Keeping bikes below roofline with T6 bikerack

[bigmac77]

No, this was at the cash booths not dongle whatsit.

"Je suis class un"

 

[Amarillo]

Has anyone got experience of putting Bromptons on the bike carrier - and if so whether they can be attached easily with the saddle/ handlebars in the low/folded position (but with the bike unfolded).

https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/bike-choice-for-european-tour.14237/#post-198574

I am not sure that a full fold with the bike secured to the rack in any conventional way is viable. The low fold works well; I haven't yet tried covering the bikes, but will post once I have.

 

[California Dreamin]

Low fold looks ideal from the picture in the linked thread, thank you.

 

[Amarillo]

Low fold looks ideal from the picture in the linked thread, thank you.

There's a photo here of two Bromptons and a double Burley trailer on the rack, keeping all below 2m.
https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/thread...ur-california-today.16913/page-14#post-205308

 

[DM]

Ill

"Je suis class un"

I'll practice that! Mind you of course it'll be Mrs DM in the passenger seat and her French is much better than mine.

 

[RichardH]

Has anyone got experience of putting Bromptons on the bike carrier - and if so whether they can be attached easily with the saddle/ handlebars in the low/folded position (but with the bike unfolded).

Just on our way home today after nearly 4 weeks in France and Spain. This time, as an experiment, we took our 2 Bromptons with the two of us instead of the road bikes. Fully folded, with the protective covers on, they fitted inside the van, upright, close together on the upper shelf, leaving plenty of space for our other storage boxes. They are low enough not to obstruct rear vision and of course there's no issue with height or the rear lights / number plate.

Obviously they would be no good for serious cyclists wanting to do mountain passes etc, but they were perfectly adequate for journeys of up to 15 km or so. The time taken to get them out and unfold them is not much more than taking full-sized bikes down from a rack. Having fiddled about with different height settings and bike positions on our hook-on tail-gate carrier for the past three years I think we'll be using the Bromptons from now on!
Cheers
Richard

 

[Bellcrew]

We are in Brugge tonight en route to Hannover for Club Meet at Vw factory . We crossed Poole Cherbourg and have driven up along the Normandie Beaches , Le Touquet so quite a bit of 130 kph . We have 2 bikes on vw rack and they are higher than van by about 9 ins and a bit wider ( 4 ins each side ). I'd say our mpg is down by 5 mpg from 33 to 28 at high speed so your idea Stephen of lowering bikes has got to help .

Just got back from a ten day tour of Devon/Dorset, our two large bikes carried on the new T6 Fiamma bike rack, just refilled and mpg is down from 38 to 33. Will use our Dahons on the next trip with the handlebars and seats lowered below the roof line to see if the consumption goes back up.

 

[Lewis]

Just got back from a ten day tour of Devon/Dorset, our two large bikes carried on the new T6 Fiamma bike rack, just refilled and mpg is down from 38 to 33. Will use our Dahons on the next trip with the handlebars and seats lowered below the roof line to see if the consumption goes back up.

Have you noticed much mpg difference when he bike rack is attached but empty?

ps. Hope your comfort mattress served you well on the trip!

 

[Bellcrew]

Have you noticed much mpg difference when he bike rack is attached but empty?

ps. Hope your comfort mattress served you well on the trip!

The short term mpg dash reading went back to 40 plus without the bikes but with the rack still fitted. We are going on a long trip in May and will carry the folders and check the brim to brim readings.
We have used your comfort mattress during winter when sleeping downstairs was a warmer option but since fitting the iso-top we always sleep "upstairs". We will use the mattress again when our grandchildren become regular passengers.

 

[Grumpy Mike]

I've received lots of advice from members but haven't been able to give much back so far, so thought I would share this. I have a new Ocean with T6 bike rack and wanted to keep the bikes below 2m for travel in France: getting under barriers, fuel consumption etc etc.

