Tow bar cycle rack on a PHEV

[Bc sussex]

Hi all

another post I’m afraid. I have specced my new car order with the towbar option, so I can use a towbar mounted bike rack. 

anyone any experience with these?  Anything I need to know or any recommendations on cycle racks?  I have two electric bikes I will be moving around, with a bike for my 7 year old daughter as well. 

[ernieb]

No experience of the cycle rack but don’t forget there is a 220v 150W mains outlet in the boot. It’s a Continental socket but I bought an adapter that fit very secure.  Not sure what your charger needs in terms of power but might help?

[nlee]

I've got one of these "Thule Velocompact 925 2-Bike Towbar Mounted Bike Rack | Halfords UK" https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-racks/towbar-mounted-bike-racks/thule-velocompact-925-2-bike-towbar-mounted-bike-rack-217965.html

Very stable and folds down reasonably compact to store. I hang it on the garage wall on hooks. Comes with lock onto tow bar and the bars that hold the bikes also lock but I wouldn't trust them if they were out of sight, I'd also use a high rated cable lock. Just watch out for maximum recommend weight, those electric bikes are heavy. I need a protein drink before loading my eMTB!

Just need to get a towbar fitted now. I ordered without to speed up order time.

I think there is a newer version of this but you can still get them and they are cheaper. The 927 is for 3 bikes I think.

[Flatcoat]

The nose weight on the towbar is only 70kg so might need to check cycle weights? 

[Bc sussex]

9 hours ago, Flatcoat said:

The nose weight on the towbar is only 70kg so might need to check cycle weights? 

Thanks for that. Should be ok. The electric bikes are 22kg and 24kg respectively so it depends on the weight of the rack but I could save a good few kilos if required by dropping the batteries out of the bikes and putting them in the boot. 

[Red_Corolla]

I have a 3 bike Thule with a pedal to tip it backwards so that you can access the boot without removing it. Works great and much easier to load than a Roof Rack. A little awkward putting it on the towbar by yourself, but easy with a helper.