Transporting my bike

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Viewing 15 posts - 16 through 30 (of 55 total)
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  • #1032823
    Sunyata
    Participant

    Even though it looks like your decision is already made, I will put in my two cents as well.

    I drive a Subaru Outback (one of the newer models, so it is taller than those made prior to 2010) and have three roof racks currently. Two are the Yakima Frontloaders, which do not require the removal of the front wheel and will fit anything with a 20″ or larger wheel that does not exceed 3″ in width. I have to use a step stool to get the bikes on the roof of my car. Other than the step stool requirement, the racks are incredibly easy to use and hold the bikes pretty securely.

    However, they do reduce the gas mileage on my vehicle from about 30mpg with no bikes to about 24mpg with two mountain bikes. That is a pretty significant decrease.
    In addition, the roof racks that do not remove the front wheel (and maybe even the ones that are fork mounted) do not really protect your bike in the event of a collision. Unfortunately, I know this from experience. A couple of years ago, I had my mountain bike on the roof of my car and was rear-ended fairly hard. The bike did not stay on the roof (and yes, it was secured on the rack properly). The impact from the crash broke the rear strap and the front wheel was compressed enough to pop out of the holder. It did about $1,400 worth of damage to the bike (and about $6,000 worth of damage to the car). Thankfully the other party’s insurance covered everything after a bit of a hassle with the bike repair.

    The fork mount rack recently broke and I will not be replacing it. Later this year I am adding a hitch to my car and will be adding a Kuat NV. I feel that it will be easier for me (I can finally stop storing the step stool in my car!) and probably cheaper in the long run with regards to fuel consumption. I will keep the Front Loaders on the car, just in case I ever need to transport more than two bikes.

    #1032828
    DismalScientist
    Participant

    @Dickie 118753 wrote:

    . I really need a solution for long distance trips (like going to see my family in Canada) when the jeep will already be filled with luggage and pretty soon strollers and other needs.

    Uhhh… Bike in the car, luggage and baby on the roof.

    #1032842
    GovernorSilver
    Participant

    I’m happy with my Saris Bones 2-bike trunk rack. Bought on sale at Spokes Etc.

    #1032843
    GovernorSilver
    Participant

    I’m happy with my Saris Bones 2-bike trunk rack. Bought on sale at Spokes Etc.

    I did buy my bike before I bought the Bones. I brought the bike home by taking off the front wheel, but it was a bit of work – had to unbolt the wheel, disconnect the brakes, disconnect the wires between the dyno hub and lights.

    #1032852
    DaveK
    Participant

    The one thing I haven’t seen (and the reason I have roof racks) is for cars that live in particularly dense street parking. In a suburban area I’d have a hitch rack but my bumpers have to live up to their name on a regular basis.

    #1032853
    hozn
    Participant

    @DaveK 118878 wrote:

    The one thing I haven’t seen (and the reason I have roof racks) is for cars that live in particularly dense street parking. In a suburban area I’d have a hitch rack but my bumpers have to live up to their name on a regular basis.

    Yeah, I’m glad I don’t have to do tight street parking on a regular basis. That said, the rack definitely helps keep my bumper scratch-free when I do park in the city. :)

    The other thing I’ll say is that a roof rack give a very “sport-loving” look to your vehicle. It proclaims “I ride bike regularly!” [in places that can’t be easily gotten to by bicycle] or, often around here, “I kayak regularly!” (I suspect the latter is actually a lie.)

    #1032834
    notlost
    Participant

    As others have stated, the hitch rack is money. I have a truck with a rack on the shell, but that is better used for canoes and kayaks while the bikes hang off the back. The Thule I use is a rack type (not a platform) which allows me to lower the rack down with both bikes still loaded and open the tailgate.

    #1032930
    Dirt
    Participant

    I’m guessing that this is out of the question?
    4699364815_35c9257e0b_b.jpg

    #1032940
    Jason B
    Participant

    Don’t know if you have the swing arm on your Cherokee, but this Yakima rack works really well on mine. Basic no-brainer, that I have used on very long rides. (Yes, the bike cost way more than the truck. Priorities Man!!!)
    [ATTACH=CONFIG]8973[/ATTACH]

    #1054963
    creadinger
    Participant

    Hey guys. Thanks for all info in this thread but I still have a big question.

    We just got a brand new Subaru Crosstrek (our first ever new car) and I want to get a hitch installed for a hitch bike rack.

    Where the heck can you get hitches installed?

    Subaru can do it for $$$$.

    U-Haul seems to be an option but a lot of threads warn about ever letting them touch your new car. Can anyone recommend anywhere else in the DMV?

    #1054965
    hozn
    Participant

    @creadinger 142748 wrote:

    Hey guys. Thanks for all info in this thread but I still have a big question.

    We just got a brand new Subaru Crosstrek (our first ever new car) and I want to get a hitch installed for a hitch bike rack.

    Where the heck can you get hitches installed?

    Subaru can do it for $$$$.

    U-Haul seems to be an option but a lot of threads warn about ever letting them touch your new car. Can anyone recommend anywhere else in the DMV?

    It’s typically really easy to do. Apparently you don’t even need a drill (assuming this would fit on your car: http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2015_Subaru_XV+Crosstrek.htm) — *And* that is a 2″ hitch, of which I’m a bit jealous (you could tow 4 bikes on there).

    #1054968
    Judd
    Participant

    @hozn 142750 wrote:

    It’s typically really easy to do. Apparently you don’t even need a drill (assuming this would fit on your car: http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2015_Subaru_XV+Crosstrek.htm) — *And* that is a 2″ hitch, of which I’m a bit jealous (you could tow 4 bikes on there).

    +1 I bought a hitch for my Honda Civic about 5 or 6 years ago and it was relatively easy to install as long as you’re comfortable with climbing under your car. It bolted right on to the frame with the supplied hardware.

    #1054969
    KWL
    Participant

    @hozn 142750 wrote:

    It’s typically really easy to do.

    +2 If you can work on a bike, you can install a hitch. I installed one on my ’97 Miata years ago. While placing the bike in the passenger seat à la Dismal has worked, the passenger appreciates it if I load the bikes on the rack.

    #1054970
    KLizotte
    Participant

    @Dirt 118968 wrote:

    I’m guessing that this is out of the question?
    4699364815_35c9257e0b_b.jpg

    Story? Please!

    #1054971
    trailrunner
    Participant

    +3 I installed a hitch on my wife’s Highlander. It was easy – just bolt it on to the frame. It was a bit heavy and hard to hold, so it would have been easier with two people, but I managed to do it by myself.

Viewing 15 posts - 16 through 30 (of 55 total)
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