transporting mountain bikes

[bobotheclown]

I was wondering if anyone has used a bike rack on the back of the Mk5? Any recommendations?

[Merlinman]

This is what I have - but you do need a tow ball.

Atera Strada

Best rack I've ever used.

Light, fits in seconds, stores in boot. TUV approved.

Realise its overkill unless like me you habitually carry bikes!

[Ben Lessani]

I don't like using a boot carrier on mine as it scratches the paintwork.

I'm on the lookout for a roofrack vertical affair.

[bobotheclown]

the Atera Strada looks amazing. Shame I don't have a tow ball on the car. It keeps the bikes well away from the paint and looks solid. A bit pricey, almost as much as I 'm willing to pay for a bike!

[bobotheclown]

found a VW towbar

http://www.volkswagen-accessories.ie/towbar_detachable2

[Golfgirl]

I have a bike rack that sits on the hatch.  Unfortunately though it doesn't fit the Mk 5 properly because the hooks that go under the boot lid are too fat for the gap!  It's an old bike rack (about 13 years old) and older cars obviously had more gap between the tailgate and bumper!

[KentBladeboy]

found a VW towbar

http://www.volkswagen-accessories.ie/towbar_detachable2

The factory (dealer fit)  towbar is made by Westfalia of Germany.  Its a detachable, lockable system, and there is a place in the foam that surrounds the spare wheel for it already (well there was on my 05 GTI). Fitting it takes about 1.5 hours, and you need to buy a new bumper spoiler, with the detachable flap from VW (less than £50).  The electrics are another issue, you either go for the universal kit, very easy to install, or as I did, the factory fit wiring loom, with all the standard VW connectors, and allows it to work with the check control system and things like non operation of car foglight when towing item fitted  ie trailer or bike carrier.  It's a pain to install this kit as you have to get the loom all the way through the car to connect both power and to the brake padal connector, but is well worth it over the universal kit.  Install of the towbar and new bumper spoiler, is a no cut operation, so no damage to car, and at the time of fitting (2006) was approx £500 cheaper than the dealer fit, for the same piece of kit.

I have always used a Thule towball bike carrier, solid piece of kit.