I managed to buy at a reasonable price san remo bike racks, one for a wheel and one for a fork mounted frame (per bike):

https://www.athleteshop.co.uk/elite-bicycle-carrier-new-san-remo-universal-without-rail
https://www.athleteshop.co.uk/elite-extra-holder-porta-ruata-80-for-dismounted-front-wheel
http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/products/...ds/legitim-chopping-board-white-art-90202268/

By lowering the saddle and mounting at the fork, you can keep the frame below roof height. You could just carry the front wheel in the van or tie it to the bike, but I decided to go the full hog and buy 2 wheel holders that will sit side by side on one rail of the T6 rack. This way I can carry 2 bikes, with wheels mounted separately, using 3 rails of the rack.

You don't need all the san remo pieces you buy. I was wondering how to attach the san remo bits to the T6 bike rack and think I had a brainwave (well maybe not if it falls to bits after use but it looks like it will be good)! I discovered an IKEA chopping board is the perfect fit to slide into the T6 rack after removing the end cap. It's very easy to cut to size and drill holes through, but I hope strong and rigid enough to do the job. If you wanted a Rolls Royce solution I guess you could get some aluminum pieces made up. Finally I had to buy some stainless steel bolts to bolt the san remo bits to the ikea plastic and then simply slide them into the T6 rack. One thing I like is that you don't need to drill or cut the T6 rack and it's adjustable in that you can slide the ikea bit along the rail.

There will be other solutions I'm sure and cheaper ways as well.

View attachment 20555

View attachment 20556

View attachment 20557

View attachment 20558

Stephen, Absolutely superb article. Thanks for that. I will do exactly the same as want to get good fuel economy, cover the bikes up etc. Brilliant article..

Ta

 

[stephen watson]

Stephen, Absolutely superb article. Thanks for that. I will do exactly the same as want to get good fuel economy, cover the bikes up etc. Brilliant article..

Ta

Thanks Mike. My next challenge is to source a good cover. There is quite a lot of stuff on the forum but most of the better looking covers seem to be basically a rectangular shaped cover you put over the top - whether it is for one or more bikes. Possibly a mobility scooter cover would be the right size for a rack full of bikes.
EXCEPT none of these covers seem to account for the fact that if you are using the VW rack arms to secure the frames this is impossible. Has anyone come up with a good solution or is it a case of having something specially made or cutting slits or holes in an off the shelf cover?

 

[Grumpy Mike]

Thanks Mike. My next challenge is to source a good cover. There is quite a lot of stuff on the forum but most of the better looking covers seem to be basically a rectangular shaped cover you put over the top - whether it is for one or more bikes. Possibly a mobility scooter cover would be the right size for a rack full of bikes.
EXCEPT none of these covers seem to account for the fact that if you are using the VW rack arms to secure the frames this is impossible. Has anyone come up with a good solution or is it a case of having something specially made or cutting slits or holes in an off the shelf cover?

Oops, should have listened and not bought stuff... Cant help it.. So you are telling me the Fiamma cover I have bought wont fit??? I wanted that one as it has the pocket for the sign.......

 

[stephen watson]

Oops, should have listened and not bought stuff... Cant help it.. So you are telling me the Fiamma cover I have bought wont fit??? I wanted that one as it has the pocket for the sign.......

I don't know - I'd like to know though please. I'm just guessing that the rack arms holding the bike frame will stop the cover dropping down over the bikes?

 

[WelshGas]

Thanks Mike. My next challenge is to source a good cover. There is quite a lot of stuff on the forum but most of the better looking covers seem to be basically a rectangular shaped cover you put over the top - whether it is for one or more bikes. Possibly a mobility scooter cover would be the right size for a rack full of bikes.
EXCEPT none of these covers seem to account for the fact that if you are using the VW rack arms to secure the frames this is impossible. Has anyone come up with a good solution or is it a case of having something specially made or cutting slits or holes in an off the shelf cover?

Oops, should have listened and not bought stuff... Cant help it.. So you are telling me the Fiamma cover I have bought wont fit??? I wanted that one as it has the pocket for the sign.......

Besides getting a cover that allows the arms to be used one of the biggest problems seems to be the wind turbulence. On a Motorhomes the rear end is much larger, height/width compared to the bike racks they use. In consequence the bikes,rack and cover sit in the centre in a dead zone for turbulence. On the California this is not the case so any cover will have to be well made, well fitted and of tough material.
On my travels through some rainy weather the rear of the California got plastered the rears of the Motorhomes did not, sowind turbulence could be a real problem.
Let us know how you get on.

