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My moan about these type is of course you can`t tow using one, which we sometimes do. And of course they`re expensive and you have to find somewhere to store them. They can`t carry as much weight as a "hang on" rack either....not a major problem if the kids bikes are very small, but remember a  ten year olds bike can weigh as much if not more than an adults, unless you`re buying upmarket lightweight bikes.

We have a standard towball mounted Thule "hang on" type rack, and I have to say that we`ve never had any trouble putting the kids bikes on it. You don`t have to stick to the conventional way. Upside down, at an angle, whatever, the idea is get the bike on at whatever angle and supported from underneath then lash the entire package together with toestraps or rope, plus a final rope or bungie round the bikes and under the towball, thus making an immovable solid package.Then your lighting board, of course. You can carry completely open-framed or Y-framed bikes this way, and we`ve even carried our tandem on the back once, with the wheels out of course. (We`d been in a crash and it wouldn`t fit on the roof rack.) And of course, the other trick is to put a conventional diamond frame bike on last, if you have one. That also keeps the unusual ones in place.

This may be suitable

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/articles/view.asp?id=105

Cheers  Ratty

Quote: Originally posted by Valk_scot on 28/5/2006

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My moan about these type is of course you can`t tow using one, which we sometimes do. And of course they`re expensive and you have to find somewhere to store them.

You can tow o.k., if you get the version that fits between the towbar and towball....not too expensive (we paid about £30 from a bike shop) and they fold up fairly small and can be stored in the tent or car boot.

I have a Witter cycle carrying system which has plenty of cycle hanging space and has quite a high load bearing capacity. the mounting  needs to be bolted on to the towing bracket but once fitted the carrier is easily and quickly assembled and vice versa.

the carrier splits into two sections so can be stored very conveniently in your garage or boot when not in use.

We got a Max Rax for about £135.  It holds 4 bikes, but you mightl need an extra bit of kit for about £4 from Halfords (crossbar) to fit on kids bikes so you can attach them onto it.  It easily houses 2 adult bikes, 1 kids bike and 1 trailer bike.  We use if for our MPV.  See the link for more info (we got the premier).  very easy to set up and secures bikes in place.  Having looked around it was the only one we found that was most suitable for our MPV.  Also easy to store in boot when not required 

http://www.maxxraxx.co.uk/racks/racks.html

Peter

Quote: Originally posted by jonellis on 29/5/2006

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I have the thule 903 with a 4th bike extension (can be adapted for a tiny bike) bit pricey but folds up for storage - which is a neccessity for us)

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