roof vs. hitch

[Brizn]

What are your thoughts on a roof rack vs. hitch mount for a mid/small sized SUV w/ rear opening upward/vertically.

I really like the idea of a swing away hitch mount:
- easy to load/unload @ chest level
- less drag
- can keep an eye on bikes while driving
- easy access to rear of vehicle

My concerns about a roof mounted rack are:
- can't keep an eye on bikes while driving
- drag?
- not as easy to load / unload?

The swing away is expensive, the roof racks are cheap, tho.

[jmcgonigle]

If you get a hitch, make sure the swing away is easy to do. I borrowed one and you had to remove a hitch pin which was a complete PIA. You will probably keep the bike rack on full time which means every time you access the hatch you have to move it even if you don't have a bike. That's one of the nice parts of the roof mount, its out of the way for everyday life.

[Mrs. Outlaw]

I borrowed one and you had to remove a hitch pin which was a complete PIA.

I love how easy it is to use my hitch mount, I'm not very tall so I would never be able to wrestle a bike onto a roof rack. The mount I have folds up and is held in place with a pin, which I agree makes it a pain to access the trunk. That's the only negative comment I have about it.

Julie

[ride-n-fall]

I have used both and prefer the hitch mount. I think my car is about the same height as yours, but I found it a pain in the buttocks to put the bike on the roof. I bought the Yakima 4 bike hitch mount and have no complaints. Although the rack does not swing away, it does tilt down. You have to pull one pin to do that and, notwithstanding the other comments, I don't find it to be a pain. The hitch mount is just simple -- pick bike up two feet and push onto the rack, secure straps (something I know you have a problem with) and drive away.

I can't recall if you have cross bars on your car already. If you do, and want to go the roof mount route, I have the rocky mount roof rack that mounts to the stock cross bars you can take and try. Let me know.

[Brizn]

Good input JimJulie&John:

I'm in the market for a new vehicle, so this isn't for my Passport. Right now i'm leaning mostly to the Forester; Julie, I saw yours at SandFlats a week or so ago and was peaking at your rack (the BIKE rack, Joe!!). Anyway, I really like what you have.. but my only consideration would be the ease/difficulty with which i could access the back of the vehicle.. Looks like theres only a small space between bumper and rack.. like, you'd need to stand off to the side to load/unload cargo.. whereas with a swing away, you could be free and clear. But as Jim notes, I'll have to check out the swing-mechanics; having a roof rack would certainly eliminate ANY such issues, permanently.

Another issue, albeit minor, is the need for a crossbar for my frame to rear mount. It's just one other encumbrance.

Is there any significant drag with bikes roof-mounted?

[Jackson]

I have used both and prefer the hitch mount. I think my car is about the same height as yours, but I found it a pain in the buttocks to put the bike on the roof. I bought the Yakima 4 bike hitch mount and have no complaints. Although the rack does not swing away, it does tilt down. You have to pull one pin to do that and, notwithstanding the other comments, I don't find it to be a pain. The hitch mount is just simple -- pick bike up two feet and push onto the rack, secure straps (something I know you have a problem with) and drive away.

I can't recall if you have cross bars on your car already. If you do, and want to go the roof mount route, I have the rocky mount roof rack that mounts to the stock cross bars you can take and try. Let me know.

What ever you end up getting, I'd recommended spending extra and doing away with fork-mounts. Get a rack w/ trays that don't use the frame to hold the bike. I use these on my Element and I like them a lot. Very secure:

http://www.yakima.com/Product.aspx?id=102

[Jackson]

Is there any significant drag with bikes roof-mounted?

In my experience, yes. I don't remember the actual mileage numbers but I swear I noticed the difference on my '93 civic when I had a roof rack and the bike(s) on it.

A fairing helped a lot, primarily with the wind noise but I think that translates to improved areodynamics. (But not great.)

[riderx]

Julie, I saw yours at SandFlats a week or so ago and was peaking at your rack (the BIKE rack, Joe!!). Anyway, I really like what you have.
HaHaHaHa

Another issue, albeit minor, is the need for a crossbar for my frame to rear mount. It's just one other encumbrance.