 

[Grumpy Mike]

Besides getting a cover that allows the arms to be used one of the biggest problems seems to be the wind turbulence. On a Motorhomes the rear end is much larger, height/width compared to the bike racks they use. In consequence the bikes,rack and cover sit in the centre in a dead zone for turbulence. On the California this is not the case so any cover will have to be well made, well fitted and of tough material.
On my travels through some rainy weather the rear of the California got plastered the rears of the Motorhomes did not, sowind turbulence could be a real problem.
Let us know how you get on.

Will do. But about 3 - 4 weeks before delivery....

 

[Grumpy Mike]

OK. So rack modified as above. Thanks for the info. Tonight tried the cover on one bike... I think you may need a doctorate in origami or similar. Its a Fiamma cover and yes it fits, yes we could fit the arm on over the cover. Not an issue there at all. But as WelshGas says, I think it may get ripped to shreds.

It took me ages to get it on what with my height issues.... Trying to simulate being in Spain and not having multiple step ladders avail etc in garage. So taken it back off.... Is it possible to fold that back up?? Will it ever fit in that bag again??

So approx two weeks and I will re fit it for the trip to Spain. Then I can have the warning sign in the pocket. I think it may be OK over there as its just the turbulance from the van and not the 300mph winds from the north sea ripping at it.. Meanwhile off to sign up to an origami class...

 

[greenfintry]

We fitted the ikea mod to put 2 road bike on the T6 carrier and stay below the roofline. Works really well, also impressed we can open the tailgate with the roof up.... and if chairs are out, then tailgate will even stay up!!

 

[greenfintry]

We fitted the ikea mod to put 2 road bike on the T6 carrier and stay below the roofline. Works really well, also impressed we can open the tailgate with the roof up.... and if chairs are out, then tailgate will even stay up!!

 

[Grumpy Mike]

We fitted the ikea mod to put 2 road bike on the T6 carrier and stay below the roofline. Works really well, also impressed we can open the tailgate with the roof up.... and if chairs are out, then tailgate will even stay up!!

Agree, its great and I find it easier to manipulate the bikes when fitted this way. When putting them on standard I have height issues. Top modification.

 

[Amarillo]

May I share with you my impressive rear end?

Four bikes and a double child trailer - all below 2m and within bike rack weight limits.


Follow my blog at www.au-revoir.eu

 

[CYCLOPATH]

I've received lots of advice from members but haven't been able to give much back so far, so thought I would share this. I have a new Ocean with T6 bike rack and wanted to keep the bikes below 2m for travel in France: getting under barriers, fuel consumption etc etc.

I managed to buy at a reasonable price san remo bike racks, one for a wheel and one for a fork mounted frame (per bike):

https://www.athleteshop.co.uk/elite-bicycle-carrier-new-san-remo-universal-without-rail
https://www.athleteshop.co.uk/elite-extra-holder-porta-ruata-80-for-dismounted-front-wheel
http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/products/...ds/legitim-chopping-board-white-art-90202268/

By lowering the saddle and mounting at the fork, you can keep the frame below roof height. You could just carry the front wheel in the van or tie it to the bike, but I decided to go the full hog and buy 2 wheel holders that will sit side by side on one rail of the T6 rack. This way I can carry 2 bikes, with wheels mounted separately, using 3 rails of the rack.

You don't need all the san remo pieces you buy. I was wondering how to attach the san remo bits to the T6 bike rack and think I had a brainwave (well maybe not if it falls to bits after use but it looks like it will be good)! I discovered an IKEA chopping board is the perfect fit to slide into the T6 rack after removing the end cap. It's very easy to cut to size and drill holes through, but I hope strong and rigid enough to do the job. If you wanted a Rolls Royce solution I guess you could get some aluminum pieces made up. Finally I had to buy some stainless steel bolts to bolt the san remo bits to the ikea plastic and then simply slide them into the T6 rack. One thing I like is that you don't need to drill or cut the T6 rack and it's adjustable in that you can slide the ikea bit along the rail.

