Bike Rack and Gin

[davB]

Number 1 son has suddenly become interested in mountain biking and that's meant attaching a Saris plastic rack to my wife's car. A good solution until my wife then demands to use my Mighty XC60. And, as I might be keeping my XC60 at the end of the PCP deal (see other thread) I was wondering about the extremely expensive option of adding a genuine Volvo towbar and a bike rack.

The main Volvo website doesn't mention the prices - at the very least I need the towbar (which is why I suspect the amount is eye watering or at least demands a pint of gin).

Anyone had this done? (towbar not the gin)

Oh and with Polestar I suspect you have tell your insurance company so they can inflate your premium even more (completely off-topic but then my mind is apt to wander).

[aidanthomson]

Putting a tow bar on my V60 didn’t cost any extra on my insurance was just noted under modification.

I have a Thule 3 bike carrier which has been great so far.

[Gadgetman]

Hi, I had a similar situation. I ended up getting an independent towbar specialist to fit a brink removable towbar £400. They told me brink make the OEM volvo one (£700) it’s very similar but not identical. I then got the silver plastic cover that goes over the bumper from my volvo dealer for around £12 ish. The independent towbar specialist fitted it all. He did have to cut 1cm from the cover to fit around the square part of the towbar when the hitch is removed (I hope that makes sense) all in all I’m really pleased with the job they did. It looks very professional. I then got a Thule rake on amazon for £150 for me it’s great as we use our bikes quite a bit and I have a trailer. Hope this helps?

[Tannaton]

Some in insurers are hot on tow bars, some don't care, best be safe and tell them.

With regard to the bike rack - your better option might be a Thule Roof Bar system and bike carrier. The benefits are that if you change the car you just need to get a new foot pack (in most cases) and you don't need to tilt/remove it to open the tailgate. Probably costs less than a tow bar too.

[Whyman]

I use a Saris bones 3 on my XC60 when towing the caravan. A bit awkward when hitching up but doable with care. I had to buy an extra set of straps to go over the spoiler. Shouldn't be a problem for you with one bike.

Not a perfect solution but better than a set of roof bars unless you are built like Charles Atlas and 6' 6" tall or are happy to carry a step ladder. And then there is the wind noise and the flies and bugs all over the bike when you have finished driving. And also remember they are on the roof when entering car parks with height barriers!

I do prefer a Thule towbar mounted rack which I use when not towing the van.

[SwissXC90]

I'm 6ft 2" and have both Thule roofrack bike rack and towbar mounted bike rack

Towbar wins all the time - so much more convienient, no height issues to deal with

[Bonefishblues]

Originally Posted by SwissXC90

I'm 6ft 2" and have both Thule roofrack bike rack and towbar mounted bike rack

Towbar wins all the time - so much more convienient, no height issues to deal with

This, Thule, Pendle and others make good ones.

[wimorrison]

I am also over 6’ and couldn’t get on with the roof mounted bars I had as getting a bike on requires me to stand on the door ledge - changed to a Thule to what mounted rack and haven’t looked back since, brilliant bit of kit.

[TobyAnscombe]

£700 for a detachable tow-bar (had them on my last 3 XC60's)
£250 for a Thule bike rack (have a 2 bike one to sell if you are interested)

Polestar - at what point does it become a factory option? I'm currently going through the pain of insurance renewals (my god, how much!) and none of the major sites have an option for it... It normally ends up in the "other" category which means ringing and speaking to someone...

gin - currently Sacred Cardamon with ginger beer...

[SwissXC90]

Also the Thule foldaway bike rack is a real mans bike rack:

Small and folded up when not needed
Strong and fully extended when it needs to get the job done