bike carrier 

How to choose a tow bar bike carrier ?

Tow bar bike carrier : the easiest to use.
Characteristics:
  • Requires a tow bar
Advantages:
  • Universal product (no vehicle assignment list),
  • Easy attachment of bikes,
  • Easy attachment of bike carrier,
  • The quickest and easiest to install (5 minutes),
  • Ideal for frequent use,
  • No contact with vehicle body,
  • Aerodynamic and therefore reduction in excess fuel consumption (+8% for a Renault Scénic),
  • Can be used to carry any type of bike (large frames, oval frames) without additional accessories (except for the suspended bike carrier),
  • Allows access to roof bars (roof boxes, ski carriers, surfboard carriers, etc.).
Drawbacks:
  • Does not leave the lightboards and registration plates visible (need to purchase a registration plate for platform bike carriers - approximately 10 Euros - and a lightboard + registration plate for suspended bike carriers - approximately 30 Euros),
  • For "suspended" bike carriers, requires purchase of a bike adapter for frames without crossbar,
  • Occupies the tow bar, preventing other uses (trailer, caravan, etc.),
  • Adds the price of the tow bar to the cost of the bike carrier,
  • The bulkiest for storage after use (especially platform bike carriers),
  • Makes parking manoeuvres trickier,
  • Prevents access to the rear door except for swinging bike carriers,
Points to be noted to help you choose:
  • Compliance with NFR or ISO standard,
  • Foldable arms (easy storage and greater safety when the bike carrier is not loaded),
  • Check whether the bike carrier swings to allow access to the rear door even with the bike carriers loaded,
  • Anti-corrosion protection of metal parts (epoxy paint on arms, anti-corrosion treatment of fastenings),
  • Preferably choose frame locks for attachment of your bikes (independent attachment of bikes, quick to install): note that frame locks must be flexible for optimum protection of the paintwork of your bikes,
  • Check the compatibility of the bike carrier with the type (goose neck, screwed plate, etc.) and the diameter of your tow bar.
Recommendations for use:
  • If the bike carrier does not leave the lightborad and/or the registration plate visible, it is compulsory to fit an additional plate (highway code).
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