There will be other solutions I'm sure and cheaper ways as well.

View attachment 20555

View attachment 20556

View attachment 20557

View attachment 20558

A very neat solution. I just carved a bit of wood, that fitted into the channel, bolted on my San Rémo, and I strap it on with a toe clip strap. I can then remove it when I am at my destination, so the bikes go on quicker, getting the best of both worlds.
Doesn't look as professional as yours though

 

[WillSS]

Just on our way home today after nearly 4 weeks in France and Spain. This time, as an experiment, we took our 2 Bromptons with the two of us instead of the road bikes. Fully folded, with the protective covers on, they fitted inside the van, upright, close together on the upper shelf, leaving plenty of space for our other storage boxes. They are low enough not to obstruct rear vision and of course there's no issue with height or the rear lights / number plate.

Obviously they would be no good for serious cyclists wanting to do mountain passes etc, but they were perfectly adequate for journeys of up to 15 km or so. The time taken to get them out and unfold them is not much more than taking full-sized bikes down from a rack. Having fiddled about with different height settings and bike positions on our hook-on tail-gate carrier for the past three years I think we'll be using the Bromptons from now on!
Cheers
Richard

Have to agree with this, we're both keen cyclists, kids not so, but this trip we opted to leave the road bikes at home and took a punt on 2 eBay special 8spd Dahon 20" wheel fold-ups (on T6 Fiamma pro rack).
Low-fold mode kept things below the roof line (removed the seat/post entirely for the long runs), Really quick to get on and off and brilliant once in a campsite. As they are so adjustable the kids could easily ride them as well as us (for sizing think BMX up to 6'2'' hybrid) so proved to be a fantastic addition to the holiday with so much more versatility than our regular road bikes. Great fun to ride though clearly wouldn't replace a road/mtb bike if that was a significant driver for the holiday but we managed a few 20mile jaunts, one comedy mountain pass, multiple local town/croissant runs/shower block trips and even one family 2-up 2mile trip into town when we couldn't find any additional hire bikes!
Needless to say we are now converts for all but dedicated cycling trips. Pricey Bromptons not required unless you want to store inside where the far slicker full-fold would save the space. Might be a thought for some...

 

[Califorian]

Similar system to the Ikea chopping board works for me on a T5 rack. Brackets made from some scrap aluminium scaffolding tubing etc and a local welder £5. Just below 2mtrs and great for carparks and toll 2m limits. Also roof up and tailgate open. I have tried covering them with a top end cover but as WG advises wind turbulence will shred them. I got around this by very tight strapping on the cover but one baggy bit and it'll be in shreds within a couple of miles of motorway driving.

 

[Califorian]

Roof up, tailgate open,bikes covered, wineopen

 

[Amarillo]

These are my brim to brim diesel consumption figures with 2 x Brompton, 2 x children's toy bikes and a double bike trailer, all folded to below the roof line. My van is a 150 DSG Beach.

On 7 June I filled the tank in Belgium, near the French border.
Subsequent refuels:
60.27 litres, 513 miles, 38.69 mpg
56.83 litres, 543 miles, 43.44 mpg (not a complete refuel)
71.85 litres, 476 miles, 30.12 mpg
72.33 litres, 584 miles, 36.70 mpg
69.00 litres, 547 miles, 36.03 mpg
71.13 litres, 577 miles, 36.85 mpg
78.03* litres, 591 miles, 34.43 mpg
73.34 litres, 629 miles, 39.02 mpg
72.23 litres, 523 miles, 32.89 mpg
75.77 litres, 587 miles, 35.23 mpg
72.77 litres, 542 miles, 33.85 mpg
70.00 litres, 547 miles, 35.51 mpg (Luxembourg, 17 August)

Totals:
843.55 litres, 6659 miles, 35.89 mpg

The trip computer gives a figure of over 38 mpg.

*The low fuel warning bleeped soon after we passed a filling station in Sodankyla, instead of turning back we continued. The next filling station was 65 miles on along northern Finland's empty roads, and was closed! The next filling station was another 15 miles on, just north of Rovaniemi.


Follow my blog at www.au-revoir.eu