Bike Cover Roof Rack
Looking for a bike rack and need reviews first.?
I own a 2003 Jeep Liberty with a full size spare tired on the back with a cover over the tire. I am looking for a bike rack that will hold 2 mountain bikes in a sturdy fashion. I looked into the roof rack option but kind of want to avoid it. It just isn’t very practical to lift 2 bikes upside down over my head and place them on top of my Jeeps roof. I’d like to hear from people as far as what you have and what works and what doesn’t. Thanks for helping out.
I have a Yakima roof rack and love it. Unlike Ben, I have never plowed into my garage door frame with bikes on top, but then again, I use my garage for working on bkes, not parking cars.
If you need to carry stuff other than bikes, a roof rack gives you the most flexibility. If you need unimpeded access to the back of your vehicle, a roof rack is best. As you already know, lifting a bike onto the roof of your vehicle may be problematic. (Lots of SUV owners with roof racks carry a stool or small step ladder with them to facilliate loading and unloading of bikes.) Also, fuel economy will suffer with the bikes up in the wind.
A trunk mounted rack is fine for occasional use. The straps will make lots of racket in the wind. The straps are likely to mar your car’s paint. The mounts are likely to mar your bicycle’s pains. Also, you will have to forget about getting into and out of your car when the rack is mounted. On the plus side, they are inexpensive.
A couple friends have receiver mounted racks. A receiver rack keeps the bikes mostly out of the wind which is good for milage. The ones that hold the bikes via the wheels are very stable and secure. The ones that hold the bikes via the frame are likely to mar your bike’s paint. Even folded down, a receiver mounted rack will be in your way if you need to get in the back of your car.
Hope this helps.
Mazda 5 with Thule Podium Roof Rack and Criterium Bike Carriers Installed by Rack Outfitters
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Rola 59102 Expandable Hitch Tray Cargo Bag $41.94 The Expandable Cargo Bag is perfect for storing luggage, camping equipment, etc. Rainproof construction offers wonderful protection against the weatherZip closureFolds up for easy, compact storageFits cargo carriers up to 60″ x 24″Normal size: 48″ L x 19″ W x 18″ HExpanded size: 48″ L x 19″ W x 22″ H… |
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Thule STL2 Snug-Tite Lock One Key System Locking Hitch Pin $44.95 Thule Snug-Tite Lock is the perfect security device for locking T2, Roadway and Parkway to receivers.Designed with an anti-wobble feature and locking securityIntegrated dust cover keeps lock cleanIncluded on Revolver and RidgelineOne Key System – Lock included… |