Is there any significant drag with bikes roof-mounted?With the style Julie has (fold down) you don't need a crossbar. With the swing aways you do. Getting in the back of the car with the fold down is a little bit of a bother, but not a big deal. If I were loading a large heavy object I'd just remove the pin and take the rack off for easy access. The swing away options that use your crossbar don't seem to secure the bikes as well as the tire mount fold downs (speaking strictly Yakima here, haven't looked at others recently).

Roof racks do have drag. If you use your existing crossbars/luggage rack you can put on a system cheaper, but if you need crossbars and mounting feet you probably aren't saving money. I've got a roof rack. It works fine but like all racks has it's own quirks.

Each system has pluses and minuses. Make a list of each and then decide which features are most important. And then as soon as you've purchase it, you'll change your mind :D

[crack monkey]

I use a Thule hitch mount. The only reason I chose it over a roof mount was so my wife could use it - she's not tall enough to load the roof of the Volvo wagon.

I hate it because I have to swing it out of the way to access the rear hatch. Not hard, just a minor annoyance. Also, it makes the car very long - have to be careful in tight spots (like my garage).

[CRAIG2]

I've got a hitch mount on my Outback, and find that it's really the best option for me because I have a parking garage to deal with at work. It carries 4 bikes, and with the 1-1/4" - 2" adapter (went this route as I had a hand-me-down rack w/ a 2" receiver and the only hitch I could find for the Outback was 1-1/4") my hatch clears the rack and bike closest to the car without any contact, so no swinging away or rack moving necessary. The rack comes off in seconds (literally), and fits neatly in my trunk (without any further disassembly) so that it's not a nuisance when I'm not carrying bikes. It definitely adds a couple of feet of length to the car, so it's not the best for parallel parking, etc.

[Brizn]

Cool.. so, good stuff here. Craig, what brand?

I'm liking the idea of trays vs. hangers.
I'm also liking the idea of hatch access WITHOUT swinging EVERY time.

And it sounds like these hitch mounted tray type carriers are really easy to take completely off, eh? That, too, is a plus.

[CRAIG2]

Cool.. so, good stuff here. Craig, what brand?

I'm liking the idea of trays vs. hangers.
I'm also liking the idea of hatch access WITHOUT swinging EVERY time.

And it sounds like these hitch mounted tray type carriers are really easy to take completely off, eh? That, too, is a plus.

I'll have to check on the brand - I think I got the whole deal out at Trick Trucks. The adapter (which is about 6" probably) really made the difference, and puts the hitch just out far enough so that the hatch clears.

[Jackson]

I've got a hitch mount on my Outback, and find that it's really the best option for me because I have a parking garage to deal with at work. It carries 4 bikes, and with the 1-1/4" - 2" adapter (went this route as I had a hand-me-down rack w/ a 2" receiver and the only hitch I could find for the Outback was 1-1/4") my hatch clears the rack and bike closest to the car without any contact, so no swinging away or rack moving necessary. The rack comes off in seconds (literally), and fits neatly in my trunk (without any further disassembly) so that it's not a nuisance when I'm not carrying bikes. It definitely adds a couple of feet of length to the car, so it's not the best for parallel parking, etc.

I bought an extension for my 1.25 hitch to allow the Yakima tray rack to fold-up. It makes the bikes boune around a bit more (more joints, longer lever action) but it works well. Let's fold down the split hatch in the Element.

I bought the extension and the hitch itself here: http://www.etrailer.com/

[Jackson]

Cool.. so, good stuff here. Craig, what brand?

I'm liking the idea of trays vs. hangers.
I'm also liking the idea of hatch access WITHOUT swinging EVERY time.

And it sounds like these hitch mounted tray type carriers are really easy to take completely off, eh? That, too, is a plus.

I found the hard way that hanger-type racks can eventually remove paint from a frame. (From my old Gary Fisher Paragon HT.)

