Trunkmonkey: inflatable car bicycle carrier fails to deliver

Trunkmonkey update

Unfortunately the makers of Trunkmonkey were unable to fulfill the international orders they secured following a successful crowd-funding campaign. No money was refunded to the backers. We would recommend prospective buyers avoid this product.

The Trunkmonkey inflatable car bicycle carrier promises to revolutionize the way we carry our bikes by car. The inflatable design does away with the need for steel frames that risk damaging paintwork, and collapses small enough to be carried by bicycle.

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The Trunkmonkey inflatable carrier can be inflated in less than 2 minutes using the 12v air pump included and is compatible with most types of car and bicycle frame. You simply plug the pump into your car's cigarette lighter and the TrunkMonkey inflates in less than 2 minutes. You can also use a bicycle pump to inflate the TrunkMonkey.

Most people will keep the Trunkmonkey tucked away in the corner of their car's boot, but carrying it attached a bicycle offers up all kinds of possibilities, such as carrying a bike by minicab.

Win your own Trunkmonkey

We have a Trunkmonkey to give away. Leave us a comment at the bottom of this page and we'll pick a name at random.

Carrying your bicycle by car

Next time you take the ferry to continental Europe, you have only to look at the number of bicycles on the back of cars to know they have become a must-take accessory for summer driving holidays. After all, exploring a holiday destination by bike is a sociable, practical and cheap way to keep the kids entertained, discover beauty spots and meet the locals.

Choosing a bicycle rack

If you are new to Buying a good-quality, multi-bike rack can seem like an unwelcome pre-holiday expense if it’s something you are likely to use only once a year, so it’s worth asking friends whether anyone has one to lend. Alternatively, buy one between a one or two other families and share the cost. Remember that roof-mounted designs pay a surcharge on many ferry services and are prone to overhead damage. Expect to pay £100 upwards for a good-quality rack able to accommodate three or four bikes. If you use a roof-mounted design, remember that an cycle insurance policy from the ETA covers accidental damage as standard, a low excess and new-for-old replacement however old your bike is.

The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 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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