Defender bike rack

[TheEntertainer]

Hi Guys,

I need to get a bike rack for the defender, what would be the best option.

a Rack that mounts on the spare wheel (I have a kaymar swingaway carrier)
or
a Rack that slots into the tow hitch (that will have to extend pass the wheel).

Also what brand and where to get good prices (and advice) in Sydney.

Thanks

TheEntertainer

[Ace]

Hi mate, i reckon go to the tow hitch one, i have seen them a few times now and they seem pretty easy to take on and off as you require it. No idea what they cost though

[Xtreme]

I just happen to have a bike rack that was made specifically to attach to a Defender spare wheel carrier - either standard or the swing away type/s. It is currently 'excess to requirements' and I have been thinking of selling.

It is solidly built, doesn't interfere with opening of the rear door and will carry two bikes.

I am in the Hornsby area if you wish to view it or I could take and post a few pics if required.

Roger

[Redback]

I agree with Ace, seeing as you don't tow a trailer anymore.

Happy birthday too Jan.

Any idea about that longer T Piece for the oil pressure sender i mentioned, I had to disable my oil pressure, it goes haywire for some reason, might be a faulty sender.

Baz.

[Xtreme]

Hi mate, i reckon go to the tow hitch one, i have seen them a few times now and they seem pretty easy to take on and off as you require it. No idea what they cost though

I wasn't keen on the tow hitch ones due to the way they flex around when on a rough road. I have also heard of one guy who has had two of the brand name units break and has written of his very expensive bikes as a result.

Maybe if the tow hitch ones had a secondary securing/attachment device at the top of the 'post' then the flexing would be reduced or eliminated - but then you'd have difficulty in opening your rear door.

Of course the other option would be to mount them on the roof - although a bit awkward due to the height and you'd have to always be aware of your clearances.

Roger

[Xtreme]

I agree with Ace, seeing as you don't tow a trailer anymore.
Baz.

The unit I have can be used with or without a trailer, so no restrictions there.

Roger

[Redback]

The unit I have can be used with or without a trailer, so no restrictions there.

Roger

Sounds like the ideal rack then, shame i don't ride pushies, there for you people:D

[TheEntertainer]

Never to late REDBACK, come on, you've done it on 4 wheels now try it on two! SAME TRACK!

[Xtreme]

Well, they say it doesn't happen without pics, so here are a couple of 'graphs.

The section where the bikes attach can be hinged up so as not to protrude too far when not carrying bikes.

Roger

[scrambler]

Well, they say it doesn't happen without pics, so here are a couple of 'graphs.

The section where the bikes attach can be hinged up so as not to protrude too far when not carrying bikes.

Roger
The trouble, as you say, with the tow hitch type is having to remove to get in the back door. I've never seen a wheel mount one, it's a great idea. Only trouble would be the extra weight levered out on the door, but then I guess you could always drop the spare inside if weight was a concern. Thanks for the pics.

[Redback]

Never to late REDBACK, come on, you've done it on 4 wheels now try it on two! SAME TRACK!

Done it and still do, but mine has a motor:p

Baz.

[Mudnut]

I have a cheap one that is made to attach to the back of a hatch back car. Cost $80 dollars. The padded top bracket hooks over the top of the spare wheel, and then it is strapped in place from there. I only carry my son's bike on it, so has worked a treat. Made the journey to Cape York and back to Melbourne, along lots of corrigated roads. No drama's. Am going camping on the weekend, so will put it on, and take a photo.

Cheers,

Ken

[rick130]

I have Rhino roof rack mounted bike carriers.
Can't remember what the bike ones are, (Swedish ?) but Rhino supplied the carriers and adapters. They just lock straight into the Rhino rails.

[TheEntertainer]

I like the solid spare wheel mount but the td5 has alloy wheels and no hole in the middle.
Putting them on the roof would be to hard....
Thanks for all the replies so far!

[paulthepilot_5]

http://img368.imageshack.us/img368/6885/sg64700largesg7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I bought one of these and have it mounted to the floor in the back of my series 3. You just unclip the front wheel and clamp the forks into it. The rear wheel can be held down with a small loop of shock cord secured to the floor. works great, and the bike is inside your landy and no longer your rear crumple zone :p

Cheers
Paul

[rick130]

Used to use (and still have loose) those clamps Paul in the back of my F100.
Was going to mount them in the tray of the 130, but i always have miles too much stuff there.

The rear crumple zone argument is why I throw mine on top.
Two bikes that are too expensive to replace. ;)

[Xtreme]

Used to use (and still have loose) those clamps Paul in the back of my F100.
Was going to mount them in the tray of the 130, but i always have miles too much stuff there.

The rear crumple zone argument is why I throw mine on top.
Two bikes that are too expensive to replace. ;)

As mentioned earlier, just have to watch your overhead clearance with them on top though.

Old Pic added showing wheel carrier bike rack mounted.

Roger