Considering a means of transporting the bike without getting the inside of the car dirty. Of all the useless things I have studied these thingy-me-jigs haven't been one of them so ignorant questions follow ............

1. What is the advantage of having roof railings fitted to an esate car when it's cheaper just to buy a standard roof rack?

2. Roof mounted v Tow bar, what are the pro's / con's, what would you recommend?

Putting a bike behind the car will make it easier to get on and off without scratching the car, the bike will be less vulnerable to overhanging objects and it should affect fuel consumption less. The advantage of putting the bike on the roof is that it is less vulnerable to damage from other car drivers and you can open the boot without removing the bike first.

Personally I'd always put the bike behind, but you pays yer money. The towball type mounts seem an especially good idea.

Go for normal behind the car rack joby... with the straps rather than the tow bar mount. lighter and easier and most importantly, cheaper
I've used one for years without any damage to the car. Mind you though you should use a bit of pipe lagging and gaffa tape on the rack to stop the bike rubbing on the rack when in transit. Put the bike on first and see where it touches the rack. These are the bits that need covering
Mine cost £25 quid from halfords and I've carried two 40+ pound DH bikes on it with no problems

I use the Pendle wheel support rack for 2 bikes, mounts to tow bar and has a light board built on. Bikes don't touch the car at all. No damage to bikes no damage to car, and easy to fit both to car and bikes to rack.

Check out racks of all kinds @:http://www.roofbox.co.uk/

Give excellent service as well.

I've always used the thule roof mounted bike racks. Unless your bike weighs a ton they are easily the quickest to get your bike on and off with the quick release clamp system onto the frame. You also don't have to bother with extra padding or anything and the extra number plate panel which seems to be required with most rear mounted systems to stay within the law.

Granted they do increase resistance which will mean higher fuel consumption but thats a trade off for ease of use.

I like roof mounted rack made by paddy hopkirk I have a focus estate with roof rails so i paid £20 for the 2 cross rails and 15 for the cycle rack (holds the saddle and bars (i have to spin my shifters 90 deg's to get a good tight grip. the plastic hand nuts (which you use to tighten the clamps are a bit naff i replaced them with big wing nuts and now i have no problem) Also the roof rails come in handy for trips to B&Q and you dont have to wory about a light board, if you have no tow ball its unlikely you will have a 12N lighting socket to power the lights on a light board. and you dont need a second number plate

Guess it's the same with every question on these forums. For each different type of product, we have all said they are the best!!!! Ironic really.

I suppose:

Rear rack is cheap but a bit faffy to use.

A tow bar rack, obviously needs a tow bar and will be more expensive

A roof rack keeps the bikes out the way but increases drag and if you've got a proper bike!! (35+ pounds!!) it would be a bit of a struggle to get them on.


The choice Brian is yours!!!!