The Scorpion Bike Rack is one rider's answer to the problem with most conventional bike racks on offer in Europe. Having seen first hand the potential damage caused to carbon frames by clamps during driving, fed up with cleaning the mud off his car roof, and the added negative of the decreased fuel efficiency of roof racks, the creator of the Scorpion Bike Rack took the matters into his own hands.
The design of the Scorpion Rack may look familiar to riders that have spent time shredding in Canada. Sam, the rack's designer, spent time in Whistler coaching and couldn't help but feel frustrated at the lack of quality options back home in the UK, so he set about designing his own. At first it started out as a personal pursuit to satisfy his own thirst, but once other riders spotted and started showing interest he decided to take it a step further and introduce it to the market.
Secured to the car via a tow bar or flange plate, the adapter used has been thoroughly tested for loads up to 600kg giving the rack a super sturdy feel. A sprung loaded clasp attaches to the ball of the tow bar with the adapter then sitting atop, while multiple grub screws and a 19mm bolt secure it in place. We played around with the assembly and it's pretty simple and flexible in design; it also folds up relatively compact and is under a meter in length once packed away. The designer has looked at suiting the rack to a wide gamut of bikes, adaptable via the two hinges and securing pins - also being sure to avoid bike to bike contact that could cause damage.
The bikes rest on their fork crowns in a set of cradles and are secured to the rack by a sturdy ratchet strap, sitting vertically also keeps the bikes from extruding out past the width of the car and potentially into harm's way. At the moment there's only the option for 2 bikes but depending on demand the designer is looking into expanding the carrying capabilities, light boards and a base which also doubles as a bike stand or storage can also be purchased as add-ons. The first production run is expected at the tail end of February coming in at a price of £349.99.
www.scorpionracks.com
One main issue I can see as it stands is the fact that it obscures the number plate (illegal) and potentially some lights. The article says he is looking at expanding to offer a lighting board but this is a necessity, especially at £349.99!
The bikes don't obscure the rear lights unlike most conventional designs, so that's not an issue. As far as a numberplate board, they sell them here www.scorpionracks.com/collections/accessories/products/number-plate-board
Don't get me wrong, I like the idea (hell, I even sketched up something similar myself!)
Problem solved!
However a friend bought a Buzz rack BC3 which is £195 and it is brilliant, considering selling mine and getting one. Does all the Thule one can do, is more secure as the mounting upright is between bikes 1 and 2 plus is fits bigger wheelbase bikes, it fits his XL enduro bike with ease - definitely has more chance of fitting a DH rig than the Thule.
Also, for the same price you can get Thule aero roof bars plus a bike rack, which will always be out of the way, except when washing the car. It's also more versatile if you practice other sports as well, like skiing, snowboarding, cayaking....Fuel economy might be more affected though with the roof rack than with the trailer hitch one.
Because Thule were so bad and (lol) overpriced NOT
Just another kickstarter who thinks his 1% amendment to an existing product is enough to get rich. Another answer to a question I hadn't ever asked.
Yes I do own a van, for that very reason.
Sticking them on the roof will of course increase the fuel consumption - as you have noted yourself. Sticking them on your roof increased your consumption by 13%. In other words, on a normal full tank of fuel (let's say 500 km) you'd lose a whole 65km off your total range when using your roof mounted rack.
Now if I wanted this which does look like a neat idea, I would have to purchase a tow bar for my car, this would have to be a removable one (no-body wants a fixed tow bar) that's approx £200 for a decent one plus fitting with electrics another £30-50, then £350 for the rack. So all in your looking at nearly £600 just to make putting bike on your car a little bit easier.
Also, the wiring generally costs a lot more than £30-£50. Most new cars need a vehicle specific wiring kit that integrates with the Can-Bus systems. You cannot just hard-wire or even bypass them nowadays.
@TrueScotsman the lightboard will feature a long life rechargeable battery that you can charge up via USB in the car when you're riding. So no need for more money invested in wiring. That's the current plan at least!
I agree the Scorpion rack looks a decent strong design, and would have bought a similar NorthShore rack had they been available, keeps the mass more forward over the towbar.
Another thing you may have overlooked is that anything mounted to a towbar in the UK should have lights to indicate the car is longer than standard. This doesn't apply to boot-mounted racks but will apply to yours, it needs full lights and a number plate. It's an old piece of legislation but I've known someone have an insurance claim rejected after they were rear-ended with a homemade bike rack without lights. It's why those teentytiny trailers you see have to have lights despite them not obscuring the car's lights or even the number plate sometimes.
Good luck.
Not needing brake lights is a bonus. Price relating to history of performance is irrelevant for the most part. Every company has to start somewhere - prices of course come down when produced on the scale of a company like Thule.
Not everyone wants the regular mass produced product, there's always a market for a slightly niche yet improved design.
they have for 4 bikes rat racks also if you dont want to wait for scorpion