Luggage on trains… bikes now take priority?

[ejstubbs]

if you have multiple bikes to transport ... a roof rack is the best option

A towbar-mounted rack is much better. It doesn't create as much drag as a roof-mounted rack and it's much easier to get the bikes on and off - an important consideration if you are advancing in years.

It does require the vehicle to have a towbar, though, which can cost a bit to get fitted if it doesn't have one already. Though to be fair it's probably not that much more expensive than a decent roof rack e.g a Thule or similar, on which bike carriers are then fitted. People spending four-figure sums on a bike shouldn't really have qualms about spending a few hundred to be able to transport it safely and securely by car.

 

[Ediswan]

A towbar-mounted rack is much better. It doesn't create as much drag as a roof-mounted rack and it's much easier to get the bikes on and off - an important consideration if you are advancing in years.

Against them, you have to be more careful to avoiding grounding on uneven surfaces and ramps, the car no longer fits in a standard parking space. Some prefer one method, some the other. There is no clear winner.

 

[bspahh]

Against them, you have to be more careful to avoiding grounding on uneven surfaces and ramps, the car no longer fits in a standard parking space. Some prefer one method, some the other. There is no clear winner.

Against roof bars is that you have to be careful to avoid driving into a multi-story car park with a low roof and it means lifting things to an awkward height. I agree that there is no clear winner though.

Brompton folding bikes are useful to own. There are folding bikes which are cheaper, better to ride, more compact when folded and lighter, but the Brompton hits a sweet spot in the middle.