Bicycle Rack suggestions - Disco4

[Crofty]

Hi guys, newbie here to the forum and glad to finally be a member!

No doubt there have been a few posts already on this and a bit of searching has revealed great feedback on the ISI bike racks.
I see new models have been introduced this year and was wondering if anyone has the new 4x4x4 version and any feedback on it?

I have no doubt it's a really well engineered rig but it's not the cheapest out there.

Anyone else have any other suggestions to throw into the pot?
Need a rig for the Christmas break

[Tombie]

ISI for sure.

[eddomak]

No doubt there have been a few posts already on this and a bit of searching has revealed great feedback on the ISI bike racks.
I see new models have been introduced this year and was wondering if anyone has the new 4x4x4 version and any feedback on it?

Hi Crofty, welcome to the forum!

I have an iSi 2016 and love it. I am using it to carry 1x29'er, 2 x 26'ers, and 1x 20 inch, with a another kid's bike in the rear cargo area. I also have a Yakima Frontloader for the roof bars where one bike will go if we are fully loaded.

Yes it is on the pricier side, but actually it is not more than the Thule or Yakima 4 bike equivalents, and those don't give you as much clearance, and are not as rigid at all. Those do, however, fold up smaller when not in use.

If you only need a carrier for around town duties, then you can probably go cheap and quick with something from Torpedo 7. They used to have a 4 bike version of this one on eBay. Whatever you do, don't go with the "hang on" style - I used these for many years and now am wondering why I bothered with all the struggling and manipulating of the bikes.

Someone else I know suggests the Swagman racks, including the Swagman Jacknife 4, but I don't know about their pricing and availability in Australia.


Also I just updated the main thread here: http://www.aulro.com/afvb/l319-disco...e-carrier.html for my home made light board.

[laughto]

I use one of these Nexus Clip on Bike Carrier - #RBC049 | Rhino-Rack A bit fiddly to set up but good if staying at a single destination for a period of time. A bugger if you want to move every couple of days.

Yes it is only a 3 bike carrier and we use this when towing the van, hence why I don't use my Thule Tow Ball mount carrier.

[Crofty]

Hi guys, cheers for your responses, very much appreciated. Good to here the feedback on the ISI gear eddomak, I'd prefer a rig with the extra clearance & should be able to stow it pretty easily. At the moment I've got two 19.5" bikes, a kids beginner bike (not sure of the exact dimensions) and a balance bike. In no time the kids will be stepping up so I need to cater for it. Question is can these fit on the ISI? Hopefully the pic attached is visible!

[eddomak]

That looks like a 16 inch and a 12 inch balance bike (hah, yes, I've been through them all).

I don't know the definitive answers, but can tell you they make different sized wheel loops to cater for varying ranges, and the ranges overlap (eg I got three pairs of the larger loops, and one of the smaller loops, but can still carry 4x26'ers, or 3x29'ers)

Pop a quick email through to George at iSi carriers and he will overwhelm you with his helpfulness and knowledge and sell you exactly the right combo as all parts are swappable. Maybe be prepared by measuring the wheelbases.

Other small points of feedback:
- you may want to budget for a light board (around $90 commercially) to make yourself legal
- you may want to lock the carrier to hitch, and the hitch to the receiver (see other thread) - maybe a simple cable through the holes will do it
- it can take a little while to setup so nothing touches, but once that is done, then loading/unloading is lightning fast
- it is heavy duty, but as a result is heavy to drop/lift when loaded with bikes to access the boot - I have done it once with all four bikes on it, but would definitely prefer to have had a hand

[Crofty]

Thanks for the info mate, I'll definitely hit up George with the questions. FYI, I wasn't able to view your link using the tapatalk app. I'll have to try view it on the usual webpage and see if it works. Appreciate your help, I'll update an let you know how things go. Cheers, Andrew

[PKD4]

Hi Crofty,

I have a 4x4x4. I use it currently for 2x26, 1x24 and 1 x20 Mtn bikes. When I first got the rack the kids had a 20 and 16, they have grown!

I have one set of smaller wheel loops which I find does help because it sits the 20 inch bike a bit higher - easier to get the bike on.

Overall, I think the rack is great once you have the set up routine right. I can remove the bike closest to the car very quickly and have access to the boot - open both top and bottom doors. I find that easier than tipping the rack.

I also picked up an extra unwanted tow hitch from on the forum markets and have the bike rack mount permanently attached to my extra hitch - easy to put on when I want it.

The only negative is the weight - my better half would not be able to put the rack on - I can live with that.

Pat

[Crofty]

Cheers Pat! Very handy info.

My next move is to contact George to cover off the requirements so I can get the order right first time. As I still have the spare wheel under the trunk the compact fitments are looking like the option for me, it's just the loops that I need to make sure are correct.
Cheers, Andrew

[Crofty]

Well gents, the ISI 4x4x4 arrived and I got her rigged up this weekend passed.
Those fellas at ISI-Carriers sure know how to engineer a master piece!!!
Utterly impressed!
Thought I'd share a few proud photos with you