I’m looking at fitting a two-bike rack on the demountable tow ball on my 69 reg Edge ST Line. The tow bar manufacturer recommends a set of steady straps called Hatch Huggers. Has anybody experience of using these?

6 hours ago, John7776 said:

recommends a set of steady straps called Hatch Huggers

NOTE: The straps are not included.

Read the reviews on the Halford website

https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-racks/rear-mounted-bike-racks/hatch-huggers-163075.html?cm_mmc=Google+PLA-_-Cycling>Bike+Accessories>Bike+Racks>Rear+Mounted+Bike+Racks-_-Cycling>Bike+Accessories>Bike+Racks>Rear+Mounted+Bike+Racks-_-163075&gclsrc=aw.ds&&_$ja=tsid:|cid:17631002110|agid:|tid:|crid:|nw:x|rnd:10832240870203968215|dvc:c|adp:|mt:|loc:9209016&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17639894372&gclid=CjwKCAjwg7PDBhBxEiwAf1CVuySYgXuzDawdx6yB7oCQWCMkunqyN6pHFgULhr2TMhkhdbD3lAYhmRoCWWYQAvD_BwE

Example of just one review:

The hatch huggers idea is great and the plastic is heavy and solid which seems robust. The advert shows each plastic hatch hugger with a black canvas strap but this product does not include the straps. The advert is misleading in my view as all pictures show the item with the straps which are not included. So then you have to ask is it worth spending nearly £20 for two round pieces of plastic? I have had to buy additional straps now so of course what started as something simple and affordable has taken far more time to resolve and more money too.

Thanks for the reply and info, I'll watch out for that!

On 7/8/2025 at 12:17 PM, John7776 said:

I’m looking at fitting a two-bike rack on the demountable tow ball on my 69 reg Edge ST Line. The tow bar manufacturer recommends a set of steady straps called Hatch Huggers. Has anybody experience of using these?

I've always used a three-bike Thule rack I've had for about 10 years. Bolts straight on to the Edge's tow bar. No steady straps are needed.