Q. A few years ago my wife and I decided to get back into the saddle and bought a couple of traditional-style bikes, which suit us well. We want to take them further afield but are having difficulty finding a roof rack that will carry them - each is about 50lb.
MS, Wetherby, West Yorkshire
A. Roof-mounted racks have weight restrictions and I am not aware of one that will carry two bikes as heavy as yours. There is an easier solution. Racks that sit on a towbar can carry a significantly heavier weight, and will save you the problem of lifting such heavy bicycles onto the roof.
If you don't have a towbar, you will have to either fit one, or have one fitted. You can do a DIY job for less than £100 - but wiring the electrics requires a degree of technical aptitude. In addition, a good bike rack will set you back about £200. The Pendle Heavy Duty Wheel Support Rack (£198) should comfortably carry both your bikes (for details, see pendle-bike.co.uk).
Q. I am a reasonably fit 59-year-old woman who wants to do some cycle touring here and in Europe. Do you have any suggestions for a suitable bike for touring and for everyday use?
Advertisement
JA, Saltash, Cornwall
A. You need a comfortable bike with a good range of gears, mudguards and a carrying rack. The Raleigh Metro GLX, at £350, and the Giant City CRS, at £325, would suit your needs perfectly. If you prefer a traditional drop-handlebar tourer, the Raleigh Royal, costing £500, is a good entry-level model.
You can, of course, spend far more on a touring bike and if you plan to be in the saddle for days at a time, it will be money well spent. The extra cost gives you more durable gears, a more comfortable frame and fittings that make it easier to carry more luggage. Thorn Cycles, of Bridgwater, Somerset (thorncycles.co.uk), makes a range of touring bikes. Its Sherpa costs £1,099.
Need some bike advice? E-mail cycledoc@sunday-times.co.uk