[tomn]

Hey Brizn. I struggled with this very same decision and the vehicle in my case is a full-size SUV (Expedition) so getting bikes up on a roof rack is even more of a challenge. Here were my pro's and con's lists:

Hitch rack --
Pro: Easy to load/unload, better gas mileage, slightly cheaper (around $400 for the Thule 4-bike swing-away hitch rack), easier to remove the rack when needed (for example, going through a car wash)
Con: Gets in the way (sure you could take the hitch rack on/off each time you use it, in theory that's true but you'll probably leave it there most of the time), reverse sensing system wouldn't work (in my case the truck already had this feature), can't easily carry extra bikes, no extra utility such as using a cargo box

Roof rack --
Pro: Rack stays out of the way, can fit 5 bikes on top with an extra tray (I only have 4 trays but the bar is wide enough for a 5th and my buddies have the same type rack), can interchange with a cargo box or ski/snowboard carrier (I bought one of the smaller Thule roof cargo boxes that allows me to carry 3 adult or 4 kid's bikes as well as the cargo box on the roof, and the cargo box can carry 6 pairs of skis for winter trips), the hitch is still available for a trailer or hitch-haul
Con: Harder to load (I bought a 2' step ladder, makes it a lot easier but still tricky), bad gas mileage (and my truck is already a gas guzzler, but the fairing does help), more expensive (I bought some stuff on eBay and had to buy some stuff new, ended up paying about $600 for Thule roof mounts, load bars, and four upright bike trays, plus a fairing and locks all around)

My bottom line was versatility. The roof rack, along with four bike trays, a cargo box and a hitch-haul cargo platform, allows me to do all of the following:

- Biking trips (up to 4 bikes, or 5 with another bike on top when I borrow another tray, or 8 when I borrow a friend's hitch rack, theoretically I could carry 9 but the truck only seats 8)
- Camping/backpacking trips (up to 6 backpacks on the roof when using both the Thule bars with no bike trays and the factory crossbars, plus the hitch-haul for 2 more backpacks, or when family car camping I can get lots of gear in the roof box plus the bikes for the kids and the hitch-haul for coolers and/or gear bins)
- Beach trips (kids bikes up top, luggage in the roof box, more stuff on the hitch-haul, plus when driving to the beach each day the roof box can hold all the sandy stuff and minimize the mess inside the truck)

I know this is a long-winded answer, and I was looking for a lot more versatility (i.e. camping and family needs) that probably doesn't apply for you. Plus when you add the coin I spent on the cargo box plus the hitch-haul, etc. it's more than the cost of the rack and bike trays. Anyway, good luck with both the car purchase and the rack! :cool:

[ride-n-fall]

Brizn,

If you ultimately go with the hitch mount, make sure you get one that has the straps that keep the bike from swaying. On the Yakima I have, there is a strap that not only goes around the top tube, but also on the seat tube and it keeps the bikes from banging into each other. My neighbor has a cheap hitch mount from Performance and it does not have that feature. Prior to getting my rack, we had to use his and the bikes were always swinging into each other, and chipping and rubbing paint off -- not a good thing.

Also, I have seen the rack that Jackson has for his hitch and it is very nice - no need to hang the bikes from the top tube. I have rack envy!

[mjbrox]

I have the new Yakima High Rollers and these are some of the best products I have ever seen Yakima make. They are very similar to the cobra in finial mounting, but they are easier to load.

Something to take into consideration in buying a rack system is, what kind of bikes are you going to load on it. If you will need to load a small full suspension bike, then most hitch mount racks will not work.

You also might have issues with having a Hitch mount when trying to park in parking decks.

4- 5 bikes on a Hitch mount can add a huge amount of tongue weight, that will adversely your handling.

Roof racks are not perfect either, they do decrease your MPG, they can be loud, and in my case prevent me from parking in some decks even with out bikes on the roof. Also, if you are trying to use your roof bars for a box or kayak, they can limit those operations as well.

For me, I keep two roof racks on at all times on my roof so that I can pick up my wife (who rides to work) or just head out easily. There is enough room in between for my kayak if necessary

In addition, I have a hitch mounted rack so that I can car pool with other riders. In total, my car can hold 6 people, 6 bikes and my dog.

Between my brother and I, we have become somewhat of experts in the field of Racks. I could go on and on for pages about different rack systems, so please feel free to contact me with other questions about.

OH, and the cheapest place to get racks,

http://www.orsracksdirect.com/

[jagayers]

I have a Jeep wrangler so there is really only one option...Hitch...(or tire mount)

I have the Thule Hictching post 2 bike (old model arms don't fold down)

I was concerned about the cradle arms rubbing off the paint...so I just padded the rubber cradles with fabric elastic bands (kind that guys in military use to hold their pants in their boots)....but you could use anything....I have even see people put small pieces of fake fur in there for padding....you really could use anything...

I have not had any issues....

Ditto on the anti sway cradles.....I only have one bike on their at a time...but I use bungee cords to keep the bike from moving around....

