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Kingham Bike Rack

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The Bargee
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Kingham Bike Rack Empty Kingham Bike Rack

Post by Freeride Tue Mar 05, 2024 1:06 pm

I have searched the previous posts on Bike Racks and there seem to be two manufacturers that supply suitable racks Thule and Fiamma. The Thule appears to fix on the door and the Fiamma has a frame that appears to fit over the door hinges therefore taking most of the load off the door itself.
The actual bike channels for both racks appear to be fixed in that you cannot offset them for the pedals - is this an issue? I realise that you cannot open the door fully otherwise you may strike the side of the van with the bikes. Any advice as to which one is best?
To finalise we just have two normal bikes not electric however they are both hybrid types so the handle bars which are fairly straight are 700mm overall? 
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Post by The Bargee Tue Mar 05, 2024 4:48 pm

There was a thread on the [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] last year, which may not suit you if you don't have a tow bar but it does work really well for us.

I did also mention that a company called Fabbri seemed to make a door hung rack but we never got any further than that once we discovered the Atera rack, so can't help with details, but might be worth a look.

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Post by Dbvwt Tue Mar 05, 2024 5:20 pm

I fitted a Thule Elite and I couldn’t be more happy with it, I think it’s more aesthetically pleasing than the Fiamma but that wouldn’t bother many. It is however, not cheap!
Both do come with concern’s though if not fitted properly and don’t necessarily think a dealer will do a good job, they often haven’t a clue IMO.
I only carry one mountain bike on the outside track of the rack and one concern regarding your bikes would be the handlebar width unless you are ok loosening and twisting on every trip. That’s something I would find a right faff.
As mentioned, and I agree, the best solution is a tow bar rack but that didn’t work for me and may not be an option for you.

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Post by Toffee Tue Mar 05, 2024 6:45 pm

Regarding offsetting for pedals, this shouldn’t be a problem, I’ve had a fiamma bike rack and a tow bar type without issue. I do load the bikes opposing ways so the front wheel is next to the back wheel of the other bike, this helps with flashing handle bars.
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Post by billyc Tue Mar 05, 2024 9:21 pm

I have the thule on a Warwick xl which is same body as the Kingham. Nice rack and am pleased with it. Better than fiamma IMO. My handlebars are 600mm, Haven't got the bikes on the rack at moment to check but think that 700mm may hit the
Bodywork. Check before you buy! 
You can slide the channels on the frame to adjust slightly to suit your bikes. Also reverse the bikes as toffee says.
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Post by Freeride Wed Mar 06, 2024 3:08 pm

Many thanks to you all for your most helpful and informative replies. I think the issue is the width of the handle bars on our bikes (700mm) as the first bike will be far too close to the van.
Fiamma produce a three bike rack but as yet I have not found any overall dimensions for the rack! If the rack sits overall 600mm from the rear of the van the first channel is going to be less than 350mm( which is half the handle bar width).
I could loosen the bars and twist them on the bike nearest the van which is an option. The final option is to fit my wife's bike on first but cut off say 100mm off one side of the bars on the side next to the van. Hay pesto all sorted and she'll never notice? I will continue as a solution is required.
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Post by Toffee Wed Mar 06, 2024 6:11 pm

With either type of bike you will have issues with handlebar widths, I have a dent near my high level brake light on the van to prove it. We now use a tow bar rack and I rotate the bars 90 degrees as I suspect  the bikes moving about would contact the rear door glass. It sounds a load of hassle but in reality it’s no trouble. 
I also prefer the tow bar mounted rack as I can thread motorcycle security chains around the bikes and through the tow bar. The door mounted type could be cut through very quickly by someone determined to take the bikes.
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Post by quentinsf Thu Apr 04, 2024 12:26 am

We also have the Atera DL3, which we got originally for our last T5-based van, because the bikes could slide out far enough to allow the tailgate to lift. Works nicely on any vehicle, though.

I'd say the only downside is that if you have it on the back and you don't have any bikes on it, it can't be folded up in the way that some other racks can, to reduce the length.

When I got it, I had a custom bag made about the right size to go on it, so I could use it for transporting other things too. Here it's full of tent, sleeping bags, folding chairs etc:

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