tow bar mounted cycle carriers

Maxxraxx Free Buyers Guide To Cycle Carriers
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CHOOSING A BIKE RACK
Hello Reader,
My name is Max and I am the creator of the
MAXXRAXX cycle carrier system.
My early career was spent designing and building
award-winning furniture as well as being a lecturer in
3-dimensional design.
For the last 18 years, my company has been
developing, manufacturing and supplying cycle
racks to both trade and individual public customers.
We offer a 5 year guarantee and believe strongly in
giving our customers all the help and support they need, not just when choosing
a rack but also by providing them with a full after-sales service plus a complete
parts and spares back-up for all our products.
From the experience I have gained working in this business, I have created this
guide which I hope you will find useful. I want you to find a bicycle rack for your
car which is easy to use, which gives you long service and which encourages
you to take your bikes out regularly.
"We've had a fantastic summer as a family on our bikes. Our new carrier is so easy to use we actually
get the bikes out all the time. Colleagues have since purchased the same carrier having seen ours! Well
done a great product."– Chris Middle, Blandord Forum, Dorest, 2011
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Maxxraxx Free Buyers Guide To Cycle Carriers
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Index
First Principles………………………………………………………………….Page 3
Rear Mounted, Strap-on Cycle Carriers……………………………………Page 4
Roof Mounted Cycle Carriers………………………………………………..Page 5 – 6
Tow Bar Mounted Cycle Carriers……………………………………………Page 7
Conclusions…………………………………………………………………….Page 8
The MAXXRAXX System……………………………………………………..Page 9-10
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Maxxraxx Free Buyers Guide To Cycle Carriers
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FIRST PRINCIPLES
Bike racks are available in 3 main types:
Strap-on racks
those that are simply held onto the rear of the vehicle by various straps
Roof mounted racks
bike racks where special brackets, rails and frames are attached to the roof
to hold the bikes
Tow bar mounted bike racks
bike racks that require your car to be fitted with a tow bar and the rack is
then attached by a bracket to this tow bar.
Racks that attach to the rear of the car can be further divided into either hang-on
or wheel support racks. Most strap-on racks hang the bikes from the top tube of
the bicycle. Some expensive tow bar mounted racks use a means of supporting
or gripping the bicycles to ensure that they are held firmly on the carrier and to
keep them separated from other bikes and the car bodywork.
Safety, strength, security are all vital qualities you should demand from any bike
rack. Remember that a rack that is simple to fit and easy to load will be used
more often, allowing you and your family to enjoy riding your bikes regularly.
TABLE COMPARING RACK TYPES
This table shows the benefits available when using each of the various types of
bike rack.
Safety
Strength
Ease of use
No damage
Fuel consumption
Security
Boot access
Strap-on
No
No
No
No
Note 1
No
No
Roof mounted
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Tow bar mounted
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Note 2
Note 2
MAXXRAXX
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Note 1: Racks mounted high, to ensure number plates remain visible, significantly increase fuel consumption.
Note 2: Depends on make and model of bike rack.
“It goes without saying - and testimony to the product - that the MaxxRaxx performed fantastically
well. Rock-solid, easy to load, and secure." - Mark Reddick, London
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Maxxraxx Free Buyers Guide To Cycle Carriers
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REAR MOUNTED, STRAP-ON CYCLE CARRIERS
Popular racks which are usually cheaper than
other styles and so are often the first choice of
rack for someone new to carrying bikes on a car.
They fit directly onto the rear of the vehicle and
because of this they can appear to be easier to
install. No special or additional fittings are
required either, keeping the cost low.
However, you must take the following points into consideration:
Often complicated, difficult and time consuming to fix to the car.
Many buckles and straps which can come loose and damage the paintwork.
Rarely strong
Ask your retailer if he honestly believes and is prepared to certify
the rack really is strong enough to carry 3 or 4 bikes.
Bikes usually close to and often damage paintwork of vehicle.
Require complete unloading to gain access to the rear of the car.
No security as bikes can be easily removed from parked vehicle.
Strap-on racks usually need additional straps and often include buckles which can damage paintwork.
Many people feel they need to add padding to protect the car from the rack or their bikes
“Over the years I have had several carriers that clip to the boot of the car, all of which have not secured
the bikes adequately, the Maxxraxx Cycle carrier gives me confidence when taking the bikes away on
family holiday I would recommend the Maxxraxx Cycle Carrier to anyone who is serious about
transporting their bikes safely, securely and with confidence every time.” – Martyn Gollop, Dorset
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Maxxraxx Free Buyers Guide To Cycle Carriers
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ROOF MOUNTED CYCLE CARRIERS
These racks have become very popular as they
are strong, hold the bikes firmly and you can carry
as many bikes as there is room on the roof.
These cycle racks are usually a major investment,
bought with the intention of providing secure
mounting for the bikes. Also, with the bikes loaded,
it is still possible to gain access to the rear of
vehicle. In fact they are often seen on the support
vehicles following road races. However, do not
forget that these cars include several team
members to assist the cyclist with any lifting or
unloading.