To me it was a good option for the price....
- it doubles as a workstand for minor repairs
- I have the ski/snowboard attachment for the winter
- price was right (Around $130 shipped)
- goes on and off in a jiffy (only remove one bolt)

btw....I just saw an add at Performance bike for the 4 bike model from Thule (I think for $117)

I really like the new Thule model T2....place bike in trays and arm grabs the bike by the tire.....
- but this is pricey ($360)
- and there's no conversion for skis or snowboards that I know of...

SO the Hitching post covers all my needs all year round (bike + ski + snowboard = FUN)....so I'll probably stick with it.....

[blacknell]

You're getting lots of good advice on here, so I'll keep it to the essentials (from my perspective):

1) Skip the hangar-type hitch mount. I had a great Saris like that on my last car, but even with careful loading and securing, bikes will bang each other from time to time. Plus, who wants to spend 10 minutes loading/unloading bikes? Get a tray mount and make life easier.

2) Whatever you get, make sure it's solid. I went through a few cheap racks before the Saris, and I spent far more time worrying about the bikes than the road. Not fun.

3) I've gone with a Thule roof rack for my 540i, and love it. Solid, secure (the fork mounts lock), and versatile (I also carry skis/snowboards - let's just avoid the issue of how smart it is to take a heavy RWD V8 up into the mountains, though). Don't really notice an MPG penalty, but there's definitely more noise (even with the fairing). I took the rack off last week to clean it/the car, and was shocked at how quiet my car was on the road.

4) The added fun of a roof rack? When you're cruising down the freeway on your way back from Snowshoe, and you hear a THUMP on your roof, you'll at least know to look in your rearview mirror to watch your apparently-not-properly-secured front wheel hit the road at 75mph. If you had a hitch mount, you'd never know :)

[Brizn]

Wow: under 3 hrs since OP and i've already narrowed down pretty well. Thx all.

- It's definitely gonna be a hitch mounted, tray type carrier.
- (It will defnitely not be a swing away).
- No need for ski/snow adaptations.
- 2 bike max is fine.
- Thule, Saris, and Yakima all make a model in the $370 range.

[Squirrel Girl]

When I was contemplating what type of rack to get, someone mentioned the danger of getting rear ended. A few months ago I got rear ended twice in one month (neither was my fault, of course). One of the times I had my Titus on the roof.

Just something to keep in mind....

[jabberwocky]

When I was contemplating what type of rack to get, someone mentioned the danger of getting rear ended. A few months ago I got rear ended twice in one month (neither was my fault, of course). One of the times I had my Titus on the roof.

Just something to keep in mind....And how many times have you rammed your roof mounted bike into, say, the max height crossbars at Tysons II? ;)

Everyone has covered the plusses and minuses.

Roof mounts can be mounted on more cars and don't interfere with the rear hatch, but they decrease gas milage, can be harder to get the bike onto and off of and you better be careful not to drive into a garage (or drive through etc.) with a bike up there.

Hitch mounts are generally easier to use and don't affect gas milage in the same way, but they don't separate multiple bikes as well as roof mounts and if someone rear ends you with a bike on there its probably toast.

I use a roof mount (2 Yakima King Cobras) on my subie and like them a lot, but they do affect gas milage somewhat. My WRX is a pretty low car so I don't have any trouble getting the bikes up and down. Given the choice though, I would probably lean towards a hitch rack.

[yueq]

For the safety of my bike, I chose roof rack. Too many absent-minded drivers out there (I've seen one incident).

[pepelkod]

For the safety of my bike, I chose roof rack. Too many absent-minded drivers out there (I've seen one incident).

I got a hitch rack.

I usu dont have the bike on during rush hour and just don't get rear ended that much. I do go to the drive thru after rides sometimes and would defn end up ripping the bike off the roof if I had a roof rack.

You are in control of what happens to your bike on the roof rack. It give a sense of security knowing that someone is not going to rear end you and damage the bike. BUT, I think chances of someone driving into a fixed structure are higher than getting rear ended.

Not a statistical study, but everyone I know (save one person) that has a roof rack has driven the car into some structure and damaged the car, the rack and the bike. It usu only happens once.

