The best family bike rack and trailer options
Spring has well and truly sprung and summer is on the horizon; it’s the perfect time to free your bikes from the shackles of the garage and get out on some family adventures!
If you’re thinking of venturing further afield with your bikes this spring/summer, whether that’s a day exploring the UK countryside or camping holidays abroad, it’s likely you’ll need a bike rack or trailer.
Choosing a rack or trailer that is safe for you, your bike, and your vehicle is paramount, especially when going off the beaten track.
At Pendle, we’ve spent decades creating high-quality, steel bike racks designed to last a lifetime.
We also have families ourselves, so know just how important it is to have an easy-to-fit, stress-free solution available.
In this latest blog, we look at the some of the bike rack/trailer options available to you and your family.
Let’s find the perfect solution.
Towbar-mounted bike racks
Towbar-mounted bike racks are easy to install and use. These rear-mounted bike racks fit cars of all models from Land Rovers and Range Rovers to hatchbacks and saloon vehicles. All you need is a towbar, be it flange-mounted, swan neck or detachable. At Pendle, our rear-mounted bike racks are robust and versatile, all-steel designs.
These come in Hang-on towbar racks or our wheel support towbar racks and can carry up to 4 bikes, including electric ones.
Our hang-on rack is available in three setups:
The zero-offset H4 is suited to most vehicles, the 150mm offset HD model is perfect for flat back vehicles like the Land Rover Discovery, and if you carry a spare wheel on the back (i.e. Land Rover Defender) then the 250mm offset HL will fit perfectly. If you tow a trailer or caravan and want to fit a rear-mounted bike rack too, we also offer H-range height extensions to make the most of your carrying capacity.
Our wheel support bike rack options range from 1 to 4 bikes and we also have trike and trike + bike options available.
Strapping a bike to a towbar-mounted rack is quick and easy. You don’t need to reach to the roof of your car or lift heavy bikes too high. Instead, all you need to do is place your bikes side by side, horizontal to the car, and strap the bikes in securely. Padding on the arms protects your bikes from bumps and prevents any damage to your vehicle. It’s also important to ensure your wheels are secured to prevent spinning.
Bicycle trailers
If your family is larger than 4, or you want extra space for other holiday items, a trailer may be the best option.
The Pendle bike trailer is available in 6-bike (Family) and 12-bike (Professional) options and both fit a standard 50mm towbar. It can also be adapted to meet the needs of any trike riding member of your family or group. For families with larger bikes (including electric bikes), the Family Plus trailer, which is 55cm longer than the standard Family Trailer, is the one to go for.
Just as with the tow bar racks, you will also need a spare number plate for the trailer and ensure that electrical and towbar connections are in good working order. Once you have all of this in order, you’ll find transporting bikes with a trailer easy.
Pendle Bike Racks
If you would like to find out more about our products or just want to get in touch with us, please do get in touch.