But specifically regarding bike racks, my wife and I just acquired a new (used) vehicle. It’s fairly nice, and as much as I’m in the habit of transporting my bike in the car, I grudging have to agree with my wife that it tends to muck up the interior, even when you’re careful/well covered.
What I need are recommendations: Do we go hitch-mount or roof rack? If so, what brands and models?
-My concern with roof racks is that they reduce fuel mileage, you have to always be cognizant of the height of places you’re going under, and the potential to mark up the roof in the process of putting a bike up there (the new vehicle is an SUV, so even with the step bars getting a bike up is interesting).
-My concern with hitch mounts is that I’ve heard they’re less stable, and the potential that a minor rear-ending turns into a major loss with a bike on the end.
The vehicle is an Acura MDX, and has a factory roof rack (but no bike attachments), which I’ve heard are not as strong as Thule/Yakima racks. And the rack is not removable.
My wife’s vehicle is an MDX - do NOT go with the factory Acura/Honda roof rack - unstable for your likely precious steed. Just put it in the back! If it did not come with the factory hitch, it is fairly expensive to get a hitch, then rack when your bike can ride in the back just fine. Get the Acura rubberized floor cargo mat instead.
You hit the nail on the head: There is no perfect rack. That is why I say they should be avoided. We don’t even sell them anymore.
Some are better than others but at best they are a substantial compromise considering what you may have into your bikes money-wise and the fact that some damage is almost inevitable from carrying it regularly on an external rack it is just not a safe bet.
I’m with Tom in keeping your bike in the vehicle, but if you can’t the only rack is the Sportworks (which was recently purchased by Thule) which can also be found on the back (and not top) of Lance’s Suburban and Subaru.
thule hitch mount. i switched recently from using my thule roof rack, as i drove into a friend’s carport with it, doing damage to the car, rack, bike, carport, and sanity. my boyfriend was kind enough to choose and install a new one for me.
i love, love, love the hitch mount. it’s slated for 4 bikes, though i’ve only put 3 on so far, they ride just fine back there. it’s adjustable in that you can put it down when you are bikeless, more room for parking. it also has a built in lock that encompasses all the bikes, and comes with straps for tacking everything down.
also, fear of being rear-ended with my “baby” back there makes me a much more conscientious driver.
—also, putting the bike on after a long ride is ~much~ easier than loading it on a roof rack, and for my car (honda cr-v), is easier/better than loading it in the car, particularly if i am hauling other people/bikes.
I’d strongly advise against a roof rack - I destroyed my Yaqui a few months ago driving under something…a $2k+ mistake…and one that almost everyone will eventually make…
I’ve been looking at hitch racks - I like the ones with sleds for the wheels and a bar that swings up and attaches to teh front tire - I haven’t gottn mine yet but Saris, Sportworks (I’ve seen them on Specialized vans but not for sale - ? if they still exist?),a nd Yakima just came out with one. My local shop rents the Yakiam so I’m going to test run that one…
I do not buy the rear end/accident thing - I know of nobody who has done that and about 20 people who have destroyed roof mounted bikes…plus the guy that rear ends you should buy you a new bike…
Dave
P.s. inside is the best but not always an option…esp. with a bunch of kids…
If you are considering me in the heresy of a roof rack, I’d recommend looking at Rocky Mounts. They make a rack which fits factory crossbars. It’s a fork mount and pretty stable. I have one on my Mazda P5 and have not had any problems…yet. As far as roof racks go, I’d say this is the one to get.
something to keep in mind. on an suv, it’s difficult to get the bike up on to the roof to rack it. and once up there, the bike is exposed to all manor of nasty stuff.
if the interior option is absolutely a no-go, I’d get a hitch mount and then a cover for the bike. A pal of mine came up with a great solution. He put a heavy duty hitch-mounted storage platform on the back of his Grand Cherokee. He then put a heavy duty fork mount on the platform (I think he used a Yakima truck bed mount). Next, he used a heavy duty tarp-like cover to cover the bike. I hesitate to call it a tarp … this cover was made from tough, heavy duty waterproof/weatherized canvas and was dman near bullet proof. This was a great solution, to a problem like yours; and, the bike was nearly as safe as if it rode in comfort inside.
It’s coming… I’m actually hoping for a good race shot I can use, that won’t make hubby think I’m posting my pron for free… I mean heck I could be making money here; I used to win wet t-shirt contests in college to pay for textbooks.
HaHa, another couple of reasons why you must come and meet up with Khai, Simon, Leo and the rest of the Vancouver ST massive when I am over for Penticton in August! Do you intend to do the Buntsen lake Xterra race in September? I do if I can hire a decent mtb.
Your search is over. I’ve had one of these for ~7 years and I love it. Very sturdy, bikes are protected on the road (although aero bars do stick up above the roof, so be careful driving into the garage). The whole thing swings down/away from the rear, so you can open the hatch without un-racking the bikes. I recommend getting the locking bolt (locks rack to vehicle), and you can get locking skewers (I got mine through Performance). www.draftmaster.com