-D

[Pinoy Rider]

I've owned 3 sets of roof racks(2 Yaks and 1 thule) and 3 hitch racks which I still have(all yaks). I own two jeep wranglers and an Xterra. The Xterra has yak crossbars on them and primarily just carries a box. It is very tall, so not really convenient to carry a bike. The hitch racks are primarily for the jeep. One carries four bikes and the device to carry snowboards. I have a kingpin 2 which I used up until I bought an odd shaped bike. Didn't carry the frame very well. Tried the frame adaptor but didn't like the hanging thing. So, I bought the Hookup (same as jacksons but 2 inch version). My only complaint is getting into my little lockable area of the jeep(the only real safe area in a jeep). I have to pull the pin and usually the rack isn't real clean back there. It's the same when I have the hitch rack on the Xterra. Move the rack to open the rear hatch. It also adds to the length of the car, so you have to make adjustments pulling the cars in the garage. I would like to put a single tray up top on the Xterra so that I don't have to put/transfer the hitches. If I owned a car, I would rather have roof racks with full trays just for convenience.

[tsunayoshi]

Even though you seem to have decided on a hitch mount, here are my figures on gas mileage for anyone else interesetd.

This is my experience with a 97 Pontiac Grand Prix GT with a yakima roof rack setup (Qtowers, 1 Steelhead fork mount, no faring)

Pre rack: 28-30mpg on freeway (75-80mph)
rack only: dropped to about 25-26mpg at same speeds
rack+bike: 22-23 mpg same speeds

Stats accumulated over 4+months of weekend commuting back and forth from Woodbridge, VA to Cheseapeake, VA between Aug06 and Dec06 during low-traffic periods.

Somewhat noisy, but luckily I don't have the sun-roof option on my car. I've gotten used to it. But one time I took off the rack since I was leaving my car in a hotel garage for a whole week during a convention, and was amazed at how silent the drive was. I plan to get a faring at some point, I'll try to remember to post any sound difference.

[Squirrel Girl]

And how many times have you rammed your roof mounted bike into, say, the max height crossbars at Tysons II? ;)Yeah, only once. But it was with my cheapo hybrid and it did no damage to the bike (ok, a cosmetic ding to the seat post). Besides, it's one thing to make your own mistake. It's another when someone else rams you and destroys your bike!

[dmofot]

Not to hijack, but for the Subaru Outback drivers with hitch mounts, which hitch did you get? The Subaru one, something more universal like U-Hauls, etc.? I need to get one soon, not ready to pick out the bike rack yet, just the hitch mount...

DT

[ride-n-fall]

Not to hijack, but for the Subaru Outback drivers with hitch mounts, which hitch did you get? The Subaru one, something more universal like U-Hauls, etc.? I need to get one soon, not ready to pick out the bike rack yet, just the hitch mount...

DT
I can't help with the specific hitch, other than to suggest you go here - http://store.uhaul.com/hitches.aspx and figure out which hitch you need. Once you do so, there is a U-Haul store in Falls Church that carries the hitches, or can get them for you. They are easy to put on yourself rather than pay them an extra $150 to put in 6 or 8 bolts! Most car frames come pre-drilled for hitches, so it is just a matter of getting under the car and bolting the hitch on.

[pepelkod]

Yeah, only once. But it was with my cheapo hybrid and it did no damage to the bike (ok, a cosmetic ding to the seat post). Besides, it's one thing to make your own mistake. It's another when someone else rams you and destroys your bike!

When someone else does it their insurance pays for it. Since a mtb is disposable (in my hands anyhow) I am better off getting rear ended with all three of my bike. Every two years should do. :)

=D

[CRAIG2]

Not to hijack, but for the Subaru Outback drivers with hitch mounts, which hitch did you get? The Subaru one, something more universal like U-Hauls, etc.? I need to get one soon, not ready to pick out the bike rack yet, just the hitch mount...

DT


I didn't get the Subaru hitch, though, the dealer list cost to buy and install was within a competitive range. I got mine done out at Trick Trucks out near the Dulles Carmax - phoned the parts order in, it arrived in a few days, they installed it in about an hour while I waited. I can get the sales receipt for a part number if you'd like - I think the only option was a 1-1/4", but then again I have an '03 model wagon, so maybe the options vary by model year.

[blacknell]

They are easy to put on yourself rather than pay them an extra $150 to put in 6 or 8 bolts! Most car frames come pre-drilled for hitches, so it is just a matter of getting under the car and bolting the hitch on.

