I just changed cars for an Acura MDX that comes with a roof rack. I also have a thule aero rack that I could install on top, not sure if they can both co-exist. And then there is also the option of getting the thule adapter for the OEM roof rack.
None:
Simple and cheap but the bike does take space inside the car even if not that much.
OEM+adapter:
Only have to buy the adapter but it says non-lockable so I guess anyone with a screwdriver can steal my bike. This is what I am leaning toward, having the option to put the bike on top even if I won’t most of the time.
thule:
Have to buy the adapter and may have to remove the OEM root rack.
I usually only travel with one bike but would want to travel with 2 from time to time. 2 bikes+clothing and gear for a weekend would pretty much fill the trunk but still doable.
Fourth option: slap a rocky mount on the factory bars and be done with it. Goes on the factory bars nice and easy, really secure, and you can color coordinate with your bike. Price wise its probably the same as the adaptor kit for the thule rack.
Fourth option: slap a rocky mount on the factory bars and be done with it. Goes on the factory bars nice and easy, really secure, and you can color coordinate with your bike. Price wise its probably the same as the adaptor kit for the thule rack.
Amazing suggestion. Thanks. I had no idea that option even existed. I’ll look for a dealer in Quebec.
I had the thule adapter on the OEM rack on my MDX. I worked fine. I would do it again. Not sure what else I can say. If you have specific questions, let me know.
I had the thule adapter on the OEM rack on my MDX. I worked fine. I would do it again. Not sure what else I can say. If you have specific questions, let me know.
Josh
I do have a specific question. How “lockable” is the bike with the thule adapter. I understand that the fork is locked to the rack but how difficult would it be to remove the adapter from the car? Is it just 2-4 nuts to unscrew?
If there is no added security I’ll just go with the swagman fork-down rack. It sells at www.mec.ca for 50$ and does not lock but is uses the factory bars so it would be really low. My other concern is that the car only has about 4" clearance left in my garage from the factory roof. I’m not sure the adapter+thule bars+bike tray would fit.
Most of the time I’ll just put the bike in the back anyway. I only wanted that option for the rare weekend when we’ll go away with the 2 kids, camping gear, sports gear and whatever else comes up.
if the adapter is your only option and you want a little more security, swap out the bolts/nuts with ones with reverse threads. Any attempt to loosen them will make them tighter, and I’m betting a thief would either strip the crap out of the bolt or get frustrated and leave before he figured it out.
I do have a specific question. How “lockable” is the bike with the thule adapter. I understand that the fork is locked to the rack but how difficult would it be to remove the adapter from the car? Is it just 2-4 nuts to unscrew?
If there is no added security I’ll just go with the swagman fork-down rack. It sells at www.mec.ca for 50$ and does not lock but is uses the factory bars so it would be really low. My other concern is that the car only has about 4" clearance left in my garage from the factory roof. I’m not sure the adapter+thule bars+bike tray would fit.
Most of the time I’ll just put the bike in the back anyway. I only wanted that option for the rare weekend when we’ll go away with the 2 kids, camping gear, sports gear and whatever else comes up.
None, just throw it in the car - more secure, saves gas, saves time, saves your bike from exposure to elements at 100kph, etc.
Heck, I can fit and secure all my race gear including bike with rear wheel still attached (51cm P2K) in our 5-door Yaris RS, with just one side of the rear seats folded and my son in his car seat, so surely you can fit it in the MDX.