| mangoman | 07-10-2005 11:34 AM |
Bike Rack: Newbie Needs Help
�
�
Can anyone help me spec a solid bike carrier for my 05 WRX wagon? I'm thinking that I'd like to get a hitch-mounted bike rack... I think... mostly because with my 20mm monster fork, it's gonna be so much easier to drop the whole bike (without removing the front wheel) onto a hitch mount. So, I'd love to know your recommendations on where to get:
1. the Subaru hitch
2. a recommended bike rack.
I only * need * to carry one bike at a time, maybe two. No need for one of the big 4 bike carriers.
Hey, thanks in advance for any help you can offer! Oh, and I would like to have this wrapped up this week if at all possible. Trying to head west this coming weekend.
Again, thanks! :banana:
1. the Subaru hitch
2. a recommended bike rack.
I only * need * to carry one bike at a time, maybe two. No need for one of the big 4 bike carriers.
Hey, thanks in advance for any help you can offer! Oh, and I would like to have this wrapped up this week if at all possible. Trying to head west this coming weekend.
Again, thanks! :banana:
| DoubleDiamond | 07-10-2005 02:06 PM |
Put it on the roof...
�
�
Hitch mounted racks just look goofy to me, but more importantly they severly limit access to your rear hatch.
Does your wagon have the factory roof rack cross bars? if so, you can use a Yakima Cobra or Raptor or a Thule big Mouth, Criterium, or Super G and attach it with the crossbar clips available from Subaru. All of these racks are "upright" designs that allow you to mount your bike without removing your front wheel.
Does your wagon have the factory roof rack cross bars? if so, you can use a Yakima Cobra or Raptor or a Thule big Mouth, Criterium, or Super G and attach it with the crossbar clips available from Subaru. All of these racks are "upright" designs that allow you to mount your bike without removing your front wheel.
| wkw | 07-10-2005 02:32 PM |
I used to sell car racks. [URL=http://yakima.com/home.html]Yakima[/URL] and [URL=http://www.thuleracks.com/thule/default.asp]Thule[/URL] both make really nice hitch racks. what is your budget? I personally ride a recumbent and use a draw-tite hitch with a Sportworks recumbent rack. The Draw-tite hitch is quite a bit cheaper than the subaru oem hitch. you might even be able to find one cheap on the FS forum. Thule bought out Sportworks so they are selling them now. I don't think they are making a recumbent rack anymore :confused:
most of the hitch racks have a tilt feature that allows you tilt the rack out of the way of the rear hatch. roof racks are nice and all but I think they eat into your mpg more than hitch racks do.
bill
most of the hitch racks have a tilt feature that allows you tilt the rack out of the way of the rear hatch. roof racks are nice and all but I think they eat into your mpg more than hitch racks do.
bill
| mangoman | 07-10-2005 03:33 PM |
[B]DoubleDiamond:[/B] if I don't have the factory roof cross bars (I don't), do I need 'em to buy/attach a Yakima or Thule system?
[B]wkw:[/B] What's your opinion on a stock roof rack's ability to eat MPG? I would imagine it might cut 5-6 MPG off my tank when the bike's attached, but with a stock rack and a fairing attached, will my MPG still suck?
Thanks...
[B]wkw:[/B] What's your opinion on a stock roof rack's ability to eat MPG? I would imagine it might cut 5-6 MPG off my tank when the bike's attached, but with a stock rack and a fairing attached, will my MPG still suck?
Thanks...
| DoubleDiamond | 07-10-2005 04:03 PM |
You need some kind of cross bars...
�
�
Either the factory Subaru ones (cheapest alternative) or you could go with either a yakima or thule system that use their own bars & clamps (easily twice the price once you buy lock cores)
IMO the Subaru bars look much better, have a lower ride height, and are more aerodynamic.
But the downside to the factory cross bars is that they don't lock to the roof rails (Yak & Thule will, but for an added cost for lock cores) and the whole system can be removed with a torx bit in a minute. What I do is run a cable lock through my bike frame and my under my roof rails when I have to leave my bike on my car while unattended (like the required post-ride beer!).
Concerning gas milage... may drop like 1 MPG w/ no bike attached, w/ bike I would guess even less that 5 MPG drop.
IMO the Subaru bars look much better, have a lower ride height, and are more aerodynamic.
But the downside to the factory cross bars is that they don't lock to the roof rails (Yak & Thule will, but for an added cost for lock cores) and the whole system can be removed with a torx bit in a minute. What I do is run a cable lock through my bike frame and my under my roof rails when I have to leave my bike on my car while unattended (like the required post-ride beer!).
