[dog-man]

I am looking at getting a cycle carrier for my Freelander 1.

I have been looking at some that involve a ratchet strap around the spare wheel, and something (I think) goes to the tow bar (?)

I am not sure I would be confident it and the bikes wouldn't fall off when doing 70 on a motorway.

Has anyone any experience of these?
Are they really safe?

Any advice on a cycle carrier for the Freelander gratefully accepted.

I must try and get myself and the wife a bit more active.

 

[Singvogel]

The best one that I could find was the Simbars one.

It's easily detachable and padlocks on to a plate sandwiched between the spare wheel and the wheel carrier.

It can take 3 bikes - but it's best with 2 - one in position one and the 2nd bike in position three.

You'll understand when you see the pics.

Just google Simbars bike rack - images.

I've carried a couple of mountain bikes to Greece (and back)

 

[Nodge68]

I use a universal bike rack and ratchet strap it to the spare wheel after hooking the top bar over the high level brake light. It's very secure.

 

[Zigster]

I have one of those generic strap to the spare wheel racks and have no worries about slinging my very expensive mountain bike on it.
All I do for extra security is us a couple of toe clip straps around the top bar to stop the bike from possibly jumping, and also a high quality lock going through the frame and the spare wheel (in case anyone decides to help themselves when I'm parked anywhere)
I'll post some pics tomorrow.

 

[SES88]

I have the one which fits to the tow bar. Perfectly safe to use, if the car will tow a caravan a couple of bikes on the tail end of the car wont be a problem. Just make sure they're well secured.

 

[Epicuser]

I have the one which fits to the tow bar. Perfectly safe to use, if the car will tow a caravan a couple of bikes on the tail end of the car wont be a problem. Just make sure they're well secured.

Which one do you use? Several don't seem to work with the spare wheel.

 

[Grahame of the shires]

Got a maxxraxx one that attatched to my towbar for me disco 2. Can take up to four bikes and is solid as a rock. I drove around Holland last year and half the time I forgot I had it on the car.

 

[Spacemonkey...]

I had the 3one that mounts behind the spare wheel and quick releases. Only used it once and it was no problem, but to be honest, I preferred to put them inside the car. Seats down there's loads of room.

 

[SES88]

Which one do you use? Several don't seem to work with the spare wheel.

The one with a dual tube downcomer with the orange end caps, clears the spare wheel no problem

 

[Epicuser]

The one with a dual tube downcomer with the orange end caps, clears the spare wheel no problem

Ah.

I have a detachable Witter swan neck so that won't work.

I've been toying with an Altera Strada 2 DL.

Expensive, but very good, supports the wheels rather than hanging.