Anyone used a Thule Rideon bike rack?

Jamesd · Post by **Jamesd** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 8:06 pm

I'm thinking about getting a tow bar mounted bike rack and I'm interested in the thule rideon which is a three bike rack that also tilts down with the bikes so supposedly you can open the tail gate.... anyone tried one? any good?

Post by **Simon Jones** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 10:16 pm

Not got one, but have looked quite closely & I personally don't think it will tilt enough to allow the tailgate to open. I hope I'm wrong on this.

Jamesd · Post by **Jamesd** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 10:56 pm

Yeh I susspect you may be right, but I may get one anyway as they seem a good way to carry bike and for the most part I wont need to get into the back with the bikes on... can always go through the side door anyway

Mike Jill and Emily · Post by **Mike Jill and Emily** » Tue Mar 11, 2008 9:27 am

I have not yet come across this carrier - but I am interested in your comments if you get one. We currently have a Focus (to be traded in for a Bongo - hopefully this weekend

) and use a bar mounted carrier - but it will only take 2 bikes, the smallest goes in the back of the car. For long trips we have a Thule roof mounted carrier that takes all 3 bikes. Now call me a wimp if you wish, but I do think it would be rather impractical to try to transport bikes on the roof of the Bongo. Hence we will be looking for a good bar mounted carrier for all 3 of our bikes.

Jamesd · Post by **Jamesd** » Tue Mar 11, 2008 6:54 pm

Well now I've got over excited and am considering the Thule 903 (expensive ) Biking is my thing so I might as well go for the best. It looks like it might fold down better than the cheaper one and its very cunningly designed in that it all folds down for storage....
I'll post my opinion when I've used it.
By the way - I'd agree putting bikes on the roof of Bongo would be a faff and there are better solutions eg rear racks attached to the tailgate or the tow bar type I'm getting

corblimey · Post by **corblimey** » Tue Mar 11, 2008 9:03 pm

I've just gone through the same process as you but settled on the 973.

Cycling is my thing too so I have fairly specific wants.

I use my rack at least once a week so I plumped for the permanent type so I don't have to keep taking it off and on. Also, because it's above the lights and reg plate there's no tailboard to faf with.

And, it should fit with my spoiler and no cutting needed.

Just waiting for the fitting kit to arrive.

The 903 looks very smart. The chap at my local bike shop really rates the Thule towbar racks. He said they are dead quick to load/unload. I did think about the cheaper one but it's the storage of the thing when it's not being used that put me off.

I'll post some pics of mine when I get my hands on it.

Jamesd · Post by **Jamesd** » Tue Mar 11, 2008 10:51 pm

yeh I had a real hard choice between the permanent style tailgate bike rack and the towbar one. Just had a look at the 973 - it looks good. I used to have a Fiamma tailgate one on my type 25vw - it worked great.
Storage is ok for me so I guess that helped my choice, but it will be nice for you just to put your bikes on and go.... happy cycling... Road or MTB?

corblimey · Post by **corblimey** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 7:55 am

It's more a case of "and" much to my wife's dismay

<-- her eyes, not mine!

I have a Trek roadie, Dawes tourer and my latest addition, a Specialized Pitch Pro. I love all kinds of bikes and all kinds of cycling.

I better stop rambling before someone tells me off for hijacking

Jamesd · Post by **Jamesd** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 7:37 pm

those sound like nice bikes. I'm into mtbing - merlin and surly single speed are my beasts. getting a bit muddy out there

Anyone used a Thule Rideon bike rack?

Anyone used a Thule Rideon bike rack?

Towbar mounted Bike Carrier