|
S60 & V60 '11-'18 / XC60 '09-'17 General Forum for the P3-platform 60-series models |
Information |
|
Volvo Official Tow Bar Bike RackViews : 2525 Replies : 20Users Viewing This Thread : |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
Jun 3rd, 2018, 10:48 | #1 |
Junior Member
Last Online: Jul 21st, 2023 17:48
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: abcd
|
Volvo Official Tow Bar Bike Rack
Are there any advantages in buying the official Volvo tow bar mounted bike rack?
I assume it is a rebranded product from Thule or Witter? BACK STORY: I recently ordered an Altera Strada unit but it arrived in such a damaged box I have rejected it on the basis that the rack could be damaged as well. As the Altera doesn't have any product protection inside the box I'm not about to order another one - therefore on the hunt for a different 3 bike unit. |
Jun 3rd, 2018, 14:46 | #2 |
Senior Member
Last Online: May 19th, 2021 11:48
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Swansea
|
The original volvo one is actually made by Thule.
Eg the compact (ie expandable) 3 bike one is exactly equivalent to a Thule veloCompact 926 with 13-pin plug and fog light. Sells for around £500. The more easily come by 7-pin plug model is off the shelf in places like Halfords/decathlon, etc and known as the velocompact 927. Exactly the same except for the 13pin plug and no foglight. I would buy a £4 foglight from ebay and replace the 7-pin for a 13pin plug if I wanted the extra light. Halfords offer for the moment at £389 http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike...elocompact-927 Good thing about Halfords is that their discounts are often cumulative, so can end up saving even more - eg if you are a member of 'British Cycling' you would get another 10% off anything you buy there, even if already using another code or sale price. Roofracks.co.uk about £370 |
The Following User Says Thank You to 1monkey600 For This Useful Post: |
Jun 3rd, 2018, 22:53 | #3 |
Volvo is now in my blood
Last Online: Apr 20th, 2024 21:22
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Guildford
|
The downside of having a Volvo branded one (I have the Volvo branded 931 and 929 G6 LED), is that if you require assistance/spares or have a question, Thule tell you to go to your Volvo dealer.
They simply will not deal with you. It's been real pain in the ass.
__________________
XC90 Ex Demo (Rugged Urban & High Spec) XC60 R-Design L/Nav - WPack, Heated SW, P Gl V70 R-Design - Heated Seats, Powered Tailgate |
The Following User Says Thank You to noodle1066 For This Useful Post: |
Jun 3rd, 2018, 22:59 | #4 |
Premier Member
Last Online: Today 00:22
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: North of Hadrian's Wall & South of Antonine's Wall
|
I have an Altera Strada and it's a great bit of kit, I would happily buy another if required
__________________
MY2010 XC90 SE (M66-manual) Magic Blue (467) Sold MY1997 850 GLT (62,000 miles) Silver Sand (419) MY2005 V70 2.5T (66,000 miles) Willow Green (471) Volvo 850 GLT website |
Jun 4th, 2018, 19:07 | #5 |
Junior Member
Last Online: Jul 21st, 2023 17:48
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: abcd
|
I had done a lot of research and selected the Altera Strada as the best but when the parcel turns up like the attached pictures I wonder whether to trust my bikes to a product that doesn't have any protection in the packaging. If I order another one it's likely to be delivered using the same courier and equally abused. There is a good choice of Thule products I can see and buy at Halfords.
|
Jun 4th, 2018, 19:50 | #6 |
Member
Last Online: Mar 19th, 2022 14:55
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Edinburgh
|
I have always used Thule bike carriers and cannot recommend them highly enough, incredibly well made and good prices if you shop around.
__________________
XC60 D5 AWD SE Lux Nav Auto, 2017 Family Pack, Winter Pack, Panoramic Sunroof. |
Jun 4th, 2018, 19:56 | #7 | |
Junior Member
Last Online: Jul 21st, 2023 17:48
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: abcd
|
Quote:
I'm now quite confused with the Thule choice - I need to do some more research as I want something to last a few years. Son number 1 is into biking and I'm keen but not able, Mrs. B insists that she would like to join us but has no bike! So choosing the right one (2 or 3 bike), long wheelbase, maybe an e-bike for me - will keen me busy for a while |
|
Jun 4th, 2018, 21:03 | #8 |
Senior Member
Last Online: May 19th, 2021 11:48
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Swansea
|
I use the velocompact 927 that I mentioned above. I carry the other half's 23kg e-bike and the kid's two aluminium road bikes on it. (Max allowed load is 60kg, max allowed single bike is 25kg)
There is the option for a 4th bike on it (with additional accessory) but I prefer to carry my carbon bike on the roof to avoid clamping the carbon tubes. Once you get used to the way it does it, there is no problem with tilting the rack down to open the boot. It uses a foot pedal to do most of the work. The velo compact part means the lights and wheel clamps slide inwards so that the carrier narrows down enough that it can easily be chucked in the boot if required (eg if you have to leave the car parked up somewhere dodgy) |
The Following User Says Thank You to 1monkey600 For This Useful Post: |
Jun 4th, 2018, 21:16 | #9 |
Premier Member
Last Online: Today 00:22
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: North of Hadrian's Wall & South of Antonine's Wall
|
The tilt mechanism on the Altera Strada is one of the reasons I bought mine, this is it on the back of my old Range Rover which has a much larger lower tailgate than the XC90 and there's loads of room to get into the boot with a bike/bikes on the rack
__________________
MY2010 XC90 SE (M66-manual) Magic Blue (467) Sold MY1997 850 GLT (62,000 miles) Silver Sand (419) MY2005 V70 2.5T (66,000 miles) Willow Green (471) Volvo 850 GLT website |
The Following User Says Thank You to 4x4 For This Useful Post: |
Jun 5th, 2018, 18:25 | #10 |
Premier Member
Last Online: Today 00:22
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: North of Hadrian's Wall & South of Antonine's Wall
|
Up early this morning and loaded the XC90 with bikes then spent the day with a couple of mates cycling round the Isle of Arran... lovely day
__________________
MY2010 XC90 SE (M66-manual) Magic Blue (467) Sold MY1997 850 GLT (62,000 miles) Silver Sand (419) MY2005 V70 2.5T (66,000 miles) Willow Green (471) Volvo 850 GLT website |
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | |
|
|