Bicycle Mechanics - Rear Bike Rack

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good rear bike rack for my car. I've heard of Thule so far. I have a Beetle, but what I've seen so far are mostly roof racks for this type of car.

Also, are there any solutions to prevent the bike rack from leaving marks on the paint?

Thanks in advance!

--Sussette

Well i worked in a bike shop for about 10 years, I never saw any manufactor attempt to make a rear rack for a beetle. It`s been awhile though possibly someone has, but i ase to have a roof mount tulie, also yakama is a good rack, if installed properly either one should not do any damage to the paint. Believe me a roof rack is the way to go. happy trails Steve.!!

Disagree with Steve, can be awkward to put bike up and onto rack. Have used roof and rear rack but now use one which fits onto tow bar. Can be fitted to car in seconds and no problem with putting bike on. Dear unless tow bar already on car. Roof mounted racks plus bikes also add to car fuel consumption, which is a problem when fuel costs are high. Euan

Thanks for the info, Steve and Euan! Euan, do you know who manufactured the rear bike rack? I have the New Beetle model, so the rear body is slightly different from the previous Bug. My friend's rear rack works well on her Bug, and she hasn't had any problems with it. Although, she did mention that she felt the weight did shift quite a bit with the rack there on the back.

I'd prefer the rear bike rack, since I'm *vertically challenged*. ;-)

I don't have a hitch on the back at all, so I could possibly do that...

Hi technogirl, I could give names of various models unfortunately I live in the North of Scotland so I do not think it would be much use.

If you do find a rear rack be prepared to overhaul your bicycle much more often, since the bike will be "sideways " to the wind and near the road surface it will have dirt and grit forced into the wheel and bottom bracket bearing assemblies . I have overhauled many bicycles and this is ALWAYS a problem with rear racks.

If you ever get "rear-ended"- good-bye bicycle.

Thanks for you advice, Pat. I hadn't considered that problem with dirt on the gears. I had considered the possibility of a crumpled bike, if someone rear-ended me. It's good to see the advantages and disadvantages of having the bike on the rear. I'll have to think about that as well.


--Sussette

Sussette,
I don't know if you have found one yet or changed your mind about the rear vs roof, but I saw an ad that depicted a rear rack on the back of a Beetle. I am pretty sure it was in the current issue of "Outside." It may have been Thule. Sorry I can't remember specifically. I thought of you as soon as I saw it and meant to save it so I could tell you. Unfortunately, I was travelling and I guess I forgot and must have tossed it to save weight in my bag.
Regards,
Raymond

Hi, Raymond! Hey, I think it may have been Delta Cycle's Hunch Rack. My bike store recommended it--although it's selling for $20 more. His store seems to be the only one that has it in stock locally.

Here's a link that shows it...
http://www.bikeusa.com/delta/hunchrack.htm

See ya!