Hi

I have been looking at options of the best way to transport mountain bikes, have considered a rear rack with a tow bar but concerned over the potential costs and don't really want a tow bar all the time.

I therefore thought about thule roof bars, would be grateful for your thoughts on this?

Many Thanks
Pete

Hi, I carry up to 4 bikes on the roof and find that a large sturdy toolbox, preferably full of bike related stuff , is very useful to stand on to fit the bikes to the carriers. I am only 5' 11" so if you are over 6' this may not be an issue. Be very carefull with car park height restriction barriers and expect a slight loss in fuel economy.

We have a tow bar mounted Thule which is very good, if you have a tow bar.

We also have Land Rover roof rails and roof bars fitted so last summer a got
a Thule 591 bike carrier, again it's very good. We needed to carry a couple of
extra bikes so I've just purchased a pair of Atera Giro AF's and they are better
than the Thule one's.

I can fit three bike up top with Land Rover bars and that's it. If you need to carry
four and you don't have Land Rover roof rails then with Thule foot pack and bars
I think you'll carry four.

I'm 5'9" and can get the bikes up no problem, I just stand on the rear wheel
and get the wife to assist

Pete Cowell

I had the same decision to make when we first got the Freelander I had 2 Atera Giro AF carriers as mentioned by twodogs and can confirm they are a good piece of kit, because of the height of the vehicle and the usefulness of a towbar I decided to fit a removeable tow bar, I use this with a Buzzrack Buzzrunner2 they also do a 3 and 4 bike model.

http://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rbvehsel4...u%60lVk%2C

The cost of a tow & electrics + rack is a big outlay just to carry bikes but you have the towbar for other purposes if needed, this arrangement is ideal when the bikes covered in mud as little effort is needed to put it on the back, the downside is if the weather is wet on the way to your destination the bikes on the back tend to get dirty.

I fitted this towbar, its what Landrover fit but is branded Brink/Thule.

[url]
http://www.towbarandtrailercentre.co.uk/in...1281[/url]

And this electric kit.

http://www.towbarandtrailercentre.co.uk/in...uctId=4018
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