Best Tow ball bike carrier

[Bagofsand]

Hi, Looking for recommendations for a tow ball bike carrier for two EMTB. It will be on a pickup so no problem with nose weight. All opinions welcomed.

 

[Mcharza]

Please read this thread first. Search is your friend

Tow bar mounted bike rack for All Mtn 8.0; any recommendations?

Hi - loving my All MTN 8.0 but now it's the muddy season it's making putting it in the back of the car a bit stressful. Have a Thule bike rack for the tow bar but the frame on the Haibike is so thick it doesn't work. Also the tyre channels are too narrow. If anyone's got experience of bike...

www.emtbforums.com

 

[kayakdave]

I have the REESE EXPLORE steel hitch mount bike rack. It holds one or two bicycles. The platform design holds bikes in the upright position. The support tube with adjustable padded hooks support bikes by the frame. Versatile design fits 1 1/4 In. and 2 In. receivers Weight capacity is 90 lbs. I usually take the batteries out of my bikes for transport but even with them it I have had no issues transporting my Bulls E-Stream and my wife's Liv Intrigue. Purchased it for $150.00 US and am quite happy with it.

 

[Healy]

I have just bought and put together the buzz rack e hornet. Looks good. Not put it onto the car yet. Planning to put it on and take my boy out on the weekend. Will post a pic of it on with the bikes on

 

[Healy]

 

[p3eps]

I’ve got the Buzz Escorpion for a single bike (they do a 2 bike version). It was relatively cheap, and is pretty solid. Folds up quite neat, and keeps the bike on securely.

I also have an Atura Strada DL, which takes 3 bikes... with an optional adaptor for a 4th. A much more expensive rack, but not sure it’s significantly better. Definitely feels like it’s made out of better quality material and is more premium - but the Buzz one does just as good a job and probably feels more stable. Maybe that’s cause it’s just for a single bike though?

 

[DrStupid]

Kuat NV2.0 with 2 bike add on kit. I'm right at weight limit if I take the batteries out.

 

[carlbiker]

Beware of metal arms, they are a royal bitch to your bikes paintwork if your carrying multiple bikes so be wary of Thule products like the one I own!!! Had I known I'd have looked at better options

 

[Bagofsand]

Beware of metal arms, they are a royal bitch to your bikes paintwork if your carrying multiple bikes so be wary of Thule products like the one I own!!! Had I known I'd have looked at better options

What problems has the arms caused? was almost sold on the THULE 938 VELOSPACE XT 2

 

[Bagofsand]

I’ve got the Buzz Escorpion for a single bike (they do a 2 bike version). It was relatively cheap, and is pretty solid. Folds up quite neat, and keeps the bike on securely.
View attachment 43269

I also have an Atura Strada DL, which takes 3 bikes... with an optional adaptor for a 4th. A much more expensive rack, but not sure it’s significantly better. Definitely feels like it’s made out of better quality material and is more premium - but the Buzz one does just as good a job and probably feels more stable. Maybe that’s cause it’s just for a single bike though?

I hadn't come across one of these in my Google searching. Really impressed with the whole thing and as i only need a two bike set up this is spot on.(Well the 2 bike version is)

 

[steve_sordy]

What problems has the arms caused? was almost sold on the THULE 938 VELOSPACE XT 2

That is the one I have. Brilliant bit of kit. If you buy from the Halfords website, opt for click and collect; I got 10% off when I went to collect it. It wasn't advertised on the website, it just happened at the till.

I wish they had spent 50p more on the locks, but they work.

I use some old foam pipe insulation in the jaws because I have a carbon framed bike.

VERY IMPORTANT!
Do not rely on the jaws that grab the frame to stay grabbed. Because the jaws are parallel and my frame is not, the jaws may slide down towards narrower parts of the frame and the bike may pivot out and onto the road!!!! (Note:This alarming event may be aided and abetted by my use of foam pipe insulation!) So now, I always use a rubber-covered spring-cored flexible strap in a figure of 8 pattern around the jaw and frame. It gives peace of mind. A simple buckle strap would achieve the same. Some on here use Gorilla straps.

 

[Bagofsand]

Thanks for the info. Ordered a Buzz scorpion.

 

[p3eps]

Thanks for the info. Ordered a Buzz scorpion.

I think you’ll be happy with it. The 1 bike version is great ??

 

[Healy]

The buzz rack is great. My first towbar rack. Much easier than lifting bikes onto the roof. My ebike not come yet so still on my spectral. Just easier and safer on the back

 

[BrentD]

Here in New Zealand the two prong type bike rack is very popular (not quite universal, but pretty close).

Link to an example below:

Advantage 4 Bike Rack 7AD09C

Buy online or in-store from NZ's favourite Car Racks shop Torpedo7. Fast delivery NZ wide!

www.torpedo7.co.nz

 

[qwertycube]

+1 for buzzrack escorpion2

 

[Bagofsand]

Fitted the rack yesterday to go and collect our new bikes. This is some piece of kit easy to assemble and fit, locks on really securely. Much more secure than my old thule rack.