Towbar mounted cycle carrier - do you remove it?

Skiprat · 31 May 2020 at 06:55

After some advice folks, might be a daft question. I’m getting a towbar Carrier - Thule velospace Txt or compact for 4 bikes. If for example we take the kids out for the day with the bikes do people remove the carrier and place in the boot? ( I know it’s only possible with the compact)

cheers

SoliD · 31 May 2020 at 07:24

I just leave mine locked on the car if it's away from home, presuming these options will have a lock. It's not the strongest but I can't see anyone being so desperate they'd come along and spend time breaking the lock to try to nick it unless you visit some really dodgy areas.

Skiprat · 31 May 2020 at 11:56

Thanks @SoliD thats what I was thinking, just that guy in the shop mentioned he packs his away which made me curious what the norm is.

SoliD · 31 May 2020 at 16:59

Skiprat said:
Thanks @SoliD thats what I was thinking, just that guy in the shop mentioned he packs his away which made me curious what the norm is.

I think you'd have to be away from the car for quite a while in the middle of nowhere for someone to think Mmm I might pinch that. Could always put another lock around something fixed to the car if you were really worried. I've left mine overnight at hotels multiple times and don't ever think about it.

TallPaul_S · 1 Jun 2020 at 15:58

If I'm out riding I leave mine on the car, mine has a lock on the knob that tightens it to the towbar so you can't remove it.

Foghorn Leghorn · 1 Jun 2020 at 16:37

For the sake of 5 minutes I put mine in the car. Going to be interesting getting 3-4 bikes home if someone steals it.

#Chri5# · 1 Jun 2020 at 17:37

The locking arm / bolt on my towbar rack has a padlock loop, so I have a small padlock which then locks it onto the towball. I just looked back on MS Money - I purchased my rack in 2005 (!) so it's spent a long time on public display in car parks (anything from a city centre one in Leeds for the Tour de Yorkshire sportive) to more remote ones in National Parks. Never had anyone mess with it.

Skiprat · 1 Jun 2020 at 19:40

Went for the velospace so putting in the boot no longer a realistic option. It does have a lock on the attaching arm so hopefully will be enough. It’ll be mostly used to visit parks etc when we can. Cheers for the feedback.

kefkef · 3 Jun 2020 at 11:36

I have the roof carrier, but a mate has the towbar mounted one. Main reason he takes his off is that it protudes beyond the rear of the car and if people arent concentrating they may not see it if reversing close to his car. He had one bent a few years ago, luckily captured on CCTV so after a fair bit of hassle through the police he got reimbursed by the person who did it.

Skiprat · 3 Jun 2020 at 19:12

Hopefully I’ll try an reverse into a spot if I can find one, front end will still stick out though.

iMacMart · 6 Jun 2020 at 05:28

Any descent roof to bike carriers? Pref one that can carry 4+ bikes?

Skiprat · 6 Jun 2020 at 07:28

@iMacMart i think you just by them in singles, roofbox.co.uk seem good and you get discount on multiples. Can’t help you on which one I’m afraid.

iMacMart · 6 Jun 2020 at 08:27

Skiprat said:
@iMacMart i think you just by them in singles, roofbox.co.uk seem good and you get discount on multiples. Can’t help you on which one I’m afraid.

Ah gotcha, thanks

{SAS}TB · 7 Jun 2020 at 20:47

iMacMart said:
Any descent roof to bike carriers? Pref one that can carry 4+ bikes?

I have 4x Thule 598s - very happy with them