Bike Racks? Got one?
 

Kind of two part firstly any recommendations on what bike carrier to go for? This would two mountain bikes and one if not two kids bikes.

I'd use it probably only once or twice a year so it might not be worth the cost.

Anyone fancy renting and happen to be not too far away for West London.

I didn't spend much on my bike rack and it does well and holds 4 bikes, but it is for the US style 2" receiver hitch... Judging from the fact this is in the UK forum you likely have a gooseneck hitch if any. There is another thread here that shows a bike rack that bolts into the rear tow hook holes, a bike rack that style would be great, but probably more expensive than you are looking for... Maybe you can fine one that just straps on for how often you'll use it.

I just searched on 'bike rack' and got 30 separate threads. There are lots of ideas, ratings, pictures, etc, there. Here is just one thread to start with:

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...bike-rack.html

If you have a towbar, that is an option for a rear mount rack. You need to make sure they have towbar versions as well as the North American 2" square receiver versions. I like Thule racks, Yakima are also good. If you are going to use it more than once, it is better to get one with trays that the wheels sit in, like the Thule T2 design.

If you want to go the roof rack route, pictures of my setup are in the above thread, currently mounted on an X3 but previously on an X5. I like roof racks because they keep the bikes up out of the road grit, but it depends on what types of bikes. With mountain bikes it matters less than with racing road bikes.

If you want a simple temporary rack, look for one of the backpack style that hang on the rear hatch. Not that good, but if you are only using it a few times..... See the Thule web site.

I really like the Thule hang 9708 but that requires the tow bar, and from what I am hearing its not cheap to get a tow bar fitted, bummer.

Detachable Westfalia towbars as fitted by BMW are about £250 - £300. Mine cost around £400 fully fitted (53-plate E53), may be worth considering if a towbar mounted rack is preferable to the roof mount - BMW dealers want £1200 for retrofitting the exact same Westfalia kit!

Don't waste your money coz it will only sit in the shed and gather dust :shakehead::bustingup

:iagree:Why do you think I posted here, was hoping for a nice fellow to borrow/rent something for the job :(

Where x5drivers when you need it :(

mate pop down i have some poles and a welder,will see what can knock up lol

It's not funny the missus is giving me a hard time about it now.

Ideally I want the detachable tow bar then the Thule carrier seems like the best combo. Gonna be a sick price may just have to halfords.

I would suggest a thule roof set up like mine here.....http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/p...n/1c681dd0.jpg

but then there is the issue of getting them up there :stickpoke