# Help me buy a bike rack **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 8, 2020, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-buy-a-bike-rack/914738 "2020-07-08T14:01:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![SanVito](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sanvito/32/2805_2.png) [@SanVito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanVito)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2020, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-buy-a-bike-rack/914738/1 "2020-07-08T14:01:16Z")
Hi everyone, so in great excitement I have booked a ferry to France, taking my own car and a couple of bikes. So the question of bike racks has arisen. I thought it would be a simple case of buying a rear mounted bike rack - but OH NO, it was never going to be that easy. Seems my car isn’t suitable (it’s a Fiat 500X) - the back spoiler and bumper are plastic, and can’t hold the weight. So I need to get a towbar fitted and buy a towbar mounted bike rack. But My God, there’s so much choice of towbar, and bike rack, and then I’ll need a rear lighting board and on and on. There seem to be so many options, and questions like, do I need 7 pin socket or 13 pin (for the lighting board I presume). And what wiring type? Can someone help me with an idiot’s guide? ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2020, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-buy-a-bike-rack/914738/2 "2020-07-08T14:13:59Z")
Is it out of the question to have one of those top of the car bike racks? ---
**Author:** ![Hampshire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hampshire/32/4887_2.png) [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2020, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-buy-a-bike-rack/914738/3 "2020-07-08T16:36:13Z")
I would buy some roof rails from the dealer or aftermarket (they mount horizontally across the car) then get a couple Thule bike carriers that mount to those rails. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2020, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-buy-a-bike-rack/914738/4 "2020-07-08T16:42:35Z")
Where I live, there are independent stores that sell roof and other racks for cars. I’ll bet that they are familiar enough with various cars and the available products that they can advise you. ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2020, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-buy-a-bike-rack/914738/5 "2020-07-08T16:47:57Z")
I agree for a smaller car roof racks are a good and less costly option to installing a hitch receiver and all that. They are also removable when not in use. The only question is if your ferry allows/has room for roof-mounted bikes (never forget they are up there!). Otherwise, I am not sure why the wiring thing is even a question - most hitch mounted rack systems are simple and removable and not electrified (except maybe some of the higher-end models). I don’t think the wiring is a requirement unless you get a model with lighting. ---
**Author:** ![Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/marvin_the_martian/32/2898_2.png) [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marvin_the_Martian)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2020, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-buy-a-bike-rack/914738/6 "2020-07-08T17:16:01Z")
Not sure if Yakima is available where you are, but we use a Yakima Fullback on our Toyota RAV4 and it works pretty well. According to Yakima’s web site it is compatible with a Fiat 500X. The RAV4 also has a plastic spoiler and bumper, the Fullback hooks into the hatchback door above the spoiler and doesn’t touch the bumper at all. ---
**Author:** ![Driver8](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b5a626/32.png) [@Driver8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Driver8)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2020, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-buy-a-bike-rack/914738/7 "2020-07-08T20:28:28Z")
Roof rails might be the easiest option although I avoided them myself because it was too easy to imagine smashing my bike into a carport roof, etc. I have memories of my dad peeling off the roof of our caravan like a sardine can while trying to stop for gas back in South Africa. What’s the deal with the light requirements? I’m assuming you’re in Europe where the rules are likely different from here (Washington State, USA). But I got a 1.25" hitch installed on my station wagon and attached this: [Kuat Transfer - 2 Bike Rack](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07773F69J/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1). It seems hard to believe that such a small item would require a light kit. On my car at least it doesn’t block the back lights. Is something like that available where you are? I like this one because it’s pretty cheap yet sturdy enough for two bikes. I also like that the bike sits on top of the rack like the local transit buses. I used to have one where you’d hang bikes and I found it inconvenient for frames that weren’t the right shape (some woman’s bikes or kid’s bikes). I also find the loading and unloading to be very quick. ---
**Author:** ![SanVito](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sanvito/32/2805_2.png) [@SanVito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanVito)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2020, 7:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-buy-a-bike-rack/914738/8 "2020-07-09T07:19:38Z")
> [@Hampshire](#): > > I would buy some roof rails from the dealer or aftermarket (they mount horizontally across the car) then get a couple Thule bike carriers that mount to those rails. Problem with driving around Europe is that you tend to encounter roads that pass under low bridges, or archways in medieval/Roman city walls, or underground and multi-story car parks. ---
**Author:** ![SanVito](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sanvito/32/2805_2.png) [@SanVito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanVito)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2020, 7:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-buy-a-bike-rack/914738/9 "2020-07-09T07:21:42Z")
> [@snowthx](#): > > Otherwise, I am not sure why the wiring thing is even a question - most hitch mounted rack systems are simple and removable and not electrified (except maybe some of the higher-end models). I don’t think the wiring is a requirement unless you get a model with lighting. It’s a case of whether my brake lights will be visible (and either way I’ll need to mount a secondary numberplate) [some racks I’ve looked](https://www.towbarsandtowing.co.uk/product-category/cycle-carriers/) at include the lights board presumably for this reason. ---
**Author:** ![SanVito](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sanvito/32/2805_2.png) [@SanVito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanVito)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2020, 7:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-buy-a-bike-rack/914738/10 "2020-07-09T07:24:16Z")
> [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](#): > > Not sure if Yakima is available where you are, but we use a Yakima Fullback on our Toyota RAV4 and it works pretty well. According to Yakima’s web site it is compatible with a Fiat 500X. This sounds interesting! I shall investigate - pretty sure that brand is available here. I would love to avoid the expense of a towbar if I can. [Is it this one?](https://www.yakima.co.uk/products/activity/bike/bike-rear-door/fullback-2) ---
