The thule 591 cycle carrier is a great bike carrier for mountain bikes. For years I have been throwing bikes in the back of my VW Golf. This means that in a sport that is 90 per cent faffin anyway you need to take wheels off, remove the saddle and if more than one or two bikes you find yourself taking off both wheels adding to the whole faff.

Worse is putting muddy bikes in the back. After 10 years my car upholstery is only actually held together by trail dirt which as my bike would attest to at any point is a wonderful adhesive..

Of course throwing your bike in the back also means a) can give fewer riding buddy lifts.. Not good b) no room for other stuff..

So I went on my journey to find something better.

I had already tried in the past cycle carriers that hang on the back of your boot. These always seemed a bit flimsy and I have had one come off so not again.

I thought about tow bar carriers but if your car like mine would need to get it fitted then you are talking a garage journey and it's not cheap.

That left me with the roof cycle carrier service. Being 5 foot 7 inches and three quarters tall and having no issues with my height at all!! I was a tiny bit concerned if this would work for me..

I went for three cycle carriers. One Thule 591..... And two Halfords advanced roof cycle carriers so I could get 3 bikes on. I will review the halfors advanced set in a different post as I'm also happy with them although the Thule is a superior product with better grip handle, easier to change settings and control switches but I was able to buy two on offer Alfords Advanced carriers for pretty much the same as one Thule so cost was why I mixed and matched.

The Thule is straightforward to set up. The grips to hold your bike are sturdy have a really simple release mechanism. The claw that holds the bike is firm and has a simple tightening rathchet and a quick release. It also has a built in lock to secure your bike to the carrier.

I can get my bike on and off in literally minutes.. Whilst driving I forget it is there. Very pleased

Quick word on Halfords pre and post service. I was quite impressed. I was able to check out their products on the website. See the right tool bars for my make and model, reserve them in store and check out user reviews. Then on getting to the store they fitted the roof bars whilst I did my shopping for a very reasonable fee.

Features & Benefits

* Carries 1 bike
* Fits oval aluminum and square roof bars
* Quick wheel straps
* Self adjusting frame holder
* Locks to bike and roof bars
* Fully assembled