Couple using a towbar for a bike rack, unloading bikes in a picnic area

Towbars for Cycle Carriers Supplied and Fitted

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Find Your Towbar

  • Choose Towbars.co.uk for your Cycle Rack Towbar

    If you are looking for the perfect towbar for a bike rack, you are in the right place. Our premium range of towbars for cycle carriers is engineered to transport your bikes safely and securely, whether you are heading to the local trails or embarking on a cross-country adventure. From heavy-duty flange towbars ideal for bolt-on carriers, to sleek detachable swan necks that keep your vehicle looking pristine when not in use, we supply and fit the exact structural solution your car needs to get you and your gear on the road.

    When comparing cycle transport options, investing in a dedicated towbar for a bike rack is widely considered the safest, most secure, and most convenient choice. While strap-on boot racks and roof-mounted carriers might seem like quick fixes, a properly installed towbar cycle carrier offers structural advantages that other methods simply cannot match.

    • Effortless Loading and Unloading: Say goodbye to lifting heavy, muddy bicycles over your head. Towbar-mounted carriers sit at a low, accessible height, making it incredibly easy to roll or lift your bikes directly onto the wheel trays.
    • Superior Weight Capacity for E-Bikes: As electric bikes become increasingly popular, weight limits are more important than ever. Most roof and boot racks cannot safely support the heavy frames and batteries of e-bikes. A flange or swan neck towbar provides a rigid, high-capacity anchor point built to handle multiple heavy cycles with ease.
    • Maximum Vehicle Protection: Boot-mounted strap racks are notorious for scratching paintwork, denting tailgates, and obscuring your rear view. Because a towbar carrier mounts directly to the chassis of your car, it sits entirely clear of your vehicle's bodywork.
    • Better Fuel Economy and Aerodynamics: Bikes mounted on the roof act like a parachute, creating massive aerodynamic drag that significantly reduces your fuel efficiency (or battery range for EVs). Towbar carriers tuck the bikes neatly into the slipstream directly behind your car.
    • Unrestricted Boot Access: Worried about losing access to your rear boot? Many premium towbar cycle carriers feature a smart tilt function. With the press of a foot pedal on some models, the entire loaded rack tilts away from the vehicle, allowing you to open your boot without removing a single bike.

    Whether you are fitting a simple two-bike carrier for weekend trips or a heavy-duty four-bike platform for family holidays, our mobile fitting team will ensure your towbar and electrics are perfectly calibrated for the job.

    We also stock a range of towbar cycle carriers for cars including heavy duty bike racks for ebikes.

    Two mountain bikers riding down a forest trail

    A towbar cycle carrying rack keeps muddy bikes outside your vehicle after a day on the trails

  • Equip your Car for a Towbar Bike Rack

    Silver Audi estate car with a towbar mounted bike carrier and two bikes, driving along a peak district road

    A towbar bike carrier is a safe, stable and easy means of transporting bicycles

    Towbars.co.uk will supply and fit your towbar. Our range includes premium towing brackets from trusted manufacturers, including PCT Automotive, GDW Towbars and Tow Trust.

    Choose from flanged towbars - often the most economical option, fixed swan-neck towbars for a sleeker appearance or fully removable towball systems which preserve the look of your vehicle when not in use.

    Choose our mobile towbar fitting service for complete peace of mind - your towbar will be fitted by our expert team along with any vehicle recoding where applicable, all on your driveway. Fully tested, fully guaranteed.

    A towbars.co.uk towbar fitter installing a towbar on a home driveway

    Your towbar is fitted at your home by our expert towbar fitting team

    Your Towbar Bike Rack Questions Answered

    What is the best towbar for a bike rack?

    The best option depends entirely on the style of your cycle carrier. Detachable swan neck towbars are incredibly popular for modern, clamp-on bike racks due to their clean look and ease of use. However, if you plan to tow a small trailer or caravan at the exact same time as carrying bikes, a traditional fixed flange towbar is often the most practical choice.

    Can I put a bike rack on a detachable towbar?

    Yes, absolutely. The only exception are a few budget bike racks which bolt onto a mounting plate behind a flanged towbar. But most bike racks attach to the towball itself, meaning that whether using a bolt-on flanged towball, an Alko-compatible towball, swan neck or fully detachable system - you can safely carry bikes on your towbar.

    Does my car need specific electrics for a towbar-mounted cycle carrier?

    Yes. If your cycle carrier or the loaded bikes obscure your vehicle's rear lights or number plate, it is a legal requirement in the UK to use a light board. We highly recommend installing vehicle-specific 13-pin electrics alongside your towbar, as this provides all the necessary lighting functions—including reverse lights—to keep your bike rack fully road-legal and safe.