 Metropolis - very much loved.

Thank you

It looks as if the tow bar option is popular.

So next question - what tow bar type do you recommend and is it easy to fit ?

Hi,
I would go for a "Flange" type ball rather than a "Swan neck" should be easier to fit a carrier to it (the 2 bolts)

have a look on the bay of fleas there are always a few towbars for sale and you can see what you can get,

up to you then to buy and fit one yourself, new or s/h or have a towbar centre supply and fit it, there is some legal stuff to take into account and if you have a 13 pin socket ISTR that now comes into MOT checking

 .
my first ever FL2 and I did keep it longer than most other cars!
But its now gone way up Norf

Thank you ...
So much to learn .... but love my Freelander!

I've used a strap on (!) carrier for years, works very wellon the Freeo. The upper bar sits under the wiper. Lots of clearance at the back for greenlaning, don't need to lift the bikes very high.

I've now gone for the towbar option, slotting into a standard 50mm receiver (you can get them for the LR sized one.

The strap version can take time to mount but it's way cheaper than fitting a towbar as well.

The strap version can allow the tailgate to open if you're cunning, but not with bikes on it. MY11 SD4 SE Auto

When I had my FL2 I used a tailgate mounted 3 bike carrier. Long gone now but I think Halfords still do one similar (Exodus) although it says it doesn’t fit the FL2. The top fittings went under the tailgate spoiler. You can see it here:

https://www.freel2.com/forum/topic15161.ht...p;start=15 Past: FL2 TD4 HSE Auto
Evoque SD4 Dynamic Lux Auto
Present: Audi A3 S Line.

Check out 'Pendle Cycle Carriers' they do up to a four cycle carrier. Again it requires a flange type tow bar.
Have had mine for years, just keep transferring to replacement cars.  Now at the point when I learn something new something old is lost out the other side !
Now retired so it doesn't matter anymore.
Freelander now gone.