Member Since: 25 Sep 2021
Location: Peterborough
Posts: 59
Roof bars - carrying bikes
Hi All,
Had the Disco for nearly a year now, and still can't settle on how to carry bikes and kit. I've got a cheap towbar 4 bike rack, but it's proper cheap, and my new "long, low and slack" bike is too long for it.
Previously I've always used roof racks, and have a number of Thule 591s in the garage.
I've got some many questions and looking for ideas, experiences etc.
But initially, I like the look of https://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rbvehsel...ar%20black in black (I've got the dark bronze colour with black pack), and wondering if you can fit 3 roof bars if you have the extended roof rails? technically it'll fit, and would make carrying plywood sheets, long boards etc safer and easier, but wondering if anyone has done this.
Also then wondering if 5 bikes on the roof, staggering the bike carriers between the 3 bars would work (if that makes sense), to give me more chance of fitting 5 racks as well as less chance of seats, bars, frames and pedals clashing.Disco 4 2012 HSE, Nara Bronze
Gone but not forgotten
2007 FreeL2 XS, Stornoway Grey
2nd Sep 2022 11:44 am
Beno2
Member Since: 18 Apr 2009
Location: SE
Posts: 994
I think the weight limit is about 70kg. Do your sums and see. But 5 bikes on a discovery I would be very dubious and worriedD3 HSE
2nd Sep 2022 1:33 pm
Rbillington
Member Since: 25 Sep 2021
Location: Peterborough
Posts: 59
Yeah. It was a thought as well, and I know the bars and bike racks need adding in to that weight total as well.
But 3 are lightweight kids bikes. It’s same for a boot rack if I do 4 on the back and one in the boot, the tow bar max weight comes into force.
Thinking that 3 on the roof and 2 on the tow bar may be a good solution. Especially as the kids bikes only ever get bigger, but need a suitable rack for a long carbon framed bike.
My best idea was my bike inside, down the side with the seats in a 2,2,1 format to get 3 kids in. With the 4 other bikes on the tow bar. Just not sure the family agree that sharing a car with a muddy bike is the best.Disco 4 2012 HSE, Nara Bronze
Gone but not forgotten
2007 FreeL2 XS, Stornoway Grey
I went for one of the above with a tow trust fixed bar as the weight with growing twin boys bikes was ony going to get worse.
Rack currently on offer for £300 and then there are all sorts of ways to get a discount
2nd Sep 2022 2:04 pm
Rbillington
Member Since: 25 Sep 2021
Location: Peterborough
Posts: 59
Thought I'd post a reply to my own post, in case it helps anyone else.
Having toyed with lots of different ways of carrying my 5 bikes, I've settled on an American style vertical hitch rack.
A few caveats to this, so won't be for everyone, but it solved my issues with long bikes, carbon frames etc.
1. you need an American hitch receiver
2. This will only carry mountain bikes
3. Its not the easiest rack to load if you're under 6ft or would struggle to lift your bike high enough
Having said that, I love it, and being able to carry 6 full sized mountain bikes is a god send. I also think it looks awesome
Disco 4 2012 HSE, Nara Bronze
Gone but not forgotten
2007 FreeL2 XS, Stornoway Grey
2nd Aug 2023 3:13 pm
Davethegeo
Member Since: 01 Oct 2015
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 912
I use a MaxxRaxx tow bar mounted carrier for five bikes. Very sturdy indeed.D1 300Tdi - gone
D2 Td5 ES (Alive remapped...mmm) - sadly gone
D4 2012 SDV6 XS - Stolen
D4 2014 SDV6 HSE - Shiny
2nd Aug 2023 9:45 pm
bdc6570
Member Since: 02 Oct 2014
Location: Southampton
Posts: 185
I love my front runner rack!
13th Sep 2023 7:41 am
RogB
Member Since: 15 Jun 2018
Location: Mansfield
Posts: 1729
I think for 5 bikes I would prefer to get a suitably sized box trailer and tie them down in that.
1 - 3 bikes on a rear rack is one thing but 5 would scare me too much2011 D4 XS 305 MY12 - gone but not forgotten
I carry 4 on the roof during caravan season and then use a towbar rack over the winter.
14th Sep 2023 8:51 am
SPO
Member Since: 26 Aug 2021
Location: West Midlands
Posts: 22
RBillington,
In the first post, you ask the question as to whether it would be possible to fit 3 roof bars to extended roof rails. I'm interested in doing the same - did you ever try this, and if so, were there any problems with it?
5th Sep 2024 1:47 pm
Rbillington
Member Since: 25 Sep 2021
Location: Peterborough
Posts: 59
So far, not needed to. Still my plan, but as yet not needed the roof rack for anything.Disco 4 2012 HSE, Nara Bronze
Gone but not forgotten
2007 FreeL2 XS, Stornoway Grey
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