Concerning gas milage... may drop like 1 MPG w/ no bike attached, w/ bike I would guess even less that 5 MPG drop.
| wkw | 07-10-2005 05:19 PM |
[QUOTE=mangoman][B]DoubleDiamond:[/B] if I don't have the factory roof cross bars (I don't), do I need 'em to buy/attach a Yakima or Thule system?
[B]wkw:[/B] What's your opinion on a stock roof rack's ability to eat MPG? I would imagine it might cut 5-6 MPG off my tank when the bike's attached, but with a stock rack and a fairing attached, will my MPG still suck?
Thanks...[/QUOTE]
if you have the wagon with the roof rails there are systems from both companies that will clamp right to the rails. I don't think your mpg would drop by 5-6mpg with bikes. maybe 2-4 at the most? if anyones knows for sure, please chime in, I have not carried bikes up top with my wagon. I would think the rack without bikes might cut into it by 1-2mpg at the most, but again, no personal experience with a roof rack on my wagon. Also, if you are getting a fairing thinking it will help with mpg, I don't think it will. they mostly just help with noise/whistling. The nice thing about the racks that attach to the rails is they are pretty easy to take off and on. Once you have all of your accesories attached to the cross bars you can just loosen the clamps on the cars rails and take the entire rack off as one unit and hang the whole thing up in your garage or lean it against a wall. might need a buddy to help you but its pretty quick to do
go to the yakima and thule websites and walk through configuring a rack for your car, there are numerous options for the wrx wagon.
bill
[B]wkw:[/B] What's your opinion on a stock roof rack's ability to eat MPG? I would imagine it might cut 5-6 MPG off my tank when the bike's attached, but with a stock rack and a fairing attached, will my MPG still suck?
Thanks...[/QUOTE]
if you have the wagon with the roof rails there are systems from both companies that will clamp right to the rails. I don't think your mpg would drop by 5-6mpg with bikes. maybe 2-4 at the most? if anyones knows for sure, please chime in, I have not carried bikes up top with my wagon. I would think the rack without bikes might cut into it by 1-2mpg at the most, but again, no personal experience with a roof rack on my wagon. Also, if you are getting a fairing thinking it will help with mpg, I don't think it will. they mostly just help with noise/whistling. The nice thing about the racks that attach to the rails is they are pretty easy to take off and on. Once you have all of your accesories attached to the cross bars you can just loosen the clamps on the cars rails and take the entire rack off as one unit and hang the whole thing up in your garage or lean it against a wall. might need a buddy to help you but its pretty quick to do
go to the yakima and thule websites and walk through configuring a rack for your car, there are numerous options for the wrx wagon.
bill
| Murf_68 | 07-10-2005 05:50 PM |
FWIW
I have the factory cross bars and got the Subaru (Yakima) roof mounted bike rack. [url]https://www.subarugenuineparts.com/index.php?manufacturers_id=11&sort=1a&page=10[/url] has it for about $180 (list is $230 or so IIRC).
It carries 2 bike, wheels on. Works well. Noisy over 65mph. Comes with the wind jammer (a small air deflector) but no fairing. I have tried adding a Yakima fairing and the 44" and 38" do not fit the Subaru rack. Whan I emailed Yakima, they didn't know and said to try the 32" fairing which I have ordered from REI locally.
I am wondering if a hitch mounted rack would have been better - looks goofy but easy to remove and no extra wind noise. All down to preference, I guess.
Cheers
Mark
I have the factory cross bars and got the Subaru (Yakima) roof mounted bike rack. [url]https://www.subarugenuineparts.com/index.php?manufacturers_id=11&sort=1a&page=10[/url] has it for about $180 (list is $230 or so IIRC).
It carries 2 bike, wheels on. Works well. Noisy over 65mph. Comes with the wind jammer (a small air deflector) but no fairing. I have tried adding a Yakima fairing and the 44" and 38" do not fit the Subaru rack. Whan I emailed Yakima, they didn't know and said to try the 32" fairing which I have ordered from REI locally.
I am wondering if a hitch mounted rack would have been better - looks goofy but easy to remove and no extra wind noise. All down to preference, I guess.