I don't doubt it could be that easy. But let's just say . . . YMMV. I've done about three.

Sincerely,

Someone who will never again agree to help someone install a frame hitch

[drevil]

For the safety of my bike, I chose roof rack. Too many absent-minded drivers out there (I've seen one incident).
Having run into a garage with the bike on top (first day of owning rack) and being rear-ended with my bike on the rear (cute girl so I let her slide) I think this is the only safe option for outside the car:

http://bikeportland.org/wp-content/newlevant2.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~netboy/CamperBikeRack-1.jpg

[eloach]

I got rear ended about three weeks ago. I usually have my bikes on a hitch rack, but since I was doing road and being lazy I threw it in the back (no dirt to worry about) of the VUE and didn't bother with the hitch. Lucky for me, because it would have been trashed if it had been on the hitch rack and I am SURE I woud have had a heck of a time collecting for it.

If a bike is on the top of the car rack, I am not convinced it wouldn't come flying off of there if you were rear ended, but at least it wouldn't get caught between the two vehichles.

Also, I looked at lots of hitch racks and didn't see any point to the big $$$ ones unless your really loading it up with bikes. I bought one at Performance that has "place your wheels in it" holding for $99 on sale. I stood on it and jumped up and down and it held up, so I feel okay about putting the bikes on it. That said, I saw the rack that Philman has at a dirt road ride and like it a lot. He can tell you where he got it. It looks strong enough that the idiot who rear ends you might get the worst of it. Now THAT's a rack!

[fausto]

another thing about hitch mounts (from a discussion on MTBR about this a while back, I'd been wondering this): are they even legal to use? every one I've ever see obscures your license plate. Since no one has mentioned this I tend to think it's not a big deal, but if a cop was feeling especially assholish...

also, if someone rear ends you good luck collecting on the damage to your bike.

[saxman]

I have a Thule hitch mount for the 4Runner. It has the pin to hinge it, but I seldom use it. Instead, I just bolt on the hitch mount whenever I need to transport my bike. After the ride, I undo the bolt and put the rack back in the garage. Granted, having a driveway and a garage is pretty much a prerequisite for going this way.

I had devised an internal rack for my old Land Cruiser that worked well. It was a Performance Export rack that would secure on the rear door armrests, where I could secure them. It's not as effective in the 4Runner, but I have used this system when transporting bikes in foul weather or very long distances. I know there are properly designed internal racks out there as well.

[ridethewomble]

I don't doubt it could be that easy. But let's just say . . . YMMV. I've done about three.

Sincerely,

Someone who will never again agree to help someone install a frame hitch

Yeah - it's not always that easy. Make sure you use good quality tools, and you have a cheater bar. Use six-point sockets and wrenches, not twelve point. Sometimes those bolts are tough to get out. Cheap tools may round off bolts in your frame.

[cathie m]

When someone else does it their insurance pays for it. Since a mtb is disposable (in my hands anyhow) I am better off getting rear ended with all three of my bike. Every two years should do. :)

Unless it's like the guy who rear ended me who had no insurance (no license either)! I don't know if my insurance would have covered a bike. I need to find out. (I've had my car 11 years, never hit until I moved here, than hit twice in 3 weeks :mad: )

This thread is great. :) I am in the same position as Brizn, planning on getting a new, small SUV and debating rack options. Right now the bike just goes in the back of the Subaru but I don't want to do that with a new car.

[tomn]

Talk about insurance claim nightmares -- a buddy of mine was coming home from a ride when he came upon an accident scene. There was a cop directing traffic because the guy hit a telephone pole and the road was partially blocked. What the cop apparently didn't realize was that there was a cable hanging down across the road and when my buddy drove through the scene with his bike on a roof rack, the cable snagged on the rack and ripped the whole thing off the roof, factory rack mounts and all (the bike was still in the tray, sitting in the middle of the road). His insurance company refused to deal with it and he had to call the police dept to get them to own up to it. (The cop shouldn't have let people drive through if there was a utility cable hazard.) Let's just say it took a lot of phone calls, letters, insurance lawyers and persistence to get that bill paid. And my buddy works in the insurance industry. Anyone else probably would have given up and just eaten the cost.

