Whether you’re a seasoned rider heading off for a winter training camp or a biking beginner embracing a new cycling passion, then you may be considering a tow-ball mounted cycle carrier for your vehicle. As luck would have it, the team at Bosal can offer you some useful pointers to help steer you – quite literally – in the right direction.
So, it’s pretty cold outside and daylight hours are too few and far between, but that’s not going to curb your enthusiasm for the great outdoors, particularly when it comes to your two wheels. You’ve got the bike but now need something to transport it. What is the best cycle carrier for you and your car?
There are essentially three types of cycle carrier available: rear mounted, either attaching to the boot or hatchback; roof mounted, attaching to roof bars; or tow point mounted, attaching to either a tow bar or tow ball.
The rear mounted rack is perhaps the most common type used and can be used for transporting multiple bicycles; however, despite its simplicity, there are a few cons to watch out for. It can seem a little wobbly while in use – even the most secure rear mounted carriers – and should you need to make a stop-off anywhere en route to access your boot, you may be a bit scuppered. Its basic design, with the metal frame sitting against the back of the car, means you won’t be able to open the boot with the rack still attached.
Roof-mounted cycle carriers simply clamp to your car’s roof bars that run laterally. However, it’s important to bear in mind that some dealer supplied bars are also not suitable. You’ll also need to remember to top and tail the bikes — alternating the way each is pointing — to get the most out of roof space and pack on as much as is feasible, which requires a bit of physical strength. What’s perhaps also worth bearing in mind is the ability to remember that the bikes are up there whilst driving, otherwise that trip to a multi-storey car park could prove to be a costly slip-up. It has been known to happen more often than you might imagine!
That leaves the tow bar mounted cycle carrier, a piece of kit that clamps securely to the car, providing very stable and easy access to your bikes. In the past, they were sometimes known for being relatively heavy and cumbersome, but modern tow point mounted carriers fold for slightly easier storage or have adopted strong yet minimalist designs to overcome these cons. Like rear mounted racks, the old type prevented access to the boot once the bikes were installed; however many modern carriers now tilt as one — even with bikes fitted — so getting to the boot isn’t an issue.
Tow bar mounted carriers are known to be possibly the most safe and secure way to transport bikes, and also make it quick and easy to load bikes – it can carry up to four of them at any one time!
In order to fit a tow point mounted carrier, you will need a tow bar or tow ball, but if your car already has one then they provide a fantastic option to transport your bike or family of bikes. There are two types of tow ball – ‘bolt on’ and ‘swan neck’, and are less expensive to fit than you might think – check out the ‘Tow bars’ section on our website or phone our experts on 0800 374710 for further information.
Tow bar mounted cycle carriers: why Bosal?
Outstanding safety features
- Solid build quality
- Practical versatility
- Features include:
- anti-theft security
- lockable frame holders
- multi-function connectors
- optional push-on ramps
For more information, interviews or images please contact:
Claire Brown or Kimberley Hornby, Hornby Whitefoot PR
Tel: 07787 505963 E-mail:claire@hornbywhitefootpr.co.uk
Tel: 01858 681122 E-mail: kimberley@hornbywhitefootpr.co.uk