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Bike racks

Posted: 23 Jan 2010, 21:29
by binka
Are there any temporary type bike racks that fit a T25. The Fiamma type racks which are on your van are no good to me, I need something I can quickly take off when not in use. Our drive is an L shape and where the van is there is only a 12" gap to squeeze between the back of the van and hubby's car to get to the house. So a Fiamma would be no good which is a shame.

Re: Bike racks

Posted: 23 Jan 2010, 22:18
by dirtygertie
I've got a rack from halfords (it came with the van) its the type that 'straps on' and can carry 2 bikes - when its not in use but on the van, you can also fold it flat. Its super quick to remove and I just leave the straps in the same place to make it easier to put back on.

the best thing is that it also fits on my car if I ever needed it to and to Nigels van :ok

I'll try to take some pics tomorow for you

Re: Bike racks

Posted: 24 Jan 2010, 10:44
by wee bugger
we use the same..a folding rack from argos - also goes on to mine and wifes car so much more useful. only cost about 30£££'s

Re: Bike racks

Posted: 24 Jan 2010, 11:17
by binka
Thanks, I've hada look online at Halfords and just wasn't sure if they would fit or not, there are different models as well so wasn't sure if I needed a high one, or a 4x4 one. I guess I could go into town and ask them for advice but seeing as last time I was there they couldn't even sell me the right wiper blades I'm not convinced they know what they're talking about. :D May have to have a trying on session in the car park. But good to know that at least this type of carrier should fit.

Re: Bike racks

Posted: 24 Jan 2010, 11:34
by andisnewsyncro
In all honesty, a Fiamma or a Paulchen isn't that much hassle to take on or off. Just a couple of bolts, but once on they're pretty secure. Don't rule them out if one comes along at sensible money. The Paulchen ones sit a lot closer to the rear of the van than the Fiamma ones, the main frame doesn't sick out much more than the rear bumper ( and certainly not as far as my tow bar)
:ok

Re: Bike racks

Posted: 24 Jan 2010, 12:44
by binka
There's a Paulchen one for sale on ebay at the minute which is quite close to me. On the photos of it I've seen on the internet there is the "shelf" part of it which seems to stick out the furthest. Does that fold up when not in use?

Re: Bike racks

Posted: 24 Jan 2010, 12:51
by kevtherev
or put the bike in the van..

Re: Bike racks

Posted: 24 Jan 2010, 12:56
by binka
Bloody dog takes up all the room in the van. :D

Re: Bike racks

Posted: 24 Jan 2010, 13:36
by andisnewsyncro
binka wrote:There's a Paulchen one for sale on ebay at the minute which is quite close to me. On the photos of it I've seen on the internet there is the "shelf" part of it which seems to stick out the furthest. Does that fold up when not in use?

Yes, the shelf bit folds up to rest against the rest of the frame when no bikes on it. Just been out to check and it hinges just above the "furthest sticking out point", if that makes sense, and nothing sticks out further than the rear bumper (on mine anyway). The rack follows the countour of the van's rear door quite closely. Sorry no pics as mine is being used as a spare wheel carrier at the moment, so I've taken the shelf bit off.

There are 2 different bottom bracket sets for the Paulchen racks, some screw into the tailgate and some just clamp round the lower edge. I think the rack is the same though

Re: Bike racks

Posted: 24 Jan 2010, 14:48
by horns
I remove the Fiamma rack when its not in use - its quick and easy to do.

Re: Bike racks

Posted: 24 Jan 2010, 19:07
by Snoopy63
Have you got a tow bar on the van ?

Re: Bike racks

Posted: 24 Jan 2010, 19:29
by jiffies
Thule also do some quick release detachable tow bar racks with a handy tiltable action with bikes in place for easy access to the boot

http://www.motorsavers.co.uk/products.p ... 1747&rs=gb" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Cheers

Jiffies

Re: Bike racks

Posted: 24 Jan 2010, 20:16
by horns
Just keep a 10mm spanner in your cutlery drawer and the Fiamma is fine...

Re: Bike racks

Posted: 24 Jan 2010, 20:31
by callanish
Hi

i got a bike rack that fits on the tow bar.
With the bikes off it takes about 30 secs to remove from the tow bar. It folds flat and stores easy.

Andrew

Re: Bike racks

Posted: 24 Jan 2010, 22:15
by binka
Haven't got a tow bar but if the Fiammas are that easy to take on and off then I'll look out for one of those as well. Thanks.