Bike Carrier Test

We rate eight of the best buys for carrying bikes when out and about in your car...

Auto Express Car Reviews

June 2008

Getting on your bike is a great way to keep fit and enjoy the summer, but no one wants to cycle round a traffic-choked town. So strap your two-wheeler to the back of your car and head to the country.

Options include roof and tow-bar mounted racks, but for this test we picked strap-on carriers. These are the choice for the occasional user, as they’re relatively easy to fit and store, and don’t need extra parts, such as a tow ball or roof bars.

The racks use either straps or clamps – both do the same job, but attach to your car differently. You also get high or low-mounted racks. The former can cause problems with overhead clearance, plus hit fuel economy, while the latter can obscure your tail-lamps, so you’ll have to add a lightboard.

The Test

Time was a key factor – no one wants to spend ages fitting a carrier. So we noted how long each took to build out of the box, and rated the instructions.

We fitted each to a Citroen Saxo and did a full road test. The number of bikes handled wasn’t vital, as most have sister racks that take more or less. But we preferred those that didn’t obscure the lights or number plate. Price was our final consideration.

Verdict

Halfords’ Rear Mount 3 Cycle Carrier wins, as it was easy to fit and held the bikes out of the way. Sealing the deal are its user-friendly features. The firm’s Rear Low Mount 2 Cycle Carrier does the job perfectly, but with less extras, and comes third. Splitting the two is the Mont Blanc Hi Mount 3 Cycle Carrier, which is ready to go out of the box.

Contacts
Halfords, 0845 7626625, www.halfords.com
Pendle, 01282 699555, www.pendle-bike.co.uk
Thule, 01275 340404, www.thule.co.uk
Mont Blanc, 01525 850800, www.montblancuk.co.uk