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Bicycle rack - which is better

23773 Views 13 Replies 9 Participants Last post by  Snoopy1888, 
B
I`m wanting to add a bicycle rack to a GLC 220d.

I`ve seen you can have the rack on the back or one on the roof. Which one do people generally prefer?

It will be for 2, maybe 3 adult bikes.

Thanks Billy.
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Horizon
Bikes transport

I've transferred my roof bars from my old B-series to the GLC with a new fitting kit (4068) and I have already bike racks to fit on them.
Obviously a lot higher to lift bikes on to and off, and have all the concerns in/out of car parks, garages etc. but very secure.

Hanging bikes off the back of the hatch is easier, and no worries of access to car parks etc, never really got on with them never feels quite secure and may need a light bar if the lights are covered by the bike wheels.

I have in the past, just put the seats down and covered and put the bike in the back, you may have to take the front wheel off.

A more costly option is a tow bar, and then there are numerous of attachment to fit a tow bar for bikes.
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B
Thanks, Horizon. I`ll check into both options. One concern I had with the roof one was slipping and scratching the car.

I don`t think I'd go for a tow bar.
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Horizon
Bikes

Hi Billy, noticed no one else has chipped in? obviously no one else carries bikes like us:)

Slipping and scratching car could be a problem, I saw this accessory, and if you watch the video, I notice you can fit the bike to the rack on the ground and then slide it on to the roof bars, which looked less likely to scratch the car?

https://configurator.mercedes-benz-...oof-mounted_carriers/Bicycle_rack_A0008900293


Still see roof bars as the best option, as you can also use them to carry other stuff.

Nigel
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D
Hi Billy,

I've a lot of experience of moving bikes around the country with various methods on various cars, sadly there's no perfect solution!

A rear mounted rack is the cheapest option, its also relatively easy to use but has a few drawbacks:
  • You can't open the boot
  • The racks rub against the paint/glass
  • You may need a lighting board/number plate if these are covered up (some racks are designed to avoid this)

Roof Bars and Cycle Carriers are typically a good compromise:
  • Can be difficult to lift bike above you head (particularly on to a 4x4)
  • avoid height restrictions (its very easy to forget this!)

I now use a tow bar rack, which I know you're not interested in but for completeness:
  • It's expensive
  • Other drivers don't seem to factor in the extra length (this can be an issue in car parks)
  • Can effect how the car drives if the rear suspension is heavily compressed (not sure if this is an issue in a GLC as mine has Air Suspension :))

You're decision really depends on how often you move bikes around, but typically I recommend a roof bar set up for most people as it keeps the bikes relatively out of the way.
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A
Bike rack

I recommend getting a nice light weight bike. Your bike will keep you healthy if you ride, which I assume is the idea. So get a good bike that you can love. I have tried bikes off the back of my Landrover in the trailer hitch rig. Works great, swings down so you can open the side-swing door. I have three bikes and works fine fully loaded. However, on the GLC I use the roof. With a nice light weight bike, it's easy to hold the bike overhead. Get the wheels in first and be prepared to step up into the doorway to latch the vertical element. I take my bike into hotel rooms when traveling. So am used to quick and easy loading on the roof. Besides if you have nice bikes, I'd hate some idiot pulling up short and crushing what might be hanging off the back. Go for the roof.
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GCS
Horizon said:
Bikes transport

I've transferred my roof bars from my old B-series to the GLC with a new fitting kit (4068) and I have already bike racks to fit on them.
Obviously a lot higher to lift bikes on to and off, and have all the concerns in/out of car parks, garages etc. but very secure.

Hanging bikes off the back of the hatch is easier, and no worries of access to car parks etc, never really got on with them never feels quite secure and may need a light bar if the lights are covered by the bike wheels.

I have in the past, just put the seats down and covered and put the bike in the back, you may have to take the front wheel off.