[CRAIG2]

another thing about hitch mounts (from a discussion on MTBR about this a while back, I'd been wondering this): are they even legal to use? every one I've ever see obscures your license plate. Since no one has mentioned this I tend to think it's not a big deal, but if a cop was feeling especially assholish...

also, if someone rear ends you good luck collecting on the damage to your bike.

Legal to use? Hmmm... I'm pretty sure they are if they're retailing in VA. C'mon, give me a break - we're in VA! It'd have to be a real a$$hole cop, and a HUGE rack. One thing you might want to do, though, is tie a red flag / tape, etc, to the back of the rack if it extends at least a couple of feet from the back of the car or something.

[random-adam]

...I just have one other thing to add:

on the topic of getting rear-ended with a hitch rack, keep in mind that anything hitting you will hit the rack instead of the bumper. If this happens, the energy will go directly into bending the lower frame of your car, and a mangled bike may well be the least of your worries.

That said, while I've run the roof rack thing for the last five years, if I had to do it again I'd go with a tray-style hitch rack and just take it off when I'm not using it.

<bueller>They are so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up. </bueller>

[eloach]

Legal to use? Hmmm... I'm pretty sure they are if they're retailing in VA. C'mon, give me a break - we're in VA! It'd have to be a real a$$hole cop, and a HUGE rack. One thing you might want to do, though, is tie a red flag / tape, etc, to the back of the rack if it extends at least a couple of feet from the back of the car or something.

In VA you can skip the red flag and mount a gun on the rack and your set as far as being legal. :D

[kdweb]

1. Makes a handy work stand!

2. Rain. With the bikes on the roof in a downpour at 55mph, you may as well be shooting a high pressure hose into your bottom bracket, shifters and every other place where you really don't want water! I know most folks are only riding in dry weather but what about taking the bike on vacation out of state or that summer downpour you thought you could outrun? I drove 6 out of the 9 hours to the OBX in rain last year with just a plastic bag over the seat and the handle bars. It was plenty dry and didn't get ripped to shreads in the 70mph breeze up on the roof!

3. You can still put something on you roof! I have a hardshell carrier that I put on my Subie.....and forget the 2' ladder; just climb on top of the rear wheel!

OK group, did we killed this thread yet? :rolleyes:

[CRAIG2]

In VA you can skip the red flag and mount a gun on the rack and your set as far as being legal. :D

Hmmmm.... well, what about a confederate flag and some sort of bumper sticker endorsing Bush / Cheney, instead? :rolleyes: Throw in an anti-abortion sticker, and a "My child is an honor roll student at __________" for bonus points... :D

[merc98c]

Well since I will be need a rack, what would you all recommend for a truck rack. I dont have roof racks, or a hitch on my car, and I am very VERY picky about not scratching my paint on my baby. Thanks for the help.

Ryan

[Cowboy]

I've got a Jeep Wrangler and bought a Hitch Haul like this:
http://www.masterbuilt.com/images/products/cargocarriers/large/HP2-BLACK.jpg

and then added one of these:
http://www.thuleracks.com/thule/images/products/thumb/821.jpg

Just another option...

Price for Hitch Haul at Bass Pro: $70
Price for Thule Low Rider at LBS: $20
Keeping dirty bikes out of a clean car, eh....not that big a deal, mines a Jeep...

Of course if you don't already have a hitch on your vehicle that's another expense, but would be with any other hitch mounted bike rack....

The way I'm doing it isn't the best if you have to park anywhere that's tight for space, the rack doesn't move out of the way unless removed...

The thing that's really good about my set up, I can use it for hauling camping gear, hunting gear, taking trash to the landfill...all those other things you really wouldn't want to put inside your vehicle if you didn't have to...but it has drawbacks as well, there are definately better units that are bike specific, but my rack works very well for it's multi purposeness...

[random-adam]

I dont have roof racks, or a hitch on my car, and I am very VERY picky about not scratching my paint on my baby.
I realize this isn't what you asked, but I would really recommend having a hitch installed and going from there. It is the only option that allows for absolutely no contact between your paint and anything else... and while 95% of the time they're fine, and that nears 100% when properly set up, most everybody has a trunk-mount horror story to share.

If the funds just aren't there and you need to strap something to your trunk, the Saris Bones (http://www.saris.com/c-15-.aspx) is the only one I would use myself. Just make certain it's installed correctly.

