Which is better, Thule or Yakima?
Dave in VA
Depends on the car and the availability of the rack system you want to use
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comparing apples to apples; standard rack system, two racks for bikes and a wheel holder.
Dave in VA
Still need the type of car…for example, if you drive a 2000 plus VW they are equiped to mount a Thule rack directly to the car without grabbing the door seals…Chrysler uses a roof guter system so its doesn’t make a difference…etc…
The one thing to keep in mind as well is that Thule uses a generic base bar, so you only have to change the mounts if you change cars…
Yakima. Made in the USA.
I can’t compare 'cuz I haven’t owned both.
I’ve watched the bozos at my LBS wrestle with the installation of a Yakima rack system on a customers’ car and I decided it’s either rocket science, or those guys really are bozos. I figured it would make me an even bigger bozo to go that route.
I ordered a Thule online just cuz the combination of items I needed turned out to be a bit cheaper. It was a snap to install by myself and it’s absolutely rock solid atop my car. I’ve been very impressed with it. (Had it about 6 weeks now.) My wife ran the car through the carwash last night. I didn’t think they’d allow that. The rack and the car (and the carwash) all did fine. I’m really happy with the Thule.
Bob C.
2006 Acura TSX
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I have a Yakima rack that I won in a drawing. I put it on myself without much difficulty. In my case, I told Yakima vehicle information and they sent me proper clips and instructions. They specify the measurements for the position of the parts and even supply a measuring tape. Seems really solid 2-3 years later. The only real knock I’ve heard is that if you want to transfer it to another vehicle the parts can be kind of pricey. My friend ran in to this when changing from an older Taurus to a newer Taurus.
Sounds like the guys at your LBS are bozos because my wife and I installed our Yakima and I barely know how to use a wrench.
I’ve had both and currently own a Thule. Similar to one of the previous posts, the advantage in my case was the fact that my car had factory mount points that the Thule took advantage of. The rack does not touch the car’s paint.
However, what I like about the Thule bike mount that I’m using is the fact that the fork mount is much easier to use than the standard quick release that I had on the Yakima. The entire front of the mount lifts like a large lever to release or clamp your fork in place. When it opens, it will easily clear any fork tabs. You can also easily adjust it and clamp your bike in with one hand while supporting your bike with the other. (You usually only do this once for your own bike, but might do it more often with “guest” bikes that might require a tighter or looser setting.) If you are going to use a fork mount for your bikes, then take a closer look. Check out the Velo Vise line of bike mounts from Thule.
My wife and I have the Yakima rack and Viper bike carrier on our cars. All locks are keyed the same and the system works great. I also purchased a Yakima cargo box. All this to say that I have never had a problem. I purchased the racks and accessories at Bonzai (since you are in VA I assume you know where it is) and Mark offered to install it on both cars but I told him I would take care of it.
Good luck.
Just be careful, numbers have it that you will pull in the garage, drive thru, parking structure, or low tree with your bike on board. Happens to the best of them.
Thanks for the heads up. I’ve already left my car keys in the lock after removing my bike and setting off on my long ride so crashing into my garage is a real possibility. Not that I’m looking for a reason to upgrade my Aegis to a Litespeed Blade, but, adversity does create opportunity. My only saving grace is to make sure my wife and her bike travel with me because she would never let me damage her bike. If I did, I would be in the unused dog house and our labs would be on the bed keeping her warm (where they always are anway).
I went with Yakima because my car doesn’t have a flat roof, and Thule uses flat bars - so Thule bars wouldn’t line up square on my car. The Yakima’s round bars don’t care where one is relative to the other, or if it’s mounted at an angle.
I should also add that now that I have nice bikes, they NEVER go on the roof. Not 100% sure why I keep the rack on, other than it’s handy for other people’s bikes… 
Aside from Thule and Yakim, anyone have any inputs on the Saris brand?
I’ve watched the bozos at my LBS wrestle with the installation of a Yakima rack system on a customers’ car and I decided it’s either rocket science, or those guys really are bozos.
Based on that I wouldn’t let those clowns anywhere near my rack, car or bike!
Having sold both for years (back in the 80’s anyway), I give the edge to Yakima.
Parts and service availability is (was) better for Yakima; it’s a West Coast company with tons of support through REI (I believe their biggest account still).
The round bar system handles roof line curvature issues better.
More extensive fit list for Yakima, more innovation (although a number of failed ideas too; at least they are tryin’).
I pick Yakima over Thule every time except two- if you own a Volvo or a Schwab, get Thule for the full Scandi experience;-)
Great advice! If I had a pic I would send it. IT was a Thule bad day.
Yeap, I know Tri-Bonzai. I’ll check them out this weekend.
Dave in VA
Hah! I have a Thule rack on my Volvo for that very reason 
Actually, have always used Thules for no particular reason other than I started out with them and can use the accessories that I’ve gathered over the years.
Cheers
Barry