Any recommendations on the best way to transport 4 bicycles on the back of an XC90 ?

Do I need to get a tow bar fitted ?

Never used a tow bar or bike rack before.

Advice appreciated.

Gurj

 

Hello GurjBahia!

I have a 2005 XC90 2.5T AWD outfittied with a Yakima system. The factory roof rails can easily accomodate their system that consists of 4 towers that support round crossbars. The 4 towers are specific to each vehicle and you can find the appropriate ones at
yakima.com
The round crossbars ar avialable in many lengths but choose a pair that extend slightly over the edge of the roof of your XC 90 as it makes loading your bikes easier. I use the Yakima Boa bike attachments that include a short tray for the rear wheel and a front fork mount that grasps through the fork ends with a quick release. My system also hase the locking cores as well as a ski attachment as my rack functions in all seasons here in the rocky mountains.

The cavet is that with four bikes, you might need a small step stool to place the bikes on first in the center of the rack and then the bikes on the outside. Space them evenly when you assemble the system. Note also that there are also many other bike attachments for the Yakima system other than the Boa. I like the Boa as they are simple and uncluttered but do require removal of the front wheel to attach the fork to the fork mount.

Racks that attach to a rear hitch might be easier for you in that they don't require lifting the bikes onto the roof . You might also think about if you are comfortable with either bikes on top or bikes in the rear. You will need to have a Volvo hitch installed. I am not a fan or rear racks in that they extend the length of the vehicle and obscure rearward vision while driving.

There are Volvo custom branded rack systems that are available through your dealer but they are a bit more expensive than Yakima or Thule because they do have "Volvo" printed on them. I have had both Yakima and Thule rack systems and they are both very well designed and work well. My preference is for Yakima. I would recommend that you do purchase whatever locking devices are available with whatever system you choose that will not only lock the roof rack and its accessories to the vehicle but also lock your bicycles to the rack.

Good Luck! ( yakima.com rackattack.com www.thule.com )

Jonathan (from high in the Rocky Mountains of Colroado)

 

Thanks Jonathan, great reply.

I took a look at the websites and there certainly are quite a few 4 bike racks.
Went outside and tried lifting a couple of the bikes above my shoulders and
quickly came to the conclusion that it would be risky for the paintwork
trying to load the bikes on the roof.

So next I need to find a good removable tow bar and probably I'll go for
a Thule 4 bike rack that fits on it.

Do these things fix securly without swaying or anthing ?

Do they generate a lot of wind noise etc ?

I guess you have to drive a little slower and try not to turn to sharply in a tight space.

Thanks,

Gurj