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Hello,

I bought a high cycle carrier for the back of the car, as I dont want to use a trailer board. When it is fitted, the bikes still seem to hide the lights, as the wheels are in front of them. Am I doing something wrong? It is the Halfords one.

Oh, and the car is a Vectra estate.

Thanks

cj :)

Many of them assume that you will remove the wheels and either hook and strap them onto the prongs that project from the carrier or carry them inside the car.  Most bikes are longer than cars are wide so it's best not to have anything projecting from the sides of the car if you can help it.  Taking the wheels off also means that you can swing the handle bars around so that the bikes pack flatter onto the rack (assuming flat bars).

Si, that sounds like an idea. I will check how difficult/time consuming it wil be to remove the wheels. If things dont work out, I may exchange it for the roof carrier ones, but I am worried it will be a bit (lot) of a struggle getting the bikes up that high.

Off to find my spanners.......

cj :)

You can always buy some quick release nuts for the wheels, just got a new bike with release front myself and it's a doddle :)

Quote from: carolinej on August 27, 2007, 18:06:31
Si, that sounds like an idea. I will check how difficult/time consuming it wil be to remove the wheels. If things dont work out, I may exchange it for the roof carrier ones, but I am worried it will be a bit (lot) of a struggle getting the bikes up that high.

Off to find my spanners.......

cj :)

low lifter roof racks are availible - these have an arm that swings down and you put the bike on it by the side of the car, then swing the arm back up and lock it in place.  But they are a little more expensive than the normal ones.

I have roof mounted racks on my car (Pug 106) because we have a tandem so it won't fit on a rear mounted rack.  We don't really have much trouble getting it up there - those small cheap plastic box steps that you can get from the pound shop can help with reach.  But there again you may have a taller car than us!

Si, where can I get one of those low lifter ones? I will need it by thursday evening though ???

cj :)

i have one of the cycle racks that attaches to the tow bar on my car. this also covers my back lights and number plate. I have a towing plate that I attach to the bikes and this allows for my lights and number plate to be seen. They cost about £15 from most car shops(all depends on whether you have a towing hook)

Thanks for the reply, but unfortunately, I dont have a tow hitch. :'(

cj :)

Problem sorted. The bikes have quick release wheels. If we take the wheel off the bottom bike, and set the bars really high, all the lights and registration plate are visible.

Thanks for all the advice ;D

cj :)

I used to use a cycle carrier with the Lada saloon, I then changed to a Skoda Felicia Estate. I found that I didn't need the carrier as I could take the front wheel out and it would fit inside (with 2/3 seat folded down). It's much better than having it hanging on the rear. I can actually get three bikes inside with myself and two passengers, very useful for car assisted club runs. We shall shortly be doing a club run, driving out about 40 miles, park at the Forestry Office, cycle around 8 miles off road in Thetford Chase, lunch at a pub, 8 miles back (off road) and drive home.

Sounds like fun!

cj :)