Why it's important to select the correct vehicle and tyre size
Vehicle
There are a surprising number of vehicles that cannot use traditional snowchains, the types that put chain on the inside of the wheel as well as on the tread. This is usually because there is not enough space between the wheels and the shock absorbers; this can be a problem for ordinary SUVs and 4x4s as well as for high performance cars.
You will find this important information in your car handbook - please check this before using your snowchains! Our database is intended to do the basic work for you but, with so many new vehicles and tyre sizes, it should only ever be treated as a guide.
Tyre size
Please also check your tyre size - if you buy incorrectly-sized chains they will be either too tight or too loose.
Ladder track chains
The good news is that car handbooks usually only refer to "traditional snowchains". Ladder track chains such as the Polaire GRIP and Spikes-Spider range only put chain over the tyre tread, so are not subject to these restrictions. They are also ideal for use on rear wheel drives where there is minimal space between the top of the wheel and the wheel arch.
Bike Carriers & Bike Racks
Tow bar mounting bike carriers
There's quite a lot to think about before buying a tow bar rack so we recommend that you read our Buying Guide and Recommendations. In summary, choose between a cheaper hang on style rack (Best Buy = BUZZ RACK Buffalo) or a more expensive wheel support rack (Best Buys = Atera STRADA DL3 at the top end, BUZZ RACK Eazzy in the mid-market).
Electric bikes are usually heavier than standard bikes, even with the battery pack removed, so they need stronger bike carriers, and more spacing between the bikes. Find these specialist wheel support racks by using the Racks for e-bikes filter.
You will need a tow ball on your vehicle, factory fitted or fitted by a specialist tow bar fitting business. There are two options for the electrics - the main difference is that 13 pin electrics allow a bike carrier reversing light and fog light to be used, if fitted. In any event we supply adapters free of charge so that 13 pin bike carrier electrics may be used on 7 pin vehicle electrics.
All the tow ball racks are in our 90 day exchange scheme so we hope that you'll buy with the confidence that if your first choice is not quite right then you can exchange it for another. Please also use the Filter and Sort tools to help you choose.
Best buy
Wheel support type bike carrier
Atera STRADA DL Best buy
Hang-on type bike carrier
BUZZ RACK Buffalo
Best buys for
e-bikes:
Atera GENIO PRO Advanced (premium sector) /
BUZZ RACK E-Hornet (mid-market).
More >
Our rating
We have no doubt that Atera's STRADA Sport and E-bike (tilting) and STRADA DL (sliding) tow bar bike racks are the best. Why?
- They're kind to you and your back: relatively very light, very easy to carry around
- they sit horizontally on the tow ball as soon as placed there; other racks crash onto the ground until they're clamped on
- they automatically adjust to all tow ball types and sizes
- the shape of the frame allows you to get right behind the car boot when loading and unloading; no need to stretch awkwardly
- at 100cm wide they can be placed in the car boot when you're off cycling, out of harm's way
- their wheel holders provide the best wheel protection and bike stability
- TÜV and City Crash tested, and winners of numerous awards
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All our prices include VAT at 20%