does anyone know anything about car top roof racks for bikes?

Question

i just bought a mountain bike and am in need of a car top carrier for it. i do not have anything on my roof at all right now(no bars). any advise on what i need? good websites? thanks!

Answer 1

Here's a vote for trunk racks.

- they're easy to remove and they fold for storage
- you'll never destroy your bike at a drive thru or garage.
- you get better gas mileage because the bikes are behind the car, not up top in the full wind.
- they're compatible with more kinds of cars so you can take your buddies car next weekend or sell yours etc
- they're cheaper
- they're WAY easier to get bikes onto and off of
- you don't have to remove the front wheels and have them laying around somewhere.

Now for the con's;
- if you have 2 or more bikes, they can scratch each other's paint. I use some free foam tubes I found that used to be pipe insulation to keep the bikes from touching.
- your access to the trunk can be a problem. My seats fold down so it's not a big deal for me.

Scott

Answer 2

www.thule.com
www.yakima.com

Go to these websites and you can enter you vehicle in and it will tell you what you need. For one bike, expect to pay upwards of 300-400 dollars for the entire rack system with towers, bars, locks, and bike tray.

I would advise against a trunk rack system. They are not nearly as secure and you will not be able to use your trunk with the bike rack installed. Yes, roof racks can be problematic depending on how high your roof is (and how tall you are), with dirt/road grime getting on your bike, lower fuel economy, and hitting low branches I love my roof rack 100%. I'm sorry but if you are distracted that much where you drive your bikes into the garage while still on the roof, maybe you shouldn't be driving. Plus with a roof rack, you can easily take it off when you don't need it, or add on other components like a luggage carrier, ski rack, canoe/kyack rack, etc.

The other option to look at is using a hitch-mounted rack. Of course if your car does not have a hitch, you will have to get one as well, but hitch mounts are secure and out of the way, you just have to hope that nobody rear-ends you.

Answer 3

I'm not a big fan of the roof top carrier myself for all the reasons Kisscycle has mentioned plus the damage you will in no doubt cause to your car during putting it up there and getting it down (even when your careful). If you have been moutain biking all the dirt/ mud winds up on the roof as well.

I use a tow bar mounted carrier (Hanging type). The bikes are easier to get on and off and you only need to clean the section that is held in the padded clamp. I can hang four bikes off mine (or a small elephant). Even if you toss in the cost of the tow bar this option is comparable in cost to roof carrier systems. There are other options as well bumper mounted, boot mounted and ones that work on hatchbacks and station wagons. These things are virtually impossible to were out and many a second hand one is available on Ebay.

The best option (the one I prefer) is to ride to where your going. Take an extra day (or six) if needed. I promise you will enjoy the trip.

Answer 4

do whatever you can NOT to put the bike on the roof, the fuel consumption will drop 5 - 10%, the bike is exposed to all the weather and risks chips and dents from road debris. Plus you WILL drive under low trees or car park barrier and rip the bike from the rack - it will be scrap.
A rear rack (take the wheels off and hang separately) or better get it in the boot. Better use a roof box for the luggage and the bike secure in the car. Have fun!!

Answer 5

First go on Yakima's web site http://www.yakima.com and look under fit list put your cars year, then make, and last model for a fit list. Many cars might be a "NO FIT" meaning they don't make a rack that will fit your car. As for rack for your bike get one that doesn't make you remove the front wheel.(Such as Raptor) Thule is excellent so is Yakima but stay away from the Saris Roof Rack because the rack is custom fiited for your car.

Answer 6

Yakima and Thule seem to be the top names - certainly have the most accessory options. My racks and bike accessories are all Yakima. You want good rack equipment to securly carry that expensive hardware - and don't forget about your bikes on the roof before pulling into the garage...

Answer 7

I have used Rhode, Thule and Yakima and Yakima are by far the best. REI has pretty good prices. I have also bought some of my accessories off of ebay and got great deals.

Answer 8

Yakima and Rhode Gear are the bigger brand names out there... stay away from Hollywood Racks.

you can price some at Performance.com, REI, or bicyclebuys