bike rack recommendation sought

1886

If you Google AutoCar or AutoExpress, they've done to fairly big group tests recently on bike carriers

Arfa__

I managed to pick up one of the posher Thule Euro tow bar mounted racks off ebay a couple of years ago. Highly recommended. Can't remember exact model, but I think it had a list price of £300. I paid about £90 2nd hand. It is quite a bit and heavy unit, but:-

It's a little way back from the rear window, so there's no risk of bikes bashing, rubbing or scratching the car.
It can tilt, with bikes in situ allowing access to the boot. Yep, it looks precarious as hell, but it works a treat! Great if you need to grab a bag out of the boot and you've got 2-3 bikes bolted to back of car.
The number plate /rear lights are all integrated, so no hassle trying to strap some crappy board to back.
It's seriously sold, makes a great foot step to gain access to top box.
Bikes aren't on roof, so less drag, no worries on car parks and no risk of scratching car trying to load/unload bikes.
Bikes are locked in place, so can't be unstrapped and pinched. And Whole thing needs a key to remove from tow ball. Think the cheaper Thule racks you need to buy an additional lock for this.

However, don't overlook the security, I had tea leaf cut through the clamping arm on the Thule rack and pinch a bike, whilst parked up on a camp site. So I'd advise additional security chains.