MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: SteveyD on February 26, 2012, 12:32:22 am

Title: Bike carrier
Post by: SteveyD on February 26, 2012, 12:32:22 am

Alright gang,

I need a cycle carrier for my Mk5, can anyone reccommend one that one damage the externals of my car?

Cheers

Title: Re: Bike carrier
Post by: LouCyffer on February 26, 2012, 08:04:15 am

I assume you mean one that won't damage your car? :grin:

The best approach is a tow bar mounted rack, as it won't touch your car. Not many tow bars on GTIs though...

So you car use roof bars, as long as you mask off your contact points with Helicopter tape (just google it)to protect the paint. I have Thule ones that work just fine.

Finally a rear rack. I've used a Halfords Advanced 3 bike carrier for 1200 miles without a mark. I did mask any contact points with Helicopter tape again. These are £100, but are rigid so no silly straps waving I the slipstream. You can buy my old one for £60  :happy2: or I think Saris Bones work on a GTI.

http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,33526.0.html

Title: Re: Bike carrier
Post by: W8 Performance on February 26, 2012, 08:29:33 am

I have used the halfords advanced one on my octy and it's a good piece of kit. Getting roof bars now though as I want to be able to get into the boot.

Title: Re: Bike carrier
Post by: brookesb32 on February 26, 2012, 09:11:09 am

I have the VW roof bars, work really well teamed with some Thule bike carriers. Always preferred roof carriers as means you can still get to the boot, plus didn't fancy puttin on on the tailgate with straps over the spoiler  :happy2:

Title: Re: Bike carrier
Post by: holland15h on February 26, 2012, 09:40:59 am

i have thule roof bars and a thule 591 with no problems on my 5dr, again just protect the contact points. got my 591 through a ford dealership as it was way cheaper than other places

Title: Re: Bike carrier
Post by: SteveyD on February 27, 2012, 08:52:49 am

Cheers for the replies guys, apologies for the typo courtesy of my iPhone.  I don't think I'd trust myself to put a bike on roof rails.  I can picture my metal pedals leaving bear like scratches in the rear quarter as I lift the bike and attempt a mud covered fittment style fail.

So in short as long as I tape every contact area up I should be fine to use a halfrauds style carrier.  Thanks for the feedback.

P.s the eddy could never have a toe bar fitted  :P

Title: Re: Bike carrier
Post by: ub7rm on February 27, 2012, 09:20:35 am

How many bikes are you looking to carry?  I decided the best option was just to get a tarp and put the bike in the back with the seats down.  Won't work if you want to carry more than one bike or take passengers / luggage obviously.

Title: Re: Bike carrier
Post by: SteveyD on February 27, 2012, 12:17:39 pm

I tried that when I bought my bike and found it to be a nightmare, it was brand new and spotless then.  After a days trek through the Forrest my bike is so dirty that putting it inside is a no go.  A bike rack is the way forward :)

Title: Re: Bike carrier
Post by: LouCyffer on February 27, 2012, 07:07:29 pm

I use one of these to hose the crud off. Low power so it doesn't destroy bearings & suspension seals.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=58018

Title: Re: Bike carrier
Post by: alackofspeed on February 27, 2012, 10:35:27 pm

I've got a hatchbag to stop my filthy bike leaving a mess, and because my dog stinks. Works a treat.

http://www.hatchbag.co.uk/

I've got a tow-bar and rack, but have never fitted the rack to the Golf - I prefer to have the bike in the car from a theft, drag, and hassle factor.