A more costly option is a tow bar, and then there are numerous of attachment to fit a tow bar for bikes.
Click to expand...
Hi. Did you install the roof racks to a Panaromic roof GLC or normal roof? I have a panoramic roof GLC SUV and wonder if the roof racks would obstruct the opening of the pano roof.
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2
Previously on last car, I used the towbar system, when I got the Glc, I didn’t spec towbar..
I used Thule aero bars and Thule carrier
I mention manufacturer as there was some queries in regards to clearance of pano roof with roof bars fitted, the Thule foot packs is flush to the rails and “I” had full function of pano roof

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Motor vehicle Tire


For me, this set up was clumbersome enough with two bikes I‘d hate to have mounted the wife’s bike in the middle.
After a single outing, I had to dig deep and get a towbar fitted and dust off the rear towbar mounted carrier, granted more expense, but the simplicity is priceless and leaves the roofbars for top box when camping.

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Sport utility vehicle Luxury vehicle


As long as you Remember the bikes are on the back when reversing, the simplicity of a towbar system is worth the expense, if you read up on the offerings, most systems are easy on/off and can be stowed in boot whilst you enjoy your cycle
Noting, the side steps of the Glc are cosmetic more than functional steps, you really can’t use for stepping up with a bike above your head.
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GCS said:
Hi. Did you install the roof racks to a Panaromic roof GLC or normal roof? I have a panoramic roof GLC SUV and wonder if the roof racks would obstruct the opening of the pano roof.
Click to expand...
When I fit my roof bars and box the sunroof will not retract - it detects an obstacle in the way - you can open it into the ventilation position.
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S
I also have pano roof, perhaps it depends on what bars is used, don’t think I have pictures of roofbox fitted...When fitted, I can open and retract roof, though wouldn‘t drive around that way due to the tunnelling wind.
The Thule bars are quite high and the spacing can be adjusted, my roof box is long 520l and covers most of the roof.
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N
I've got lots of experience of roof bars and bike racks on a GLC.

The Thule aero/wing bars are a versatile system as they have some adjustment in the width so can be mounted further apart when carrying longer loads. The down-side is the footpack has little in the way of padding, and they actually damaged my roof rails. Also, an allen-key is required to fit them, which is a pain. "Tighten to 6N" - really, how do you measure that without a torque wrench? From memory, I think the pano roof opened fully. 6/10

The genuine Merc system is better in that no tool is required to install, they have a knob you turn that automatically stops when the right tension has been applied. Clever! Also, lots of rubber padding. On the down-side, the width is fixed, so they have to be mounted at a specific position on the roof rails - which you determine with the supplier tape measure! (not joking!) The pano roof will tilt, but not slide. 7/10

I prefer the Thule bike carrier to the Merc ones as they have a better locking system. An adapter is required to fit the Thule bike rack onto genuine Merc bars.

Last, I read that Merc do not recommend a tailgate-mounted bike rack. Towbar mounted is ok, but not tailgate mounted.

Hope that helps.
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snrbrtsn said:
Previously on last car, I used the towbar system, when I got the Glc, I didn’t spec towbar..
I used Thule aero bars and Thule carrier
I mention manufacturer as there was some queries in regards to clearance of pano roof with roof bars fitted, the Thule foot packs is flush to the rails and “I” had full function of pano roof

View attachment 3407

For me, this set up was clumbersome enough with two bikes I‘d hate to have mounted the wife’s bike in the middle.
After a single outing, I had to dig deep and get a towbar fitted and dust off the rear towbar mounted carrier, granted more expense, but the simplicity is priceless and leaves the roofbars for top box when camping.

View attachment 3408

As long as you Remember the bikes are on the back when reversing, the simplicity of a towbar system is worth the expense, if you read up on the offerings, most systems are easy on/off and can be stowed in boot whilst you enjoy your cycle
Noting, the side steps of the Glc are cosmetic more than functional steps, you really can’t use for stepping up with a bike above your head.
Click to expand...
Any chance you can highlight what system/model you have on the back please?
Many thanks
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S
I
Snoopy1888 said:
Any chance you can highlight what system/model you have on the back please?
Many thanks
Click to expand...
i believe the towbar is towtrust detachable
the cycle carrier is the Thule Velocompact 927, I’ve had it for an long time and just recently replaced with a like for like carrier
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snrbrtsn said:
I


i believe the towbar is towtrust detachable
the cycle carrier is the Thule Velocompact 927, I’ve had it for an long time and just recently replaced with a like for like carrier
Click to expand...
Many thanks:)
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