Roof racks or Tow bar ?

After driving under some shadecloth to park my car, thereby removing my roof-mounted bicycle and placing it through my rear windscreen I must say that I prefer tow-bar mounted racks.

They're also quieter and better for fuel consumption. They do block the view out of the rear window, but at least I'm never going to forget that there's a bike attached to my car 🙂

with a roof mounted rack you are more lickely to scratch the car and or bike when putting it up there. I investigated this option and whent for the rear mounted bike rack. But dont kid yourself that it's THAT much more aerodynamic, in my car that has little torque I feel the extra drag.

For longer trips I now have a luggage trailer with a bike mount on the lid. I can carry 4 bikes on there and the luggage in the trailer thereby taking alot of the strain off the car.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by MidBunchLurker
After driving under some shadecloth to park my car, thereby removing my roof-mounted bicycle and placing it through my rear windscreen I must say that I prefer tow-bar mounted racks.

They're also quieter and better for fuel consumption. They do block the view out of the rear window, but at least I'm never going to forget that there's a bike attached to my car 🙂

Thoughts of Chevy Chase in the National Lampoons movie "Vacation" did spring to mind with a roof mounted bike.
If your not familiar with it, he loaded all the bags on the roof and then drove out of the garage with similar results as yours.
Thanks for the tip.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Kona_Blue
Hi all,
I've got a Subaru Liberty sedan. The boot is large enough to accomodate my bike if I pull both wheels off, but this does not allow much room for other things if we are going away for the weekend. I guess the alternatives are the roof rack or the towbar rack.
I'm a bit paranoid about putting the bike on the back in case of being rear ended.
What are your experiences ???

I think if you are the forgetful type you will eventually damage your bike whether you put it on top or on the back. Being rear ended is pretty remote. More likely might be someone trying to parallel park behind you and not judging well.

For some reason rear racks seem to be attached less permanently. I've seen people who remove their bikes then remove the rack and put it inside the car. I guess they feel it can be stolen too easily. My roof rack is bolted and the bolts are covered by locks so it's pretty secure. Also you can lock your bike to it. Plus it carries other equip like my skis, etc. Most roof racks also allow you to add a storage container which gives you more storage for a longer road trip.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by cycleboy
I think if you are the forgetful type you will eventually damage your bike whether you put it on top or on the back. Being rear ended is pretty remote. More likely might be someone trying to parallel park behind you and not judging well.

For some reason rear racks seem to be attached less permanently. I've seen people who remove their bikes then remove the rack and put it inside the car. I guess they feel it can be stolen too easily. My roof rack is bolted and the bolts are covered by locks so it's pretty secure. Also you can lock your bike to it. Plus it carries other equip like my skis, etc. Most roof racks also allow you to add a storage container which gives you more storage for a longer road trip.

Very good point about the roof racks and the storage container. Thanks for the tip.