Black Friday bike racks: towbar, boot deals

Three checks before choosing a bike rack

Start with the car. Without a tow ball, only boot or roof models are possible, and a boot bike rack only fits the car models listed by its manufacturer. Count the bikes next: a rack designed for two can sometimes accommodate a third with an extension, like the Azura from XLC. Lastly, weigh the heaviest bike without its battery: the maximum load per spot needs to support it.

Spotting a real discount on a bike rack

A crossed-out price means nothing unless the version is the same, as one name often covers several models. The Jupiter from Mottez comes for classic bikes or electric bikes, the CC-C03 from XLC is available in two or three spots, and the Fold Click from Yakima in 2 Evo or 3 Evo. Take note of the full reference, then check the contents of the box: locks, 7 or 13-pin connector and adapter, light block, number plate holder, ramp. A version without lighting or locks can’t be compared to the complete version, even if it shows a bigger discount: add the price of the missing parts before deciding.

Bike rack brands from the operation

Thule is featured with the ThruRide, a roof bike rack that clamps directly onto the through axle of the fork, with the front wheel removed, for a bike weighing up to 17 kg.

Peruzzo focuses here on boot racks: the Firenze carries two bikes, electric or muscular, on two rails, and the Verona takes three up to a limit of 45 kg.

XLC bets on tow bars with the Almada Work-E, which carries two bikes of 30 kg each, and the Xtra LED 2-in-1 version, which also acts as a workshop stand, plus the Beluga foldable for three places.

Mottez, a French manufacturer skilled in tube transformation, offers the Jupiter, suspended on the tow hitch, and the Shiva-2, which straps onto the tailgate and accepts two electric bikes without their batteries.

Yakima, an American brand, provides its tow platforms Just Click and Fold Click; the latter folds with a simple foot command.

Elsewhere in transport and after the operation

Complete advice, installation by installation, can be found on the bike rack page, open all year round. To attach bikes on the return, check the bike supports and racks from the operation; to set off without a car, the bike trailers. The Black Friday bike transport gathers everything together. After the operation, end-of-line models go to clearance; the newest arrivals are in the new arrivals.

Frequently asked questions

When does Black Friday take place?

The day after Thanksgiving, an American holiday; it kicks off the festive shopping season. This Friday remains the highlight, but at Vélo-Store, the Black Friday discounts on the bike racks gathered here continue throughout November.

Can a boot bike rack carry an electric bike?

Yes, when the manufacturer indicates it, as with the Shiva-2 from Mottez or the Firenze from Peruzzo. Remove the battery and check that the weight of the bikes stays below the maximum load stated.

7 or 13-pin connector: which one to choose?

The one that matches your car's tow hitch connector. Many bike racks are wired with a 13-pin and come with an adapter for 7-pin connectors: make sure it’s included in the box.

Can you open the boot without unloading the bikes?

With a tilting tow bike rack, yes: the platform tilts backwards, loaded with bikes. A boot bike rack, on the other hand, rests on the tailgate and needs to be unloaded before any opening.

Do you need to remove the front wheel for a roof bike rack?

Not always. A model fixed by the fork, like the ThruRide, requires removing the front wheel and storing it separately; a model that holds the bike by the frame transports it whole.