Bike rack problem - Ford Ka

AliceBanned

Hi

I enquired in a good bike shop yesterday about getting a rack for my Ford Ka. I wanted to transport my bike to Cornwall in September - about six hours' drive. I also want it to transport on short journeys of about ten miles on a frequent basis to meet friends to go cycling.

The guy in the shop recommended the racks that fit on the tow bar - more secure and easier to use, and also my car has a spoiler and he said the type of racks which hang from the rear door would damage the spoiler and paintwork as it is quite a bit of weight to be hanging off the back. He also thinks they are not quite as safe - any mistake in fitting the bike could mean it comes off.

This is all making me a bit nervous but in any case I enquired about a tow bar as my car doesn't have one - there isn't one for the Ford Ka anyway! It is not considered capable of towing.

Not sure where to go from here. I could try taking off front wheel and transporting it in the back of car as it will be just me in the car. I don't like the idea of the roof mounted ones at all but maybe I need to be open minded to get something that works. Any suggestions would be appreciated. thanks

Sgt_Pepper_2

A new car?

client1_2

Best, in order, in my opinion.

In the car with one or both wheels off.
Platform type on the tow-bar.
Roof bars.
Hanging type on tow bar.
Rear boot mounted types.

Depends on how much you want to spend, from £0 upwards.

PasturesNew

Get a folding bike.... not ideal if you're actually looking for distance cycling, but if it's just about pottering about then it'd be OK.

adouglasmhor

Go back to the bike shop and ask about making your front wheel quick release.

http://www.bicyclinglife.com/HowTo/UseAQuickRelease.htm

MX5huggy

In your situation where you have the space I would always go for in the car, its not going to fall off, you can open the boot and it won't be stolen if you stop at the services, and you wont forget its strapped to the roof when you go under a low barrier in a car park etc.

I am just considering the tow bar option for my self and I am looking at £400 or so.

AliceBanned

Thanks everyone. Looks like in the car is best option, with quick release wheel. The others are way too much hassle, especially as I can't get a bow bar fitted. Expensive as well.

AliceBanned

PasturesNew wrote: »

Get a folding bike.... not ideal if you're actually looking for distance cycling, but if it's just about pottering about then it'd be OK.

Am probably going to get one for work as I get the train into London. But the other bike is for longer distance cycling so not an option. Thanks.

AliceBanned

client1 wrote: »

Best, in order, in my opinion.

In the car with one or both wheels off.
Platform type on the tow-bar.
Roof bars.
Hanging type on tow bar.
Rear boot mounted types.




Depends on how much you want to spend, from £0 upwards.

Thanks, very helpful to have them listed in order.:) this fits in with what the cycling shop guy said, although inside the car was not one of the options as I hadn't wanted that at the time.

AliceBanned

Sgt_Pepper wrote: »

A new car?

Good point - no, 2003 but in good condition with clean bodywork.

photome

On the roof if you need to use any of the other seats in the KA