deano87
Member
Registered: 21st Oct 06
Location: Bedfordshire Drives: Ford Fiesta
User status: Offline
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Basically, I didn't want to put my bikes in the back of the Punto due to ruining the interior (and it actually being smaller than a Corsa B), therefore there was 3 options.
1) Tow bar - approximately £275 for the tow bar fitted then another £100 for the rack, this wasn't an option.
2) Roof bars - as nice as they are, the mounts aren't that great as there are no gutters on the car.
3) Strap on - didn't think this was an option due to the spoiler on the Punto.
HOWEVER, I had a friend with a Corsa D SRi which uses the same chassis therefore similar shape, including spoiler. He had a bike rack which worked perfectly. I therefore tried his rack on mine tonight and et-voila, it works.
The rack is this:
http://www.pendle-bike.co.uk/shopping/strap-on-rack.php
I cannot recommend it enough. Sturdy British engineering, no silly plastic clips to snap and break. The top two straps clear the spoiler, the bottom clip to the bottom of the tailgate. And the 2 side ones simply require 'dumb-bells' or 'window attachments' to save the glass.
Yet to try it out with some bikes but I'm sure it'll be fine. Without bikes on it it was as sturdy as anything. I hung off it and it didn't budge 
So the Pendle 3 bike rack - highly recommended for those on the budget but have a sporty car with boot spoiler.
EDIT:
You can see with his car the top straps clearing the spoiler:
[Edited on 22-07-2010 by deano87]
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mwg
Member
Registered: 19th Feb 04
Location: South Lakes
User status: Offline
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Theres a 4th option. Bike in a bike bag inside the car. Thats what I do. Keeps the interior nice and clean plus dont have to worry about leaving the bike(s) when I go to the pub for a pint on the way home.
I wouldn't fancy all that weight on my rear screen, heard of them cracking before now.
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deano87
Member
Registered: 21st Oct 06
Location: Bedfordshire Drives: Ford Fiesta
User status: Offline
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There's not a lot of weight on the rear screen, most of the pressure is on the boot lid below the screen.
Never thought of the bike bag - but often go out with the misses so have 2 bikes. Plus the opening of the Punto is tiny - you have to manouvere the bike in with both wheels off. Easy in an A3 I'd imagine.
The Punto rear screen is flatter than the Corsa D too.
My mate said he went to Wales like that, doing about 80mph all the way and the rack didn't move once.
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mwg
Member
Registered: 19th Feb 04
Location: South Lakes
User status: Offline
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I can fit 2 bikes in but yeah it is a bigger car. One in the bike bag, the other laid on top. Been up to Scotland and all sorts like that 
I didn't want anything touching the paint so boot racks and roof racks were a no go as the A3 doesn't have mounting points for a roof rack so it'd be sat on the paint 
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AndyKent
Member
Registered: 3rd Sep 05
User status: Offline
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Not fussed about the bike rack, but that second pic of the Corsa on what look like MOs makes it look awesome!
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Corsa Sport Gav
Member
Registered: 12th Feb 03
Location: Durham, County Durham Drives: A6 Allroad
User status: Offline
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i had the same probs with my S3 as the spoiler sticks out quite abit, in the end i went for a towbar and im please i did.
and removed
[Edited on 21-07-2010 by Corsa Sport Gav]
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deano87
Member
Registered: 21st Oct 06
Location: Bedfordshire Drives: Ford Fiesta
User status: Offline
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I wish I could afford one I really do. But the price is very steep. I don't use it that much as dad has a van and we normally go riding together.
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a_j_mair
Member
Registered: 23rd Jan 04
Location: Scotland
User status: Offline
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i just sling mine in the back of the pickup
have looked at making a rack or stand but most involve remopving the front wheel top clip the axle bit in and seems like alot oh hassle tbh
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deano87
Member
Registered: 21st Oct 06
Location: Bedfordshire Drives: Ford Fiesta
User status: Offline
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Pictures - I was in the process of removing hence it being on the wonk and bike not really secured. Bit of a faff - obscures the lights which is illegal.
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Kurt
Member
Registered: 23rd Oct 05
Location: Hi
User status: Offline
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You coul always just get a discounted set from me? 
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deano87
Member
Registered: 21st Oct 06
Location: Bedfordshire Drives: Ford Fiesta
User status: Offline
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Roof bars? Apparently they're bit of a pain in the arse to fit and you get epic wind noise from them.
That reminds me I need to ask you something, will u2u.
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pow
Premium Member
Registered: 11th Sep 06
Location: Hazlemere, Buckinghamshire
User status: Offline
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I'd still want to invest the money in a towbar and the correct fixing, don't want all the pressure on my bootlid/rear screen
[Edited on 22-07-2010 by pow]
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Kurt
Member
Registered: 23rd Oct 05
Location: Hi
User status: Offline
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Pow did you get my email?
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pow
Premium Member
Registered: 11th Sep 06
Location: Hazlemere, Buckinghamshire
User status: Offline
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Oh yes mate I did! Price of those wheels if just too much I love them though, makes me sad! Thanks for a catalog though 
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deano87
Member
Registered: 21st Oct 06
Location: Bedfordshire Drives: Ford Fiesta
User status: Offline
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quote:
Originally posted by pow
I'd still want to invest the money in a towbar and the correct fixing, don't want all the pressure on my bootlid/rear screen
[Edited on 22-07-2010 by pow]
I think I plan too, especially if I start getting some commission drop at work. But for the interim the strap on will do I think. I'm still quite shocked at how sturdy it is.
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