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Strap On Bike Racks
NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.
Hi All,
I am looking for a strap on bike rack for my Mazda 3 Hatch.
I cannot get a towbar so that is not an option.
I would be carrying 3 bikes at most, more likely to be one or two.
any advice is appreciated.
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I've got a Mazda three hatch and I use the Thule 591 carrier that clamps onto the frame. This fits both mountain bikes as well as my road bike. It is so simple and fast I love it.
I've also got a couple of the cheap Torpedo 7 bike carriers on my camper. You have to take the front wheel off, but they do the job nicely- but no where near the quality of the Thule
I have the Thule 591 as well for my Mazda 3 MPS and they are a dream to use, easily $ for $ the most valuable piece of kit I have bought this year. I have two bike racks on mine and its a simple case of lifting the bike on to the roof of the car, strapping the wheels and frame down and away you go.
The Saris Bones is a good option for this, just Google it.
I suggest whatever this guy is using is safe enough
From http://www.cyclelicio.us/2010/how-much-do-you-tr...
I have Thule racks on my Golf and can comfortably fit 3 bikes.
I have the Thule 591 on the roof of the car and they work well.
This is likely to be more of an expensive option if you require roof racks as well though, likely to be north of $500 (maybe up to $700??) for new stuf. It does make it very versatile though as it might be possible to add a roof box as well (or instead of) bike rack(s)
If you go this way, just be aware the 591 does allow the bike to "wobble" a bit which is a bit disconcerting to begin with but you get use to it. I do drive a bit more carefully when the bikes are on, esp. over speed bumps and similar.
we have a saris bones on our honda civic.
picked it up off e-bay and has been very good for 2 years now.
we only carry 2 bikes on it, and i'd be hesitant about putting 3 on there as it can bump around a touch if you're going over bumpy ground
Just shy of $800 for mine, which included the roof racks, bike racks x 2 and fitment.
Money well spent imo.
got one if you need it, fits 3 bikes and sits perfectly on the back of any car - hatchbacks and 4wds too.
doesnt get used much since i only need to move 1 bike these days...
I'd rather go for a strap on bike rack for several reasons:
1. don't like the look of roof racks
2. strap on racks are significantly cheaper
3. driving into my garage and forgetting my bike is on the roof
4. i am short and reaching up to the roof is difficult
5. running out of excuses....
I read some scathing reviews of the Saris Bones 3 on MTBR.
Anyone got or used a Thule Clipon 9104 ?
I'm not a fan either of roof. I have a used a hatch mounting one that you can have for $40. I'm a Thornleigh. It will carry 3 bikes. I now have a toe ball mounted one. I have no idea what brand it is but it's never caused any problems with my (and friends) bikes.
I can get a photo if you really want to be a pain, but it's there and I don't need it, and your not far. I'll hire it to you for $20 deposit and $15 a year if you like.
Gets the bikes out of the way of getting things in and out of the back of the car as well as the number plate. Easy to mount, secure, I can use the racks for other stuff and there are also a bunch of other mounts for extra luggage, surfcraft, etc. Getting your head into a "remember you have an extra few feet above you" was something I was concerned about but I seem to click into gear when the bike is on the roof.
Definitely not cheap to begin with but will last forever and I can swap most of it if I buy a different car.
The Thule Freeway Strap-on will fit most hatchbacks and it's economical and easy to attach. Will fit 3 bikes but probably 2 Mtb's.
I got mine from the Thule shop in Botany, see their range of strap/clip on's here: http://thulestorebotany.com.au/strap-on-clip-on-...
Mine's been as far as Mogo and back with no problems..