Bike Carrier

[Deleted member 4366]

I started with a strap on one, which was a complete waste of space, then I got the Wilco towball one, which sort of worked, but you can only get one bike on it even though it's supposed to be for two. I think it's just about OK if you don't want to spend too much money.

Having cleared out some of my Ebike stuff on Ebay, my coffers were quite full, so I thought I'd splash out on a decent carrier as an early birthday present for myself. I looked at a few at the Cycle show and settled on the Cykell one, which is a hefty £500, but look how it works. It really is that simple:

It's distributed by Batribike. As I sort of know them, I managed to negotiate a bit of discount, which made me very happy. Then I found out out that my friends at South Yorkshire Electric Bike Centre are dealers. As I had to return that Oxygen MTB, I managed to kill two birds with one stone and collected one during my visit. It's so easy to use compared with the other monstrosities. A cheap bike can work just as well as an expensive one, but I don't think that's true for bike carriers.

The strap on carrier cut my MPG from 62 to 40 on a long run because it placed the bike too high. As far as I can figure, this one only makes a couple of MPG difference because it's nice and low.

http://www.cykell.com/en

 

[TinKitten]

The Batribike chap demonstrated this carrier to my Dad and I at the NEC bike show and we were very impressed indeed. If it wasn't so expensive we'd have purchased one immediately as our current Thule only holds one ebike (and we have two). It looks to be worth every penny though as its so well designed. Something to save up for. Let us know how you get on with yours.

 

[berkobennie]

Looks a great design, but only 1.6kg lighter than the Thule Europower, which surprised me, appearances are deceptive. Deal breaker for me, is that it says not suitable for cars with an external rear spare.
But, then again, I was advised that I would need an attachment for the Thule which reduced it to a one bike carrier on the Honda CRV, guess what ? it fitted perfectly, no attachment, no loss of carrier space, all depends on how far towball extends behind the car. If you do have an external spare, would be a good idea to measure up carefully, or better still try one out at a dealers first.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

The main backpiece of the Cykell one is directly in line with tow-ball, so as long as your spare wheel doesn't overlap the tow-ball, you'll be OK. Dies your spare wheel come that far back?

If you have a conventional bolt-on towball, you can always fit a spacer:

 

[berkobennie]

I've got a Bosal removable hitch, which I think is a bit longer than the usual fixed ball, but means I couldn't use a spacer. Certainly the external tyre has been not been an issue with my setup, but maybe anyone considering one of these types of carriers on an SUV needs to bear it in mind. The spacer solution would be better than losing a bike space.
Have to say the Cykell looks a stylish bit of kit, and looks easier to store than the Thule.

 

[Tubamanandy]

I saw a 2-bike Thule on offer for £275 at the same show - the one you are talking about seems mighty impressive just pricey

 

[SRS]

I started with a strap on one, which was a complete waste of space, then I got the Wilco towball one, which sort of worked, but you can only get one bike on it even though it's supposed to be for two. I think it's just about OK if you don't want to spend too much money.

Having cleared out some of my Ebike stuff on Ebay, my coffers were quite full, so I thought I'd splash out on a decent carrier as an early birthday present for myself. I looked at a few at the Cycle show and settled on the Cykell one, which is a hefty £500, but look how it works. It really is that simple:

It's distributed by Batribike. As I sort of know them, I managed to negotiate a bit of discount, which made me very happy. Then I found out out that my friends at South Yorkshire Electric Bike Centre are dealers. As I had to return that Oxygen MTB, I managed to kill two birds with one stone and collected one during my visit. It's so easy to use compared with the other monstrosities. A cheap bike can work just as well as an expensive one, but I don't think that's true for bike carriers.

The strap on carrier cut my MPG from 62 to 40 on a long run because it placed the bike too high. As far as I can figure, this one only makes a couple of MPG difference because it's nice and low.

http://www.cykell.com/en

Any idea if it were to be used on a Fiat Ducato camper if the tilt mechanism would allow the rear door/s of the van to open?

 

[berkobennie]

Not sure how the Ducato rear opens, if it is an upward opening hatch, it should be OK. I used the Thule on a Skoda hatchback, there was easily enough clearance with two bikes to open the hatch. If anything D8veh's Cykell looks to have more clearance. No use on the Honda CRV though, the rear door opens like a gate, have to drop stuff in through the glass hatch!
Rear door does have space to open if there is nothing on the carrier and the mounting post s folded flat, but it is very tight, very slight rubbing when door is opened.