**Author:** ![Driver8](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b5a626/32.png) [@Driver8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Driver8)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2020, 8:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-buy-a-bike-rack/914738/11 "2020-07-09T08:26:17Z")
Very interesting. The regulations must differ substantially. Browsing the Thule, etc. sites for the UK shows that the light board and license plate holder are pretty common on the hitch based racks. I’m assuming the law demands it. They’re absent in the US, I’ve never seen a hitch based bike rack with electrification or a place for a separate plate. ---
**Author:** ![SanVito](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sanvito/32/2805_2.png) [@SanVito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanVito)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2020, 8:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-buy-a-bike-rack/914738/12 "2020-07-09T08:46:04Z")
> [@Driver8](#): > > Very interesting. The regulations must differ substantially. Well, we aren’t allowed to obscure the plate or break lights - doesn’t the US have similar regs? You can be fined by Police here for just having a dirty number plate. ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2020, 10:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-buy-a-bike-rack/914738/13 "2020-07-09T10:57:18Z")
It always amazes me here in the US that people can get away with obscuring their plate with a bike hitch, but they do all the time. I’m not sure it’s totally legal, but it’s at least legal enough. ---
**Author:** ![SanVito](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sanvito/32/2805_2.png) [@SanVito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanVito)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2020, 11:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-buy-a-bike-rack/914738/14 "2020-07-09T11:26:14Z")
Certainly not legal in the UK, and I’m not prepared to test the French on such laws either! In fact, France requires a bunch of other stuff to be carried in the vehicle - warning triangle, high viz vest, breathalyser, vehicle registration and insurance details, ‘GB’ sticker to identify our country of origin. It’s a minefield. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2020, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-buy-a-bike-rack/914738/15 "2020-07-09T13:57:17Z")
Here in the US, I’ve always carried the registration and insurance cards and since I heard of the Yellow Vest Movement in France started to carry a cheap high-visibility vest. But a breathalyser? That’s standard equipment for French car owners? ---
**Author:** ![Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/marvin_the_martian/32/2898_2.png) [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marvin_the_Martian)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2020, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-buy-a-bike-rack/914738/16 "2020-07-09T14:45:16Z")
> [@SanVito](#): > > > [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](#): > > > > Not sure if Yakima is available where you are, but we use a Yakima Fullback on our Toyota RAV4 and it works pretty well. According to Yakima’s web site it is compatible with a Fiat 500X. > > This sounds interesting! I shall investigate - pretty sure that brand is available here. I would love to avoid the expense of a towbar if I can. [Is it this one?](https://www.yakima.co.uk/products/activity/bike/bike-rear-door/fullback-2) The Yakima UK site does not list anything other than rooftop carriers as compatible with a 500X. The US cite lists trunk mount carriers. With the Fullback mounted on my RAV4 the license plate is somewhat obscured as the bikes hang in front (and the lower rung of the carrier surrounds the license plate). Maybe that’s why they do not list it as compatible in the UK. ---
**Author:** ![jnglmassiv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f07891/32.png) [@jnglmassiv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jnglmassiv)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2020, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-buy-a-bike-rack/914738/17 "2020-07-09T14:51:13Z")
I worked at a bike shop in high school (so a while ago) and we did a fair bit of rack business. I’ve never heard of license plate or tail light visibility provisions for trunk or tailgate racks. I do recall two instances of someone pulling into the garage after forgetting their bikes were on the roof rack. Suprisingly, the car and garages were ok though the bikes were pretty messed up. ---
**Author:** ![Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/marvin_the_martian/32/2898_2.png) [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marvin_the_Martian)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2020, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-buy-a-bike-rack/914738/18 "2020-07-09T14:53:34Z")
> [@kanicbird](#): > > It always amazes me here in the US that people can get away with obscuring their plate with a bike hitch, but they do all the time. I’m not sure it’s totally legal, but it’s at least legal enough. License plates in the US are frequently obscured by decorative frames (mostly covering the name of the issuing state). It is not uncommon to see smoked plastic covers over plates as well. ---
**Author:** ![Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/marvin_the_martian/32/2898_2.png) [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marvin_the_Martian)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2020, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-buy-a-bike-rack/914738/19 "2020-07-09T15:01:48Z")
> [@SanVito](#): > > > [@Driver8](#): > > > > Very interesting. The regulations must differ substantially. > > Well, we aren’t allowed to obscure the plate or break lights - doesn’t the US have similar regs? > > You can be fined by Police here for just having a dirty number plate. In Germany a few years back I got flashed by a speed camera in a rental car. Fortunately it was snowing and the license plate was covered by wet snow and I never got a ticket, so there is some benefit to the driver from an obscured plate (front plate, anyway). ---
**Author:** ![SanVito](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sanvito/32/2805_2.png) [@SanVito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanVito)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2020, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-buy-a-bike-rack/914738/20 "2020-07-09T15:23:07Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > But a breathalyser? That’s standard equipment for French car owners? Yep. Not a bad idea really. My wife’s company (in the UK) issues them for all company car drivers. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-buy-a-bike-rack/914738.md?page=2)