Unfortunately the difficulty of loading the bikes
means these cycle carriers can be intimidating and time consuming to use. They
can substantially increase fuel consumption which should be included when
assessing the costs of these cycle carriers. Even driving with the empty rack on
the roof can increase your fuel costs by 10%. Paintwork damage to a new or
prestigious vehicle can also be extremely expensive to repair. Oh yes, and do not
forget that the bikes are on the roof before entering a car park.
You must take the following points into consideration:
Very difficult to load bikes even with extra helping hands.
• Almost impossible to use on high, family cars or 4x4s.
Bikes are in the airstream which substantially increases fuel consumption
• Which Report estimates this can be as much as 30%.
You will need to buy a combination of roof-brackets, rails and bike holders
• Initially makes them expensive and complex
• Different mountings means extra costs when changing your vehicle
Very easy to damage paintwork of vehicle during loading and unloading.
Extra height to your vehicle can restrict access to ferries or car parks.
“My wife can easily load the bikes onto the Maxxraxx rather than struggling to fit them on our old roof
rack.” – Richard Foreman, Hampshire
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Maxxraxx Free Buyers Guide To Cycle Carriers
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ROOF MOUNTED CYCLE CARRIERS (cont)
As cars become more valuable we have become ever more concerned about
protecting them against scratches and dents. As a result, roof mounted cycle carriers
have grown in popularity in the UK. Unfortunately, even when using great care
loading and unloading the bikes it is very easy to slip and cause many hundreds of
pounds worth of body-work damage.
Sadly many cars designed to carry our family are too tall to allow easy use of the roof
for carrying our bikes. Even if you can reach the roof it is most unlikely you can lift
and then attach the bikes to the racks without help. Consider buying a rack which will
be simple and quick to use and, if possible, use alone. There will then be many more
chances for the family to ride their bikes even when only one parent is present.
This car demonstrates the increase in height of the
vehicle when using these types of rack. It would not
be possible to enter many car parks or even use
the Channel Tunnel in these circumstances.
Furthermore the bike and rack used on the rear of
the vehicle must be totally removed to gain access
to passports, pets or other bags often needed
during a long journey.
To protect their valuable vehicle, many people are
prepared to invest the time needed to safely load 4
bikes onto the roof when going on holiday. Fuel
consumption will increase substantially on any
journey but is particularly significant at higher
speeds. If you double your speed from 35 to 70mph the drag caused by the bikes
increases by a factor of 4 times. As a result, long motorway journeys for holidays will
see the largest increase in fuel consumption.
"We love the bike rack - it is far and away the easiest one to use that I have ever seen - and you can
quote me!" – Mark Blundell, Kent
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Maxxraxx Free Buyers Guide To Cycle Carriers
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TOW BAR MOUNTED CYCLE CARRIERS
Becoming in the UK than roof
mounted or strap-on cycle carriers
but very common in other countries
such as USA, Canada and
Netherlands.
Dependent on having a tow bar fitted
to your vehicle. If you need to fit one,
this needs to be added to the initial
cost of the cycle carrier. Many car
owners are initially unhappy at having
a tow bar fitted.
However, you should take in to account the following additional points before
deciding which cycle carrier to choose.
Very strong. Genuinely capable of carrying 4 bikes safely and for many years.
Bikes are held clear of the vehicle to prevent any damage to paintwork.
Tow bar mounted bike racks give the lowest increase in fuel consumption.*
In most cases one rack is suitable for use on a second or replacement vehicle.
Bikes are extremely easy to load.
•
Which report May 2003: Bike racks. "If you're planning to transport several bikes regularly, we
recommend you use a tow ball mounted carrier, as these tend to cause the least disturbance to
airflow around the car, keeping effects on fuel and noise to a minimum."
The total cost of a tow bar and suitable bike carrier can be very similar to the
total cost of a 4-bike, roof mounted, bike carrier system.
The increased fuel consumption with current petrol prices quickly makes the
overall cost of using a tow bar mounted bike rack cheaper than that of a roof
mounted system.
The ball of many modern tow bars can be removed when not in use making the
tow bar virtually invisible.
Time is spent using the bikes not loading racks and bikes onto the vehicle. In
particular with a MAXXRAXX cycle carrier the rack and bikes can all be loaded
in about 5 to 10 minutes.
"Having just purchased a MaxxRaxx Premier (4 bike), I thought some feedback would be appropriate.
Absolutely fantastic !!! It’s just so easy to set up, and all the bikes stay rock solid while you are on the
move. The build quality is 1st class and it packs away very easily.” – Rick Walker, Essex
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Maxxraxx Free Buyers Guide To Cycle Carriers
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CONCLUSIONS
STRAP ON - Maxxraxx Rating:
These bike racks tend to be the initial experience of owning a cycle carrier. Owners
often add extra straps to secure the bikes and towels or foam trying to protect the
car.
