'Hitch' Bicycle carrier

obi604

Hello,

Looking to buy a 'Hitch' Bicycle carrier.
For 2 to 3 bikes.

Can anyone recommend one?
I don't even know what brand names exist in this area.

Not looking for a super fancy one, just a basic one that does the job.

Don't Chute!

I got this one https://www.google.ie/search?q=thule+970+xpress+2-bike+towball+carrier&client=safari&hl=en-ie&prmd=ivsn&sxsrf=ACYBGNRkXHLoNXvMDYBtLjeU-Rs30OQ29g:1568654291444&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiKlsTO7NXkAhVHTxUIHZ3ZDPgQ_AUoAXoECA0QAQ&biw=1024&bih=666 in halfords a few years ago. Very handy to install. Takes seconds.

obi604

Don't Chute! wrote: »

I got this one https://www.google.ie/search?q=thule+970+xpress+2-bike+towball+carrier&client=safari&hl=en-ie&prmd=ivsn&sxsrf=ACYBGNRkXHLoNXvMDYBtLjeU-Rs30OQ29g:1568654291444&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiKlsTO7NXkAhVHTxUIHZ3ZDPgQ_AUoAXoECA0QAQ&biw=1024&bih=666 in halfords a few years ago. Very handy to install. Takes seconds.

Thanks. My knowledge of these is limited.

How does the device stay on the hitch without rocking from side to side or back and forward? Is the fit to the hitch a vise like grip.

iwillhtfu

obi604 wrote: »

Thanks. My knowledge of these is limited.

How does the device stay on the hitch without rocking from side to side or back and forward? Is the fit to the hitch a vise like grip.

They just clamp around the hitch ball so it creates a solid tube around the ball which doesn't allow any movement. The handle in the middle usually releases the clamp around the hitch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSDwSrvQyYA

obi604

iwillhtfu wrote: »

They just clamp around the hitch ball so it creates a solid tube around the ball which doesn't allow any movement. The handle in the middle usually releases the clamp around the hitch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSDwSrvQyYA

Thanks. And this is more a less rock solid. To me, feels like it could rock, but obviously not.

Don't Chute!

obi604 wrote: »

Thanks. And this is more a less rock solid. To me, feels like it could rock, but obviously not.

Doesn’t roc at all. Drove Wicklow to Kenmare a couple of years ago with two bikes and not a problem at all. Very secure

marvin80

+1 on the Thule.

I've had it for at least 4 years - driven all over Ireland on motorways to local roads - never had any issues, never wobbles - solid out.

brownian

The Thule is the business.

If you are worried, run a short rope from the top and catch it in your boot lid.

There is a hole to take a small padlock, which further decreases the chances of bad stuff happening. I put a large 'R' clip (hairpin shape thing) through this, for extra extra peace of mind.

As I discovered the hard way, beware bikes that sit very high (e..g with short cross bars, so that the arm of the rack lifts the bike up higher than you expect. A rotating pedal can, in exceptional circumstances, trigger the release button on the cross-bar, leading to unpredicted bike location. An R clip, or bolt, or small padlock can prevent this...as can sensible loading.

_Brian

We have the Halfords 4 bike hitch carrier for 4 years.

It’s been great, easy to load, quick to fit. Has been round Ireland and France and never moves.

Thule version was €110 more expensive and the only difference was it pivots up, maybe that’s useful but I haven’t missed not having that option.

obi604

_Brian wrote: »

We have the Halfords 4 bike hitch carrier for 4 years.

It’s been great, easy to load, quick to fit. Has been round Ireland and France and never moves.

Thule version was €110 more expensive and the only difference was it pivots up, maybe that’s useful but I haven’t missed not having that option.

Thanks. How much was the Halfords option?

Mine would only be for occasional use, certainly not to France etc

cdaly_

_Brian wrote: »

We have the Halfords 4 bike hitch carrier for 4 years.

Don't forget that the xpress 2-bike version folds down pretty small so that it's handy to keep in the boot all the time. The 4 bike carrier is much bigger so needs to be stored at home.

I've used a 2-bike rack for years now. It's carried bikes across France on holidays and all.

CramCycle

I got the Aldi one. Folds down tiny and is rock solid. I was very skeptical but it is far better than any other type I have ever had. Only note I had was that while the bike was off the ground, I felt the wheels hung low. Fine for motorway or good road driving but I was skeptical about bad roads so removed wheels but that was more over concern than justified fear.

Dr_Colossus

I have the Thule 9503 3 bike carrier which is a great piece of equipment, bikes are supported by their wheels in slots so no movement or rocking resulting in frame rub on carbon machines. The rear lights with 7pin plug is handy for peace of mind on longer journeys.

https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Thule-9503-Rideon-3-bike-Towball-Carrier_21531.htm?sku=35985&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=google_shopping_ireland&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiILsBRCGARIsAHKQWLNXGBxw-85i-RYO1JOVMXjzuu4pZmn_bfbGL8oOe1pfR2OhRk_ZwmwaAm2jEALw_wcB#

It's rock solid, was stuck once after buying a washing machine that wouldn't fit in a saloon car. Mounted it and secured it to the bike rack and got it home. Only problem is my current car doesn't have a tow bar so it hasn't been used in a couple of years.

Takca

I got a 4 bike version from chainreaction
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/thule-9708-hangon-4-bike-towball-carrier/rp-prod165295

couldn't fault it, pretty happy with it so far