The roof-rack that lets your cargo bike roam further

There’s a new bit of clever kit that could change how (and where) you use your cargo bike. The BikeCarGo Explorer is a UK-designed roof-mounted carrier built specifically for front-loader “long johns” like the Riese & Müller Load and Bullitt, and popular rear-loader longtails such as the Tern GSD. It means you can take the school-run bike on a seaside jolly, or the shopping hauler to a French AirBnB, without buying a towbar rack or a trailer.

BikeCarGo: how it works

Unlike conventional roof carriers that cater to a standard wheelbase bike, the Explorer fixes to your cargo bike’s rear wheel and kickstand legs, then bolts to your car’s roof bars. The kit includes adjustable front adapters, a rear receiver, a wheel holder and strap, plus kickstand clamps and T-bolts - so once the bike is on the roof, everything cinches down solidly.

The instructions are upfront about loading being a two-person lift: reduce weight before lifting (remove the battery, child seats and panels where possible), agree your lifting cues, and take it slow. Once mounted, BikeCarGo advises a maximum speed of 62 mph and periodic checks of the load on longer drives – sensible advice that applies whenever you’ve got anything strapped down on a road trip.

Built in London

BikeCarGo is a small London-based outfit - founded by a chartered mechanical engineer who built the thing to take their own family’s front-loader beyond city limits.

The price at the time of writing is £375 for either the front-loader or the rear-loader version. For families balancing budgets against dramatically extending the versatility of their cargo bike, we think that’s fair.

What it all means for cargo-bike life

Cargo bikes are brilliant at replacing car trips, but every so often the adventure (or the relly’s place) lies just beyond practicable riding distance. Until now, transport options have been imperfect: take a gamble on the train, hire a van, wrestle a towbar rack, or leave it at home. A purpose-built roof solution finally gives front- and rear-loaders the same “throw it on a car and go” flexibility many take for granted with standard bikes.

A quick note on insurance & recovery

If you’re transporting a bike on the roof, ETA cycle insurance covers accidental damage while it’s on the rack - and if you need to leave it up there for a bit, the policy explains how theft cover applies, too.

(cargo bike-friendly) Cycle Rescue is free with ETA bicycle insurance

If you suffer a breakdown (including punctures, or even a flat e-bike battery) while out cycling, our 24-hour Cycle Rescue team can arrange transport for you and your bicycle to a safe location. Buy as a standalone service, or get it included for free with ETA cycle insurance, along with:

• Theft, accidental damage & vandalism
• E-bike battery theft cover
• Cycle Rescue
• No devaluation of your bike over time
• £2m third party PLUS £20,000 personal accident cover
• Shed and garage storage
• Low standard excess of 5% (£50 minimum)
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The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 35 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK's most ethical provider.

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