[luvdatrails]

Pick-em-up truck anyone?
I use a Cannondale Transport (expandable bar with QR fork holders) across the bed walls. Heck, if I'm alone, I just "toss" the bike in the back and anchor one wheel.
Appreciating the thread though 'cause I've always wanted a roof rack for the car- mostly because it looks cool.

[Brizn]

Yea.. pick-ups. As a person in the market, i looked at these, briefly. My dad and brother both have Tacomas and rave about them. Having driven both, i do too. But i have need to transport more than 1 person on numerous ocassions.. and also have need to transport various equipment inside, enclosed. I looked at the 4 door Tacoma, but it's only offered in a v6- i want something with a better fuel economy. Heck, even the base models don't have exactly the mpg i'm wanting, surprisingly. I want 27-28 hwy, the Tacomas don't quite reach that mark. Thought about getting a cap, which would solve my gear transport issue.. but would still leave me hanging per vehicle occupancy. If i did have a pick-up, i'd probably do what you've done.. or maybe even get a hitch mount t'boot, depending..

[CRAIG2]

Yea.. pick-ups. As a person in the market, i looked at these, briefly. My dad and brother both have Tacomas and rave about them. Having driven both, i do too. But i have need to transport more than 1 person on numerous ocassions.. and also have need to transport various equipment inside, enclosed. I looked at the 4 door Tacoma, but it's only offered in a v6- i want something with a better fuel economy. Heck, even the base models don't have exactly the mpg i'm wanting, surprisingly. I want 27-28 hwy, the Tacomas don't quite reach that mark. Thought about getting a cap, which would solve my gear transport issue.. but would still leave me hanging per vehicle occupancy. If i did have a pick-up, i'd probably do what you've done.. or maybe even get a hitch mount t'boot, depending..

I think the '03 and current production Outbacks get similar mileage - I have the 2.5L H4 engine with a 5-speed manual, and it's rated at 21/27mpg - the automatics I think are 22/28mpg. If you're looking to buy used, PM me and I can email you the information for the dealer I used. I got a pretty decent deal.

[Brizn]

I think the '03 and current production Outbacks get similar mileage - I have the 2.5L H4 engine with a 5-speed manual, and it's rated at 21/27mpg - the automatics I think are 22/28mpg. If you're looking to buy used, PM me and I can email you the information for the dealer I used. I got a pretty decent deal.yup-- that's why Subaru is at the top of my list. Seems like the Forester hits all my parameters, incl' mpg. Looking new, but thank you.

[CRAIG2]

The Foresters are nice; I was looking at those first, but couldn't find one I liked that was manual and had a sunroof. I know, it's the little things... I also preferred the more car-like feel of the Outback.

[Pinoy Rider]

Had a buddy get a 421/422 Xporter from Thule for the truck bed. Raised and lowered depending on what gear he wanted to haul. Looked pretty cool on the truck. Downside, it is pricey.

[Brizn]

manual and had a sunroof. I know, it's the little things... .believe me: ditto! 2 more parameters of mine.

[CRAIG2]

believe me: ditto! 2 more parameters of mine.

The heated seats are really nice, too :D

[ridethewomble]

Well since I will be need a rack, what would you all recommend for a truck rack.

Before I got a cap, I used Rec Racs (http://www.recrac.com/bikeRack.html) . They're simple, secure, don't use a lot of your bed, and can be locked with a cable lock.

[ridethewomble]

on the topic of getting rear-ended with a hitch rack, keep in mind that anything hitting you will hit the rack instead of the bumper. If this happens, the energy will go directly into bending the lower frame of your car, and a mangled bike may well be the least of your worries.

That depends on the car, really. My hitch and my bumper are bolted to the same frame rails, so, besides the kinetic energy that would be dissipated by the deformation of the bumper, there isn't much of a difference. ...but for a unibody car, yeah. :rolleyes:

My rack has a beefy CNC'd aluminum main spar that holds the trays:

http://www.more-mtb.org/galleries/gal_imgs/4/7/9/Rack_extended_2.jpg

I have been rear-ended by a Hyundai, with bikes on the rack, and the only damage was one destroyed Hyundai. The rack is a 1upUSA. I went to their site, but, unfortunately, it looks like they've gotten out of the rack business, and are selling someone else's product now.

[merc98c]

Money isn't the issue. I just think my Lexus would look funny with a hitch.