bike racks

I use the San Remo fittings but obviously there is the height issue. There is a tow bar mounted rack gathering dust in the shed because as I've moved from car to car there has always been the issue and cost of having the tow bar fitted.

Points to watch with a tow bar rack; on the way there can you access and open your rear hatch/tailgate (assuming you need to) and once at your destination what do you do with the rack, store it in the car or leave it somewhere?

Parking can be an issue with either fitted.

We tend to cross the channel via Eurotunnel as bikes on the roof don't attract a premium.

As per usual "you pays your money and takes your choice"

Hmm. We bought a Thule 968, for about £70. Once I understand the bizarre instructions it was pretty simple.

Key points:
1. You don't need to fit a towbar.
2. If you have a towbar, it's a good way to have the bike(s) sit lower, and drag less.
3. Hanging your bikes off the car in any way (at the back, on the top) will kill your fuel economy. We have a Prius, and it didn't like it!
4. You will need a lighting board as well - about £20-30, but then you need to also buy a spare number plate.

Good luck with it!

I bought an old HRV for a bike use. £1k all in had a tow bar onit, £52 toebar bar rack from Thule (ebay) jobs is a good un. For my missus hatch back had a towbar fitted for £200 so we can attach the bikes if we want to go in a car that doesn't rattle as much as the HRV. Basically £400 for a rack and tow bar is my conclusion.

Racks mean you save on fuel as there is no extra drag on the car!

Will your car be full inside? You'd save fuel if you could fit it in a bike bag inside the car.