Bike racks for 4 big bikes??

[da_murphster]

Hi all, I have a Thule G6 929 3 bike rack with 4th bike adapter.

Its been great for years but kids bikes getting bigger and my new bike and I'm having problems.

With 4 bikes when I tilt it all the weight is now ending up resting on the pedals of the 4th bike - far from ideal. Van is standard height. I suppose I could remove the pedal but would rather not!

My additional problem is that I have a new mtb that is signifiant bigger than my 15 year old previous one - still a 27.5 not 29er.

Its too long for the rack and I have to deflate the tyres to actually ratchet the wheels into place? Googling is telling me I cannot buy longer straps

So TLR

Q1: Anyone successfully using bigger bikes on a Thule G6 rack?

Q2: is the Atera Strada DL3 with 4th bike extension better in terms of tilting so the weight of the bikes does not rest on the 4th bike? My youngest is borderline going up a bike size and I dont reckon I'll be able to use my thule at all when the 4th bike is bigger.

 

[Broadside]

I used to carry 4 bikes on a Thule 929, it is an excellent rack. The worry for me was always the ‘moment’ force acting on the towball with heavy bikes. I’ve driven the length of France with 4 bikes lots of times. It’s fine for smaller bikes but once they get heavy, the lack of a top support back to the vehicle means it is a lot of weight bouncing around.

I moved on to a VW tailgate carrier which is the most solid solution I have ever found, even with a couple of 29er bikes on there. If you’ve got a tailgate you should consider that option.

 

[da_murphster]

I used to carry 4 bikes on a Thule 929, it is an excellent rack. The worry for me was always the ‘moment’ force acting on the towball with heavy bikes. I’ve driven the length of France with 4 bikes lots of times. It’s fine for smaller bikes but once they get heavy, the lack of a top support back to the vehicle means it is a lot of weight bouncing around.

I moved on to a VW tailgate carrier which is the most solid solution I have ever found, even with a couple of 29er bikes on there. If you’ve got a tailgate you should consider that option.

Yeah, its been a great rack, I've used it for years now - just a problem with the 4th bike pedals hitting the ground and my bike struggling to fit!

I did not realise just how much longer modern MTB's are!

I'm also needing to buy a new bike shed as my bike is so long (and its not even a 29er)

 

[da_murphster]

I do have a tailgate and could look at the VW rack.

Just a pity to have to lose my 2m high clearance.

Also having to take the bikes off to open the tailgate would be a right PITA.

 

[Salty Spuds]

I do have a tailgate and could look at the VW rack.

Just a pity to have to lose my 2m high clearance.

Also having to take the bikes off to open the tailgate would be a right PITA.

FYI the VW tailgate rack is limited to 60kg. We've had bikes on our, 2 adults & a kids. It's a Jenga job to get them to all fit, I'd struggle with 4 full size bikes TBH

 

[ginkster]

I have a G6 that I’ve used for years on the car carrying 4 adult bikes. I’ve found it can be a real challenge to work out the order to get them on properly. Having got the solution sorted a new bike comes along and it’s a game of jenga all over again!

I am just about ok with wheelbase, but have looked at longer straps in the past and am sure there were some available. Maybe they were for another Thule model? The other option is to use a Velcro or webbing strap around the wheel and black plastic wheel tray on any wheels that don’t fit in the strap. The biggest issue I find is the trays are too close, especially for boost hubs, so it is difficult to stop the bikes rubbing.

For tilting the rack could you slightly shorten the steel cable or use a strap to stop it reaching the ground? Would that prevent the tailgate opening? Or use a prop?

I tried the Atera rack years ago (on a car not the T6) and returned it as I thought it was rubbish. The bikes were far too close and the rear ones ended up leaning back. Unless they have updated it I think it would be impossible to use with boosted bikes. The G6 is much better IMO.

I also have a tailgate rack for the van (Wanderway) which is great but I only use it for 2 bikes. Really solid but as you say Rob’s some height and is a pain if you want to use the tailgate.

Out of interest what towbar do you have please? I’m considering fitting one and it would be great if it worked with the G6.

 

[da_murphster]

I have a G6 that I’ve used for years on the car carrying 4 adult bikes. I’ve found it can be a real challenge to work out the order to get them on properly. Having got the solution sorted a new bike comes along and it’s a game of jenga all over again!

I am just about ok with wheelbase, but have looked at longer straps in the past and am sure there were some available. Maybe they were for another Thule model? The other option is to use a Velcro or webbing strap around the wheel and black plastic wheel tray on any wheels that don’t fit in the strap. The biggest issue I find is the trays are too close, especially for boost hubs, so it is difficult to stop the bikes rubbing.

For tilting the rack could you slightly shorten the steel cable or use a strap to stop it reaching the ground? Would that prevent the tailgate opening? Or use a prop?

I tried the Atera rack years ago (on a car not the T6) and returned it as I thought it was rubbish. The bikes were far too close and the rear ones ended up leaning back. Unless they have updated it I think it would be impossible to use with boosted bikes. The G6 is much better IMO.

I also have a tailgate rack for the van (Wanderway) which is great but I only use it for 2 bikes. Really solid but as you say Rob’s some height and is a pain if you want to use the tailgate.

Out of interest what towbar do you have please? I’m considering fitting one and it would be great if it worked with the G6.

I have no problem with putting the bikes on - dab hand at it now!

My quick google showed that the mark 1 had shorter straps but the mark 2 came with longer straps that mine already has

I like the ratchet (as opposed to DIY straps) as they really grip the bikes - I suppose I could ratchet one in place and strap the other.

Interesting that the Atera seems to hold them closer together - I can see that would be difficult!

I have already adjusted the steel cable holes so the boot only just opens but still have the issue with it all resting on the 4th bike pedal - maybe removing the pedal is my oply option - esp as I'm looking at getting the van lowered by 40mm.

I really need to find someone local to me (Bristol near Yate if anyone is around!) with the Atera so I can have a look without buying one!

 

[da_murphster]

Re towbar:
I got stuff through PF JOnes, this one (double check this is correct!)

You are being redirected...

Then I fitted the bar and got Absolute5 to fit the wiring - works as OEM.

 

[ginkster]

Re towbar:
I got stuff through PF JOnes, this one (double check this is correct!)

You are being redirected...

Then I fitted the bar and got Absolute5 to fit the wiring - works as OEM.

Thanks

Same as my other car!