CalMBDriver

Has anyone figured out a convenient way to utilize a bike rack on a C32. I've been doing more and more biking lately and it really is a pain in the *** to transport a bike around in this car. I'm trying to figure out if I have any good options.

Has anyone installed a trailer hitch and then utilized a bike rack that locks into the trailer hitch? Can a trailer hitch reliably be installed? I've already been told that it can be done, but I don't know how well they can bolt/weld something on like that to this car.

Trunk strap-on racks work ok but you can't lock the bike up on it and obviously you can't get in and out of the trunk when it's on.

Thanks.

Eurocharged Rick

i do alot of biking as well and i just fold down the rear seats and remove the front tire on my bike...works great and keeps everything nice and secure...

also, i don't like trailer hitches...

ScottW911

I'm with 1fastc32 on this one, except he must have an awfully small bike. I have to remove both wheels to fit my bike in the trunk. The road bike fits better than the mountain bike.

I am very hesitant to put a trunk strap-on on the trunk for the fear of paint damage. I thought MB had offered a roof mount system once, but I believe they dropped the click tabs from the rails by the time the C32 was built.

1st lite

I thought MB made a roof mount rack. If they don't, you can always try to get a Thule or Yakima roof rack with the bike attachments. I always liked the roof mount because you can still get into the trunk without removing the bikes. Just remember the extra height with the bikes attached.

Eurocharged Rick

i have a 54 size Specialized S-Works Roubaix...

FrankW

go to the dealer and ask. there should be an oem bikerack for the roof.

ScottW911

Oooo, nice bike. You have good taste. I am saving up for the Tarmac. Mine are usually 57 or 58's. Also, the wide bars on my Specialized Enduro mountain bike create the trunk problems, even with both wheels removed. That's when I swipe my wife's minivan.

Gotta sign off now. The live coverage of the TdF is on right now.

Eurocharged Rick

i rode both, i liked the Roubaix over the Tarmac...of course i am just a rider that enjoys a good bike...if i were more into racing, i probably would have bought the Tarmac...let me know how you like it, and if you have not had the chance to ride both before you purchase, make sure that you do...

Harry Madan

What no one here has the $4000 Mercedes bike? lol
i say this mountain bike at the benz dealer in vancouver and the price take was $3400 + tax come to about $4000 Cad.
i was like dam that is an $$$ bike.
i do a lot of biking too but for the most part dropping the rear seats and taking the wheels of the bike lets it fit in the trunk easily. the beast part is u can drive the way u want with the bike in the trunk, and not have to worry about a thing.

m3_eater

The S-Works Roubaix is $6500?!

CynCarvin32

Tarmac SL2 $8100 -- AMAZING bike. The ads on the tour de france for the new Tarmac make me drool every time.

I have a Cannondale SystemSix Si1 with the hollowgram compact cranks. Its a great bike with amazing torsional rigidity for climbing and sprinting.

Thats my C'Dale bike and then the now gone E500 on the way home from the fall death valley century (south route) this year. Bike rack worked great up to 125 mph in the desert

CynCarvin32

I have a W203 roof rack for sale. It is 100% brand new never used and ready for a new owner. I will tack $110 for it. After that you will need a bike carrier for the rack but that is not that expensive. I can get the bike carrier for a nice discount if you buy my cross bars.

I had a rack for my C230k but a screw fell out of the rack right when I traded the car in. So I did a warranty replacement on the rack and I got a totally new set of roof rails. Thats why its unused.

I like the looks of the MB racks over say the other leading brands just because they look a bit more solid and sleek.

PM me if you are interested.

Eurocharged Rick

Yup, but mine is an '06 and even though MSRP was $5500, i only paid $2300...

don't ask me how, it was a one time deal that i just lucked into...

CynCarvin32

Thats factory pricing! Well done. I got my Cannondale for 38% off so that made me happy. Not quite as good as your deal though.

Eurocharged Rick

thanks! you got a really good deal as well, you should be really happy with it!

ScottW911

Ha! You guys will hate me then. I spent just $850 for my Cannondale (online) and am still able to kick the butts of the club racers half my age.

I wish that Specialized still built the Tarmac E5. That was a beautiful bike.

Cyn, I just PM'ed you.

CynCarvin32

E5 is the half carbon half aluminum race bike correct? That was an impressive setup. My cannondale has that say tech but the new supersix this year is full carbon. I have not ridden a supersix but people say its 2 lb lighter and very stiff but the SystemSix has a stiffer rear triangle which is better for sprinting.

But the lighter bike makes climbs easier simply due to needing to exert less effort.

Club racing huh? I never got the serious with it but I can attest to being smashed off the map by men 2-3 times my age! That is always humbling and I take my hat off to those riders. Its simply amazing.