| Don't get taken for a ride this summer - buy a good | | | | to buy a trailer board. |
| cycle rack and you'll be able to enjoy two-wheeled fun | | | | Be aware that bikes will get dirty when transported in |
| anywhere in the country. We see which are top of the | | | | poor weather, and some racks can be a pain to fit |
| pops | | | | with a tangle of fasteners. Cycles are targets for theft, |
| Thousands of people will be transporting two wheels | | | | so for short stops always secure them to the carrier |
| on four this summer, as they load up their bikes for | | | | or car with the rack's built-in lock or a steel cable. For |
| holidays and weekend breaks. But which are the best, | | | | long stays, remove the bikes. Finally, check the system |
| and safest, cycle racks for the job? | | | | fits your motor as even 'universal' carriers have |
| We've tested roof and boot carriers here, and both | | | | exceptions. |
| have their pros and cons. Which you need will be | | | | There's no point in taking your bikes out if you spend |
| governed by the number of bikes, people and kit you | | | | more time fitting the rack than cycling, so ease of use |
| want to carry, as well as your budget. | | | | was key for us - both installing the device and the |
| The roof-mounted, single cycle versions are cheaper | | | | machines. |
| and easier to fit, plus take up little storage space. | | | | We tested 2 roof mounted cycle carriers, the Thule |
| However, you'll need one per bike, which can bump up | | | | 591 and the Atera Giro. |
| the cost. Also, you have to lift the cycles to head | | | | We also looked for simple assembly (where needed), |
| height and, if your roofbars already have luggage on | | | | security and protection for the car's paint. Storage |
| them, space becomes an issue. You will also have to | | | | was also a factor, and while price was considered, it |
| pay for some lateral supports. | | | | played a relatively small role in the overall rating as we |
| Hatch or boot-mounted carriers hold two or three | | | | felt user-friendliness and safety were more important. |
| bikes and are easier to strap cycles to. Although | | | | It was a close-run thing in the roof-mounted section, |
| simpler to load, packing the rest of the car is tricky as | | | | and we'd be happy with any of the top racks. But the |
| most mean the hatch or boot can't open while they're | | | | new ratchet system on Thule's 591 gave it the edge |
| in place. Rear vision is also affected and some racks | | | | over the Atera Giro and Barracuda. |
| will block the number plate and lights, so you will have | | | | |