4 bike carrier... any ideas ?

[longie]

Hi All,

I currently have a 3 bike carrier attached to the back of the car (no towbar), but now need a 4 bike carrier. Any ideas ? I assume I will need to go for a towbar ??

Could I go for a roof rack ? or is it a max 3 bikes ?

Help needed !

Thanks

[jay clock]

Atera Strada with extra rail to increase to 4 bikes. 60kg max. Superb piece of kit

[stu0710]

Here is my car with a non-Volvo removable tow-bar and an Atera Strada bike rack - note that with 4 bikes it also needs a stabilising strap which I attach to a single roof bar.



The cost of the tow-bar and carrier are likely to be £700+ but this is by far the safest way to carry multiple bikes. Being only 5''8" I would find the roof option more of a hassle and with more likelihood of damaging the car. Also there is the possibility of forgetting that there are bikes on the roof with the ensuing disastrous consequences (my brother in law caused £1500 worth of damage to a new company car like this). Fuel consumption is much better with bikes on a tow-bar mounted carrier too.


Regarding weight limits - the roof is 100Kg and the nose weight on the tow-bar is either 75 or 100Kg, plus you have to bear in mind that a tow-bar bike rack is 15Kg without bikes.

[polsesnabb]

I transport our bikes on the roof, using Thule´s bike carrier. It is absolutely no hassle at all. You don´t have to be tall to lift the bikes, but you must be able to lift them arms straight over your head. You just put the wheels in their place, and tilt the bike upright until it is nested in the fork of the carrier. It is really quite easy and secure, I have never experienced any difficulties or near accidents.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n3d0M004cQ