Author's product rating: 
| Advantages: |
Chunky, engineered product |
| Disadvantages: |
Alas heavy, bulky to store and readily corrodes |
| Recommend to potential buyers: |
no |
My parents used to own a big bike shop so I got to try out all sorts of interesting gear (they usually charged me for it, but I guess thats how they stayed in business). When I started needing to move some pricey mountain bikes on motorways and stuff I wanted a real secure rack - in all senses of the word.
The strap on racks were just too easy to pinch and the roofrack isnt ideal on the motorway if you are in a hurry (or want to use a multistory carpark, carport, or garage anytime) Many bike trail parking spots also have height restrictions to keep out vans these days, making bikes on the roof a pain.
The rack:
The Pendle wheel support rack is a modular system made of (mostly) painted steel pieces that can be assembled into a strong and readily lockable construction. Its 'engineered' rather than pretty but once the bikes are on, they wont fall off or get easily stolen (though they could still be damaged if someone runs into the back of you, as happened to us once - not the racks fault that one)
Fixing is easy (once you have a towbar) as you simply fix an adaptor block between towball and towbar bracket - when you need to fix rack drop it in and padlock it on. To attach a bike is pretty much the same, drop it in and strap it up (did one Motorway trip, forgetting to strap the bike and it was fine !)
The issues:
In use I have to say it was pretty darn good, but even before the year was out it had started to get rusty. Had a chat with the makers and they were just not bothered (made no mention of the family business in conversation). The view was that the powder coating was good quality and if the rack was washed just like my car it would be fine. Since the bikes got a good clean after most trips and the rack was hosed down at the same time I was of the view that was what I was doing.
Figured it may not get much worse, but it was decided not to sell the racks in the shop lest we had to face similar disgruntled customers
Storing the rack was a pain too, as its pretty heave and bulky so was easier if two people put it away- all that steel again
By end of the second year of use, the galavnised pieces still looked shiny but the rest was a mess. Much of the paint has bubbled from underneath (like car bodywork did in the 70's) and large flakes of black paint littered the back of the garage. It became embarrasing to fix this to my nice car and put a £2000 bike in it.
For something that retailed over £150 this was pretty poor show, in my opinion - our Thule roof stuff and Hollywood boot rack still look almost new, and they have been around years.
My verdict:
Its fair to say I wasnt impressed with Pendle or the longevity of their rack and am looking to replace it with something in Aluminium like a Thule or Atera model. Painted steel of this quality just isn't up to our weather, if you only plan summer use then this may not be a problem to you - if Pendle ever reintroduce the galvanised ones they used to make then that would help too, but its still heavy
Having experienced a wheel support rack there is no way I would go back to the strap on or roofrack kit and would heartily commend them to anyone for easy of use and security
| More Reviews |
 Pendle Wheel Support Bike Carrying Rack
Review of Pendle Wheel Support Bike Racks by
drummsman
Advantages: Bikes are well supported in their own wheel holder
Disadvantages: Large rack to store when not being used. Can't tow at the same time
...rack. I chose the Pendle because it seemed very sturdy and included a light board. This fits securely on the end of the rack. I previously had to bungee on a lightboard and this never seemed to sit well. I carry four bikes and each has its own slot with a vertical divider to separate it from the other bikes. One disadvantage is that you can't tow at the same time so I have to use the other rack when I tow the caravan and take the bikes. It is also ...
...would certainly recommend this rack if you have expensive bikes and want to carry them safely. You must have a flange ball style towbar as the car plate is sandwiched between the ball and the towbar. I believe a swan neck adaptor is available but this has to be fitted everytime you use it or you cannot tow while it is mounted. That would certainly put me off using it. ...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful |
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helpful
18.11.2005
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 great unit!
Review of Pendle Wheel Support Bike Racks by
LionelRichie1
Advantages: Fantastical!
Disadvantages: none!
The Discovery Rack is specifically for vehicles with tow bars fitted and has 6 inch offset arms. The offset arms have been designed to ensure that the bike rack can fit vehicles which have spare wheels attached to the rear. The Discovery Rack does not however fit every 4x4 with a spare wheel. For those vehicles with wider spare wheels, the Landrover Rack with 10 inch offset arms may be required. I also advise that the Discovery Rack is purchased ...
...homes, 4x4s without spare wheels etc. This is to ensure that the pedals and the handlebars of the first bike on the rack have sufficient clearance from the back of such vehicles.
You can tow at the same time as transporting your bikes with a Discovery Rack if you have a standard 2 bolt flange type tow bar and have purchased the type approval version of the rack. You will not be able to tow if you have purchased the ball mounting Discovery Rack. ...
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful |
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somewhat helpful
11.11.2005
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This product has not yet been reviewed. 
