Towbar mounted cycle carriers offer a safe and secure solution for transporting up to four bicycles on the rear of your vehicle. They provide a far stronger and more stable alternative to tailgate-mounted carriers, helping to virtually eliminate the risk of damage to your car.
Towbar Mounted Cycle Carriers
Transport your bikes safely and effortlessly
Towbar mounted cycle carriers provide a secure and practical solution for transporting up to five bicycles on the rear of your vehicle. Compared to tailgate-mounted carriers, they offer significantly greater strength and stability, while virtually eliminating the risk of damage to your car.
Using a towbar-mounted carrier also removes the need to lift heavy bikes onto the roof—an especially valuable benefit for electric bikes and larger vehicles such as SUVs.
There are two main types of towbar bike racks available: hang-on and stand-on carriers. Both attach securely to the towball and can carry up to five bikes. We exclusively stock Thule cycle carriers, suitable for all bike types, including electric, mountain, road, children’s, and fat-wheel bikes.
Advantages of Towbar Bike Racks
Towbar-mounted bike racks offer several key advantages over roof-mounted alternatives. They free up roof space for additional cargo, such as extra bikes or a roof box—ideal for holidays or long journeys. Many of the carriers we supply feature a tilting mechanism, allowing full access to the boot without removing the bikes.
Other benefits include reduced aerodynamic drag, which can help improve fuel efficiency, and far greater ease of use. Bikes are loaded at a lower height, making them quicker and safer to attach and remove. For added convenience, we also offer cycle loading ramps, allowing bikes to be rolled onto the carrier rather than lifted.
All cycle carriers we stock are rigorously tested for safety and reliability, giving you complete peace of mind that your bikes are securely attached and safe throughout your journey.
Which Cycle Carrier Is Right for You?
You can choose between hang-on carriers and stand-on carriers, depending on your needs and preferences.
Hang-On Cycle Carriers
Example: Thule Xpress 2 Cycle Carrier
Hang-on carriers support bikes from the top, typically by securing the frame. One of their main advantages is that when used with a flange-type towbar, the towball remains free, allowing you to tow at the same time—provided there is sufficient clearance.
These carriers are generally more affordable and compact, making them easier to store when not in use. However, they are not as secure as stand-on carriers and offer less overall stability.
Stand-On Cycle Carriers
Example: Thule EasyFold XT 3 Cycle Carrier
Stand-on carriers support bikes from underneath by the wheels and are the most secure option available. The bikes are firmly held in place, preventing movement and reducing the risk of damage to both the vehicle and the bikes.
While stand-on carriers offer superior security and ease of loading, they are more complex in design and therefore more expensive than hang-on carriers. They are also heavier and larger, which can make storage slightly less convenient when not in use.
Cycle Carrier Accessories
We offer a wide range of accessories to enhance your cycle carrier setup:
Extra Bike Adapters – Add an additional bike to compatible carriers such as the Thule VeloCompact and Thule VeloSpace XT
Loading Ramps – Removable ramps that make loading and unloading heavy bikes easier and safer
Carrier Bags – Protect your vehicle and keep the carrier clean during transport and storage
Spare Wheel Adapters – Required for vehicles with rear-mounted spare wheels; available for Thule VeloSpace and Thule VeloCompact carrier
