Bike rack for Leon

[Street]

As its getting near the summer I plan on taking my new bike out for a blast around some woods etc. As much as I'd love to fold the seats down and put it in the back to keep it safe, I don't want to do this if its covered in crap!

Does anyone have any recommendations on a decent affordable bike rack for a mk2 Leon? Preferably one that can take two bikes so the missus can tag along. I've got a spoiler fitted if that makes a difference? Not too sure as I've never owned a bike rack before!

 

[andyccr]

Don't think you'll be able to use the normal style bike racks as the hitch over the top of the tailgate. I know there is a genuine Seat one, but I think it requires a towbar which apparently can't be fitted to FR / Cupra bumpers.

 

[Street]

Damn.. I had read around that there might be problems with them if you have a spoiler fitted!

 

[JohnnyR1Red]

I have a highlevel 3 bike carrier and it's fine on my FR

this is mine

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/accessories/car-racks/product/review-hollywood-f1b-35064/

 

[Freewheelin']

I've got Atera roof bars and 3 cycle carriers. No chance of the bikes dropping off the back of the car but noisy and fuel consumption takes a dive.

 

[Street]

I have a highlevel 3 bike carrier and it's fine on my FR

this is mine

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/accessories/car-racks/product/review-hollywood-f1b-35064/

Thanks for the link!

I've got Atera roof bars and 3 cycle carriers. No chance of the bikes dropping off the back of the car but noisy and fuel consumption takes a dive.

Didn't think about getting a roof rack.. Might have a look into one of those instead!

 

[Cuprarob112]

Depends on what kind of bike you have. Top line ultra light carbon bikes are not suited for roof transport (unless you're a pro an get new material all the time).
When you want to transport such a bike on the roof be sure no to drive too fast and keep distances short (a bike Bra to prevent the frame from small stones etc. will help).
A aluminium bike will withstand the forces better.
Towbar would be your best bet but so far have seen just one cupra with it (pro motor racer that drives his bike to track and back....)

 

[tehguy]

You can fit a towbar on any Leon, the manual just advises not to on the sport models (FR, Cupra etc) due to the shape of the bumper.

 

[onlyonearrow]

A lot of people on cycle forums recommend Saris Bones bike racks:
http://www.saris.com/bike-racks/vehicle-racks/trunk-racks.html
I've no experience with these.

I use Thule roof bars and 591 bike carrier on my Leon. The roof bars are quick to fit and secure. Yes the fuel consumption does take a hit, but I've more confidence the bike will stay put. Also the roof bars can be used for other loads too (e.g. roofbox).
There does seem to be some mixed information regarding carrying carbon fibre bikes on roof carriers. Probably best check both the bike manufacturer's and the bike carrier's literature, if that's a potential problem. I suspect that some of it is a back-covering exercise.

I've carried both aluminium and titanium framed bikes using the Thule system, including over long distances, without problems.

Check out some of the on-line retailers (I've used Skidrive before) for best prices.

 

[Street]

Its only a Speccy Rockhopper.. Not carbon unfortunately, couldn't stretch the cash that far!

I think I'm leaning towards getting roof bars.. Although those Saris Bones do seem to be highly recommended. I guess I'll have to research and see how much pressure they would put on the spoiler as they would be the cheaper option!

 

[Velkro]

Needed new bars to fit my carriers on and had a long long look. Finally opted for a set of whispbars. Had bought thule for my last motor and was disappointed by how much it was gonna cost to replace the parts needed for my FR so after a bit of checking the set I got should fit other cars with only a 30 quid fitting kit for whatever car. Yeh it was a bit more expensive intitial outlay but should be best for me in the long run.

I was very sceptical with regards the promo material for the Whispbars but after fitting them and my 2 atera carriers I must say so far I am well impressed. Not a sound out of them even at 70mph. I still have to work out what effect they have on fuel economy but so far with no bikes on had made no difference.

In a bit

Velkro

 

[Stealthy]

Cupra and FR models can have towbars and towbar mounted carriers. You just have to buy a towbar that is designed for the FR/Cupra - my preference was for the THule removable hitch that includes a moulded plastic hatch cover that is barely noticeable when in place, and you just put it in the wheel well when the towbar is on.
You can get the non-removable hitch of course but I think it spoils the look of the car.

We use a Thule 3-bike carrier on the hitch and it drops down very easily to allow access to the rear tailgate. It's a very elegant and sturdy solution that doesn't impact much on fuel consumption.....

 

[KEEPitSTUPID]

Cupra and FR models can have towbars and towbar mounted carriers. You just have to buy a towbar that is designed for the FR/Cupra - my preference was for the THule removable hitch that includes a moulded plastic hatch cover that is barely noticeable when in place, and you just put it in the wheel well when the towbar is on.
You can get the non-removable hitch of course but I think it spoils the look of the car.

We use a Thule 3-bike carrier on the hitch and it drops down very easily to allow access to the rear tailgate. It's a very elegant and sturdy solution that doesn't impact much on fuel consumption.....

Would you by any chance have the thule number for hitch that hides away please? I have hunted and hunted and i just find the thule websites impossible, one minute its english ththen swedish then theres a whole range missing then google again and it all re-appears.

Any help would be appreciated i have a pd150 and looking into buying a mk2 fr.

 

[PhilYerBoots]

We used to use this rack on a pre f/l FR without rear spoiler.

http://www.montblancgroup.com/en/bike-carriers/rear-hanging-three-bike-bike-carrier-easy-go-11

Its made by Mont Blanc but Halfords sell it under their brand too. Its the high mounted type with rigid metal straps so once you've adjusted it to your model of car it's dead easy to attach and remove with the quick release levers (more rigid and less of a faff than the nylon strap-ons...oo-er missus..!)
We picked ours up off Ebay for £25 but retails about £90 at Halfods I think.

Since we got the new FR and 2 heavier electric bikes we pushed the boot out and got a towbar and Thule 916 carrier designed for the extra weight. As Stealthy says the removable towbar with cover (Westfalia I think..) is the knees of the bees and the carrier just drops down from the towbar with a press of a lever with bikes still attached and you can access your boot no probs. A worthwhile solution if you carry your bikes a lot..

 

[PhilYerBoots]

Would you by any chance have the thule number for hitch that hides away please? I have hunted and hunted and i just find the thule websites impossible, one minute its english ththen swedish then theres a whole range missing then google again and it all re-appears.

Any help would be appreciated i have a pd150 and looking into buying a mk2 fr.

Try the Westfalia website for the hitch mate...there's a separate part number for the Leon bumper cover/hatch too but don't have any of the numbers handy sorry..

 

[KEEPitSTUPID]

Thanks! That westfalia site is just what i needed, just the question remains i can now get a towbar on a cupra but the towbar mounted racks require the boxsection hitch to slide on, the picture looks to be a vertical box section and its unknown where in the bumper it will appear so covers sound on the site asif they need to be cut to fit.
Its all so unclear with hitches if somebody would make a low slung option for us vein car owners the world would be a better place lol