I'm going to get a bike rack and can't quite decide between roof mounted or a carrier that attaches to a tow bar. I've got the roof bars and will take a roof box as well when we go on holiday, but could just about fit 3 bikes (2 adults' and one child's) on as well.

The roof mounted option is better value, as I don't need to buy a tow bar and bike rack, but I have slight concerns over noise and drag of the bikes being on the roof.

Has anyone used roof mounted racks and what are the downsides of them?

Cheers
Andy

Biggest downside of a roof system is getting the bikes actually up there. Towbar is much more convenient and we actually use the carrier more often as it isn't such a faff getting the bikes loaded. However when we all use a bike then we have to have one on the roof anyway. No great noise from the roof mounted bike, makes more noise if you run around with the roof bars and carriers there without a bike (using a Thule system - others may not be as noisy)

Simon

I have a roof mounted bike rack - lifting to height of roof is hard work, risk of scratching car and wind noise annoying - I would go for tow bar mount next time  Wanted a Series 2 LR since childhood but previously owned MY16 Disco Sport HSE TD4 Auto, MY13 RR Sport Black Edition TDV6 Auto, MY10 RR Sport HSE TDV6 Auto, 2007 Freelander 1 Freestyle TD4 Soft Top, 2009 Freelander 2 GS TD4 Auto, 2007 Freelander 2 GS TD4, 2004 Disco 2 Metropolis Auto, 2002 Disco 2 GS, 2000 Freelander 1 SE TD4 SW

Still hoping for a S2 one day!

I think the tow bar option is probably better, but trying to buy a removable tow bar on ebay has been a challenge to say the least and I don't fancy spending close to 400 quid on a new one from the dealer.

Another thought, if I get a tow bar mounted rack, can I just plug in the electrics to the car and away I go (MY2011 car) or do I need any wiring sorting out?

Will I need 13 pin or 7 pin connector?

Cheers

AndyCh wrote:

Another thought, if I get a tow bar mounted rack, can I just plug in the electrics to the car and away I go (MY2011 car) or do I need any wiring sorting out?

Will I need 13 pin or 7 pin connector?

Cheers

I'd be interested if anyone can come up with adoption less than the or spec bike rack for £1039.00 

Siberianfox wrote:

I'd be interested if anyone can come up with adoption less than the or spec bike rack for £1039.00

Ha I did have my hair done yesterday so now I'm fully blonde so forgive me
Bloody iPad
I'd be interested if anyone can come up with an option of the non LR specced bike rack which in total would be £1039.00 

PF Jones in Manchester do a kit with the towbar and electrics for around £350 - ish. A Thule bike rack will cost about £130 from halfords.

There are threads on here about wiring these things up, IIRC the loom is plug and play to connectors in the boot. Possibly you need the stealers to set the CCF to know it is there and then the rear PDC will shut down automatically when you select reverse if something is connected to the rear electrics

Foxy, glad to hear it isn't just my iPad, I have to check everything twice with this thing

Thule or any bike rack in halfords don't fit the rrs I've checked  

Thule, who make the removable one for LR , now do their own as it is outwith the 5 year licence, I got mine supplied and fitted for 300 quid, try your local towbar specialist. Thule racks start at about £130. MY10 TDV6 SE (debadged ), Santorini Black, Flappy paddles, Privacy Glass, 20" Stormers, Mudflaps!

Gone: a comprehensive list of imprezas and a Merc ML AMG

Siberianfox wrote:

Thule or any bike rack in halfords don't fit the rrs I've checked

£130 3 bike rack made by Thule bought from halfords fits the RRS - I used one without any issues

Siberianfox wrote:

Thule or any bike rack in halfords don't fit the rrs I've checked

Do you mean the towbar one?? Mine does MY10 TDV6 SE (debadged ), Santorini Black, Flappy paddles, Privacy Glass, 20" Stormers, Mudflaps!

Gone: a comprehensive list of imprezas and a Merc ML AMG