Thule Freeway 968 Cycle Carrier

I now own 2 bicycles, so had to look for a way to transport them with the car. I considered roof-rack mountings, as well as the very fancy towbar mountings on the market. Unfortunately installing a towbar on my car (an Audi A3) is a very expensive options, and I have heard too many horror stories where people with bikes on their car roof have driven under too-low objects with disastrous consequences! So I opted for a Thule Freeway 968.

The Thule Freeway 968 can carry 3 bikes. The rack fits on the back of most cars, regardless of whether the car is a hatchback or sedan (I have used it on my A3 hatch-back as well as on The Masters BMW 5-series sedan). This has the added advantage of your being able to use the rack on other vehicles should you require it, unlike roof-racks which are normally model specific and therefore not interchangeable.

I was a bit surprised that the first time I used it, I had to stop the car a few times to make some adjustments — I somehow expected it to be easier to use. However, once you get the hang of it, it becomes  fairly easy and quick to set up.

Even if you are carrying only one bike there is some rub, and it’s worth taking your time to put some padding in place to stop any damage to the paintwork on your bike and your car. I have bought two pool-noodles from Sportsman’s Warehouse which work well. You can see in the photo how I use them. Don’t ask about the wheel-barrow.

Advantages:

• Easy to lift bikes onto rack
• Fits a wide range of cars
• Can be totally removed from vehicle with no tools and stored in car
• Far cheaper than roof-racks and most other options

Disadvantages:

• Does not lock onto vehicle
• Can be tricky to attach if you are alone
• Bikes rub against each other
• Obscures view through rear window
• Car boot can only be opened with difficulty once rack is on car
• Car boot can barely be opened once rack is loaded

Until I am able to afford something like the Thule Euroway this is certainly the most viable solution.

R1200.00 @ Cycle Factory
R1899.00 @ TAKEALOT.com
R1899.00 @ City Cycles (Canal Walk)
R2000.00 @ Sportsmans Warehouse