High bike rack

Hi
I'm planning my first summer holiday in Agnes....I'm 5ft2" ,  often a solo traveller and have a mountain bike...how DO I get it onto the bike rack....or do I indeed a lighter bike to be able to lift up to the necessary height?  

Also trying to attach a photo on here....how do I do that?.....not doing very well here!

I know what you mean about lifting up to the rack and I'm 5' 11". I've just decided I don't want the back box I've bought because I would have to lift it on and off for each trip as the Nuevo only just fits on my drive with the rack folded and the box is too heavy to lift on and off to that height.

As for photos, follow this ......

https://www.autosleeper-ownersforum.com/t160-how-to-add-photos-to-your-posts

Hi Annie

A short skirt and a provocative pose usually attracts plenty of muscular assistance!

What am I saying!!!!! (Hangs head in shame.)

If taking the bike is a priority you may want to consider the very expensive, but excellent option of a Fiamma wind up bike rack. Stupidly expensive, but it depends how important your bike is to you, and your independance.
http://www.thefiammacentre.co.uk/fiamma-carry-bike-lift-77-cycle-rack.html

Do you have a tow bar fitted to the van? If so there's the much cheaper and dead easy alternative of a Thule ball mounted bike rack.
http://www.bikerackcompany.com/shop/car-racks/premium-2-bike-tow-bar-bike-rack-with-an-integrated-light-board/?gclid=CjwKEAjw5disBRCA5r7OjsK_-UgSJAC27JPgqOrrc0QEBIArhXwMX0g1DBK69Tp-RvBulpOZAhQo1BoCgxvw_wcB

It might even be worth thinking about having a tow bar fitted in preference to the Fiamma wind up. As your van is pre-2012 you don't have to have a type approved towbar, so it might be quite cheap to get a second hand one and have it fitted. Those Thule bike racks are brilliant, and don't worry about them wobbling on the tow ball. They are as firm as a rock, and very quick and easy to fit and remove.

Hope this is useful.

Dave

Do you already have a bike rack fitted or are you looking to purchase one?  If the latter, then there is a model which has a winch arrangement so you load it in a lower position:

http://www.agentfiamma.co.uk/fiamma-lift-77-bike-rack.html

cheers
Roger


PS  Damn!  This time, Gromit has beaten me with his nifty fingers!  15-all!

I've just aquired one of those Fiamma lifting bike racks. SWMBO pointed out (a) that the rack on the Nuevo has to be a good bit higher than on the Clubman because of the upswept rear lights; and (b) if fitting a wind-up rack means we'll use the bikes for a few more years then it's worth doing. She was correct. We gulped, and bought. I have to say it's terrific. Comes down to about a foot or so off the ground so easy to load and secure bikes, and then the winding mechanism is smooth and requires little effort.

Cymro wrote:. . . . the winding mechanism is smooth and requires little effort.

Of course it's easy Cymro.

You just sit back and watch the gorgeous blonde doing all the work. (See the image in my link.)

At that price I assume she was part of the deal??

Dave

P.S. I'm a bit worried about Roger having looked at his link.

I wish... !

If its simply the height of the rack that's a problem, how about carrying a short collapsible step.  The sort of thing that has just 2 steps and folds flat.  I'm assuming here of course it not the weight of the bike that's the problem.

How about carrying one of these. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-x-Warrior-Folding-Aluminium-Motorcycle-Bike-Motorbike-MX-Loading-Ramp-/311126741327?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item487099514f   I suggested this to someone who couldn't lift an electric bike on to their carrier. Just hook one end to the carrier and wheel the bike up. I have one for getting motorbikes into vans. Very light and don't take up much space. In fact I guess it could be strapped alongside your bike.

Thanks for your replies....the rack is too high and bike too heavy to lift up to the  height needed. Might need a lighter bike and cheaper than a new rack but will try something to stand on....wonder if I can get the rack lowered without causing damage and holes in the bodywork. I'd love the rack that goes up and down but yes quite an expense...