Date:         Sun, 23 Apr 2000 00:32:27 -0700
Reply-To:     Richard OHalloran <ohalloran@IATRONET.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Richard OHalloran <ohalloran@IATRONET.NET>
Subject:      Paulchen Bike Racks are Wunderbar!
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

I just recently received my Paulchen bike rack from Steve Lashley at
http://www.eurocampers.com/ and I am really pleased with it.  And with
the service.  Thanx Steve.  I've been wanting a good bike rack for a
long time but always balked at the price of a Paulchen.  Well, I never
really found anything that was as good and finally abandoned my
struggle.

I got the First Class Programm for 2 bikes.  That's the one with the
trombone type handles that the bike rests in.  The newer model seems to
be better than the old style in that it has a kind of C-clamp for each
bike that clamps on to the frame.  Each C-clamp is lockable (keys are
provided) so I don't have to worry about my bikes getting stolen.  A
nice touch is that although I have the carrier for 2 bikes the same key
is used for each locking C-clamp so each bike can be locked with the
same key.  I also got the lock for the rack so that can't be ripped off
either.  The rack also has 2 footrests that rest on the bumper for
additional support I guess.  I'm not sure if the older Paulchens had
this feature.  No doubt loads of listees will correct me here if I'm
wrong!

Somebody on the list said they had to use additional bungy cords to
secure the bikes but I really didn't need this at all.  The bikes are
really secure.  I've tested it with 2 bikes from Vancouver BC along the
Sea-to-Sky highway to Whistler and back and no problems at all.  No
shaking.  No rattling.  Didn't even know they were there!  If you are at
all worried, just look in the rear view mirror.

Most people around here seem to drive around with their Paulchens
permanently mounted (and almost always empty!) but this really isn't
necessary.  I've found that I can mount the rack in about 5 minutes and
the bikes even quicker.  Just lift up the bike and rest it in the
trombone handle and then lock the C-clamp and that's it!  It really is
just that easy.

When not in use I mount my Paulchen on the wall in my basement.

The instructions are all in German but I am making up a translation if
anyone wants.  Just email me.

A couple of things that may not be apparent.  The C-clamp can be
adjusted to the diameter of your bike frame from 28 to 40 mm diameter.
Turn the C-clamp clockwise if your bike frame is too thin and
counter-clockwise to widen the C-clamp for a thicker frame.

Also make sure that the bike pedal nearest the van is up as high as it
can go so it won't scratch the paint work when you mount it.  And don't
use your wiper!  At least without first checking.  I couldn't.

There was some vendor bashing recently but Steve Lashley was a pleasure
to deal with and let me know how my shipment was progressing.  The rack
was well packed and arrived in excellent shape.  Not a scratch.  Nothing
missing.  Correct billing.  Alles in ordnung!

Of course I have nothing to do with Steve except just a very satisfied
customer.  Thanx Steve.  I should have bought a Paulchen years ago ...
except then I wouldn't have the fancy new locking C-clamps!

Rich
90 Westy
Vancouver  BC