Volkswagen Polo 4 (9N) with Menabo Mistral tailgate bike rack for 3 bikes

On a Volkswagen Polo 4 (Typ 9N) we fitted the Menabo Mistral tailgate bike rack for 3 bikes in the SuportBicicleta.ro showroom at Drumul Lunca Corbului 2, Sector 3, Bucharest, Romania.

About the car: Volkswagen Polo 4 (Typ 9N)

The fourth-generation Volkswagen Polo, internal code Typ 9N, reached the market in early 2002 and uses the A04 (PQ24) platform. In Germany it was built from 2001 to April 2010, as a 3-door and 5-door hatchback and as a 4-door saloon. The facelift, Typ 9N3, arrived in May 2005, with new headlights, mirrors and rear lights and a different tailgate.

For a tailgate bike rack, the shape of the tailgate matters a lot. The rack sits on the tailgate, with rubber contact points that do not scratch the bodywork, and is secured with the straps in the box. Because the 2005 facelift changed the tailgate, you check compatibility against the exact version of the car.

What we fitted on this Polo 4

We fitted the Menabo Mistral bike rack for 3 bikes, tailgate-mounted, a simple and quick rack to fit. The rack is made of steel, sits on the tailgate and is secured with the straps in the box, with 6 contact points on the body. The contact points with the car are rubber with a rubberised coating, designed not to scratch the bodywork, and the rack is certified and ISO tested.

The bikes hang from the frame and are fixed with the dedicated clamps; all frame diameters fit, and the bikes touch each other. The Mistral carries 45 kg in total and takes fat bikes, but it does not take e-bikes. For e-bikes and fat bikes, see the category of towbar-mounted bike racks and check on each model's page whether it accepts this type of bike. The rack folds when you are not using it.

Video: Menabo Mistral bike rack on the tailgate

Technical details and what to watch for

• Load capacity: 3 bikes, 45 kg maximum in total, which averages 15 kg per bike when you carry three.
• Rack dimensions: 52 x 67 x 10 cm; material: steel, colour: black.
• No anti-theft lock for the rack or for the bikes.
• Bike attachment: on the frame, for all frame diameters; the bikes touch each other.
• After loading, check that the number plate and the rear lights of the car remain visible. Make sure the bikes do not touch the bodywork.
• You can find the fitting instructions and the car compatibility list below, as PDFs.

Instructions and documents

• Menabo compatibility list for bike racks (PDF)
• Fitting instructions - Menabo Mistral (PDF)
• Specifications - Menabo Mistral (PDF)

Frequently asked questions

Which bike rack fits the tailgate of a Volkswagen Polo 4 (9N)?

On a Volkswagen Polo 4 (Typ 9N) we fitted the Menabo Mistral tailgate rack, for 3 bikes. The 2005 facelift (Typ 9N3) brought a different tailgate, so for your Polo you check compatibility in the Menabo fit list.

How much weight does the Menabo Mistral bike rack carry?

The Menabo Mistral tailgate rack carries a maximum of 45 kg and takes 3 bikes. That averages 15 kg per bike when you put three bikes on a Volkswagen Polo or on another compatible car.

Can I carry an e-bike on the Menabo Mistral?

No, the Menabo Mistral tailgate rack is not compatible with e-bikes, but it takes fat bikes. For e-bikes, see the category of towbar-mounted bike racks and check on each model's page whether it accepts this type of bike.

How do you fit a tailgate bike rack?

A tailgate rack like the Menabo Mistral sits on a clean, centred tailgate, with the rubber pads on the bodywork and the straps attached to the edge of the tailgate. If the edge is not metal, you use the adapters in the Menabo package. At the end, you check that the rack does not move. You will find the full steps in the guide Fitting steps for tailgate bike racks.

We are waiting for you in the showroom

If you want a bike rack for a Volkswagen Polo, visit us at the SuportBicicleta.ro showroom at Drumul Lunca Corbului 2, Sector 3, Bucharest, Romania, where we show you the tailgate racks in person and check compatibility together. See also the categories tailgate bike racks and towbar-mounted bike racks. Contact us through our contact page or at [email protected]. contact us through our contact page or at [email protected].

You can also message us on WhatsApp.

Sources: Volkswagen Polo Mk4 (Typ 9N) - Wikipedia · Fitting steps for tailgate bike racks - SuportBicicleta.ro blog · product pages on suportbicicleta.ro