The apparent benefit of low cost is soon replaced with frustration. The result is that
these cycle carriers are rarely used and usually consigned to the loft or jumble sale
after the first attempt to use them outside the shop.
ROOF MOUNTED - Maxxraxx Rating:
Strong and reliable and will keep your bikes safe. However, more expensive than
they initially appear, when you take into consideration the total cost of a system and
then the increase in fuel costs.
They limit your access to garages, parking as well as on trains or ferries.
Time consuming to fit and load and simply impossible to use alone. Ideal for use by a
large, well funded cycling team but totally unsuitable for use by a family for a day out.
TOW BAR MOUNTED - Maxxraxx Rating:
The additional price of fitting a tow bar must be included in the costs. However, the
total price of a typical 2-bolt flange ball tow bar and rack is similar to that of a roof
mounted system but with a much lower increase in fuel consumption when in use.
By far the strongest, safest and easiest way to carry bikes on a car. The tow bar on
most vehicles is easily strong enough to carry 4 bikes (but make sure the rack is
equally strong).
Wheel support systems can be good at keeping the bikes separated, away from the
car bodywork and help to reduce damage. However, they can also be large and
heavy, making storage and use difficult.
A good hang-on rack that also holds the bikes firmly should allow access to the
vehicle, be quick and easy to use without help or extra pairs of hands. It should
encourage regular use of your bikes, even for short trips, without any thought that
using a bike rack is a problem.
MORE INFORMATION
Please view our videos at:
http://www.maxxraxx.co.uk/Videos/fixing_the_rack.html
or contact us at :
Website
e-mail
Phone
[Lo-call]
www.maxxraxx.co.uk
[email protected]
01342 841 989
0845 2303 744
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Maxxraxx Free Buyers Guide To Cycle Carriers
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The Maxxraxx System
I hope you have found the report on the types of cycle carrier insightful and useful. I
now want to give you some more details about the rack that I believe is the easiest,
simplest and most versatile cycle carrying rack on the market, the Maxxraxx system.
Simple to use
The Maxxraxx can be fitted to your vehicle in minutes and once installed your bikes
can be loaded and unloaded very quickly and easily. Our system uses unique,
specially designed and patented cradles for your bikes.
These allow us to use a strong and simple ratchet system to hold the crossbar of
each bike firmly on the cradles. A similar ratchet system is used on lorries to hold
large loads and is quick and easy to use while being extremely powerful.
Not only can you load and unload your bikes in minutes, you can relax knowing that
they are completely secure on the rack while you are driving.
Built in security
We know that your bikes are valuable to you and this is why every Maxxraxx comes
standard with a built-in security system allowing you to lock your Maxxraxx to your
vehicle and your bikes to your rack. This gives you peace of mind knowing that when
you stop for a quick coffee or bite to eat on a long journey, your bikes are safe from
the opportunist thief.
Easy boot access
It can be frustrating on a long journey when your children decide that they want to
play the PSP that is stored nicely in the boot or when you arrive at the ferry port only
to realise that you have left your passports in the bag buried in the rear of the car.
We know that you need to have access to the rear of your car so that you can let
your dog out for a walk on long journeys.
This is why the Maxxraxx system tilts, even when loaded with bikes, to allow access
to the rear hatch or boot of your vehicle. Even with a 4x4, when the rack is tilted the
rear door can be opened up to 60 degrees providing easy access for the shopping,
kids and dogs.
"I'd just like to thank you, probably because we tend to take our maxxraxx for granted! We've had our
version for over 3 years now and it is fantastic. The product is great, accessories fantastic (love the
storage/carry bag) and website really informative. Thank you, thank you ... (times that by 3 1/2 years!)
Thank you sincerely." – John Ward, Exmouth, Devon
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Maxxraxx Free Buyers Guide To Cycle Carriers
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Tow & carry
The MAXXRAXX cycle carrier gives you touring with flexibility and choice. The bike
rack leaves your tow ball free allowing for you to carry your bikes and tow your
caravan or trailer at the same time.
There is a Towing Height Extension available to lift your bikes an additional 300mm
to clear jockey wheel handles, gas bottles etc. If you use an AL-KO stabiliser we will
supply your bike rack with a specific AL-KO foot plate to ensure adequate clearance
when turning
To find out more about how the Maxxraxx system will benefit your cycle
carrying needs visit our website or call our customer service team on 01342
841 989.
www.maxxraxx.co.uk
"I'd certainly recommend Maxxraxx (and indeed have) to anyone looking for a tow
bar mounted bike rack. I've been using mine regularly for 6 years now on 4 different
cars and have been really impressed. Its simplicity of use is marvellous and is far
less hassle than other tow bar racks I've used and leaves boot mounted ones in its
dust. The ability to use both the tow bar & the boot (we have 2 dogs as well) at the
same time as the rack while on holiday is a real benefit as well. The ability to fold it
down afterwards just makes it all the more remarkable.” – Si McNally, Nantwich,
Cheshire
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