Transportation of mountain bikes?

Ste7en

Well, my son is doing my head in. He got a mountain bike for Christmas and now he wants to go all over on it. We have to figure out what is the best method of transporting it for our car. A Mazda 3 fastback in Soul Red. Very finicky paint and very thin.

As I see it we have the following options:

Roof Bars: Seem to be the cheapest option. I'm not a fan and I'm concerned about all the crap on the roof off the bike(s).

Rear mounted: Seems pretty good. But concerned about the damage to our car off them.

Tow bar mounted: My preferred choice but expensive. Quote for an official detachable Mazda tow bar is around 600 quid including fitting. Then I have to buy the rack.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

IronGiant

For roof bars you need to be very aware of car park height barriers, you would hope that car parks at biking events would be sympathetic to bike carriers but you need to be sure.

Ste7en

Yeah, I've been Googling roof bars   bike = shenanigans and most are people getting stuck under things

I think I'd be more worried about the bike flying off the roof, knowing my luck!

nvingo

Other two options:
trailer; still requires fitting towbar, affects some speed limits and makes parking awkward (certain weight limits may apply if towing licence not held).
Alternative vehicle; a small van acquired for around £1000 for the occasional (weekly) trips and load the bike(s) inside, second tax and insurance costs but if son has licence it could be insured for him and count towards no-claims years.

Delvey

Towbar with Carrier
Sod going to Mazda, £600 is excessive, I paid £200 for mine from North West Towbar Centre a while back

Ste7en

Apparently one of the things they have to do is fit a new fog light as it is in the centre where the tow bar would be. They fit a split fog light.

Also, we have rear parking sensors which a tow bar & carrier would set off non-stop.

It may be a roof rack.

IronGiant

Don't those things self-calibrate?

Ste7en

I've no idea. They were fitted after purchase by the previous owner, genuine Mazda parts though.

Guy at work said his go off constantly whenever he tows his caravan anywhere

IronGiant

That would be annoying    Mine only activate with reverse gear fortunately.

Ste7en

Thinking about it ours may be like that/ It beeps when you put it into reverse then does the beep, beep, beep thing when you get close to anything.