Bike rack for my MK1 Focus

Garyj881 · 18 Jul 2010 at 23:02

I need some advice on purchasing a bike rack for my Focus. I went to Halfords and looked at THIS one but I didn't like how it strapped down as the bottom straps went under the bumper meaning I wouldn't be able to open the boot with it fitted. I have just looked on ebay and found THIS one and the straps just go under the tails gate and is a bit cheaper too.

I will be putting two full sized MTB's and a childs bike on the rack, I was also thinking of a getting a roof rack but that's going to cost twice as much.

alexx · 18 Jul 2010 at 23:18

towbar mounted is what id opt for, those other ones would always put doubt in my mind

andi · 19 Jul 2010 at 00:08

Towbar is the best, but is very expensive, especially if you haven't got the tow bar already.

Saris Bones are supposedly the best boot mount racks, but the 3 bike one is £120.

Garyj881 · 19 Jul 2010 at 11:14

I've had a look into the tow bar mounted ones, I didn't know they even existed. They are going for reasonable prices on e-bay, just need to get a tow bar first, again see if I can get a second hand one.

platypus · 19 Jul 2010 at 11:50

Hmm I need a bike rack and sharpish too. I'd like to get a towbar one but I'm not sure we could get a towbar fitted in time.

Jonny ///M · 20 Jul 2010 at 20:00

I've fitted a few saris bones racks. They're rather adjustable,light and secure enough.

Pendle racks are also quite sturdy but are heavier than the bones racks.

platypus · 21 Jul 2010 at 10:10

Ooooh we're in Pendle this weekend. Might go and have a butchers.

platypus · 5 Aug 2010 at 11:52

Ok well I've got a Pendle rack just arrived. Can't say I'm impressed by its sturdy looks, will fit it at lunch time and see how it fares.

Nexus · 5 Aug 2010 at 14:14

Is this one of those racks with all the straps you have to use to secure it?

I've got a Paddy Hopkirk one I bought some years ago from Halfords for my Focus. Never really got on with it very well. The bottom straps always come out of mount holes underneath the car. Also, it had a number plate carrier, so your plate was visible. I had an extra one made up and attached it to the car, only for it to fly off while going about 60mph, it ended up getting crushed by the car behind when I went back to find it.

I've since resorted to always just putting the seats down and putting my bikes inside, which is usually quite awkward.

I notice Thule do some, which may be a bit better.

platypus · 5 Aug 2010 at 14:22

It is, but it comes highly recommended on BikeRadar et al. I'd be happy to put the bike inside, but with two bikes and luggage there just isn't room.

rhysduck · 5 Aug 2010 at 15:45

Nexus said:
I notice Thule do some, which may be a bit better.

Me and my biking mate put together a Thule 9503 on Tuesday. Took about 45mins to put it together.
Fixing to the towbar is a breeze with the included spanner/wrench.
Only thing to note is that you need to buy a thule lock (about £10) and a number plate.
I'll report back after we've used it for the weekend.

PS: £120 for the 3bike version.

platypus · 5 Aug 2010 at 15:52

I wanted a Thule towbar one, sadly no towbar.