[goodbyalfa]

Getting into biking with the wife and two kids, and would really like to wander further afield but not sure how best to travel the bikes.
I don't have a tow bar, and really do not want to risk any damage to the paint work so am frightened of rear mounting any carrier.

Any suggestions from mountain bikers welcomed.

G20 M340i.

Thanks in advance

[N44RTT]

I've always used a roof rack and found it to be more than adequate. Yes, it's more of a faff to fit compared to a tow bar rack but it's not that bad. Takes me 10 minutes to fit the whole thing as I don't keep the roof rack on when I'm not using it.

Thule WingBar Edge is a good option for the roof rack itself (slim profile and no overhang on the sides), and Thule ProRide for the actual bike racks, especially for mountain bikes.

You might struggle to fit 4 mountain bikes depending on how big the kids bikes are, mainly because of the handlebars. I'd definitely double check the width of the roof rack can accommodate 4 bike racks regardless of what brand/model you go for. You can then try and fit some of the bikes facing to the rear or flattening the handlebars.

My incoming M340i has a tow bar (if it ever shows up) but that is mainly because I want the option to travel with a roof box as well as the bikes for longer trips.

EDIT: The main drawback of the roof rack for me is the wind noise at motorway speeds and obviously MPG. Expect about 25-30% less. That is partially alleviated with a tow bar rack. But unless you want to fit an aftermarket tow bar don't think you have much of a choice.