Cheers
Mark
| wkw | 07-10-2005 05:57 PM |
yeah, I am a big fan of hitch mount. they are pretty easy to deal with, no noise and almost no hit on mpg
| Astroguy | 07-11-2005 11:50 AM |
Go hitch mount. Much easier to mount the bike, you don't have to lift it up on the roof after a hard ride and rish damaging your car. Plus, it only takes a minute to take the rack out of your hitch and store it away....I'd imagine it would take a bit longer to remove the roof rails for the roof racks. I got the XPORT Flatbed 2 from Performance Bike. It's great...and inexpensive! Also, it hinges downwards so you can open the back door on your wagon. It folds up and hardly takes any room in my garage, and ANY bike will fit it. Got to be careful about some of the racks if your bike frame is one of those abstract full suspension types.
| mangoman | 07-11-2005 12:02 PM |
I'm leaning towards hitch at the moment. A little pressure from my wife (easier for her to operate). Also, it's a little cheaper, a little more simple. If anyone else wants to weigh in, feel free! And thanks for the super advice/comments so far!
| Murf_68 | 07-11-2005 12:14 PM |
[QUOTE=mangoman]I'm leaning towards hitch at the moment. A little pressure from my wife (easier for her to operate). Also, it's a little cheaper, a little more simple. If anyone else wants to weigh in, feel free! And thanks for the super advice/comments so far![/QUOTE]
When I looked at hitches, it seemed like the Subaru hitch required the rear facia to be trimmed whereas a Hidden Hitch was cheaper, hidden (duh!) and did not require trimming. Someone posted a month or so ago about a hitch/rack package he bought online. Might make interesting reading for you.
Mark
When I looked at hitches, it seemed like the Subaru hitch required the rear facia to be trimmed whereas a Hidden Hitch was cheaper, hidden (duh!) and did not require trimming. Someone posted a month or so ago about a hitch/rack package he bought online. Might make interesting reading for you.
Mark
| engineerx | 07-11-2005 12:24 PM |
I have seen a WRX STI with the hitch and no need to trim anything!
The hitch IMO is a little less obtrsive when you're not carrying a bike and looks cleaner as you will not have anything on your roof all the time - only when you need it
It should also be about the same price. You can pick up decent 2-bike universal hitch carriers for $50 to $80, some fold down to allow you to open your hatch
roof carriers always remind me of a commercial where the driver forgets he has his bikes on the roof rack and drives into his garage !
The hitch IMO is a little less obtrsive when you're not carrying a bike and looks cleaner as you will not have anything on your roof all the time - only when you need it
It should also be about the same price. You can pick up decent 2-bike universal hitch carriers for $50 to $80, some fold down to allow you to open your hatch
roof carriers always remind me of a commercial where the driver forgets he has his bikes on the roof rack and drives into his garage !
| Murf_68 | 07-11-2005 12:28 PM |
[QUOTE=engineerx]roof carriers always remind me of a commercial where the driver forgets he has his bikes on the roof rack and drives into his garage ![/QUOTE]:eek:
That's my nightmare!
Mark
That's my nightmare!
Mark
| mangoman | 07-11-2005 12:37 PM |
Mine, too. Really.
| BoneStockTS | 07-11-2005 01:04 PM |
I got a roof rack, the Subaru (Yakima) one that I got from the dealer. Sometimes the same (Yakima) one is on sale, you can buy that rack and just get the clamps from the dealer. The dealer clamps will fit onto the factory cross bars (The flattish oval ones.)
There are pros and cons for the roof rack. For someone like me who bikes a lot (several times a week) it's very practical to have the roof rack. It's always there (no putting it on and taking it off every time) and I keep my biking gear in the trunk, with a hitch-mount rack that would be a pain.
The cons are of course: Some wind noise, though I got the 32" Yakima fairing from the local bike shop. It fit perfectly on the factory roof rack, and it made a big difference in the noise. Now it's almost down to where it is w/o the rack. It seems my rear window gets less dirty now too. There's also having to lift the bike up after a hard ride, which can be a pain. If you're not over 6 ft tall there can also a problem with reach. (My shorter friends can't reach to get their bikes up there at all.) And yes, you need to remember that your bikes are on there when you want to drive into a parking structure :D
So for me, roof rack is the preferred solution because I use it a lot and I keep my biking gear in the back of the car.
There are pros and cons for the roof rack. For someone like me who bikes a lot (several times a week) it's very practical to have the roof rack. It's always there (no putting it on and taking it off every time) and I keep my biking gear in the trunk, with a hitch-mount rack that would be a pain.
The cons are of course: Some wind noise, though I got the 32" Yakima fairing from the local bike shop. It fit perfectly on the factory roof rack, and it made a big difference in the noise. Now it's almost down to where it is w/o the rack. It seems my rear window gets less dirty now too. There's also having to lift the bike up after a hard ride, which can be a pain. If you're not over 6 ft tall there can also a problem with reach. (My shorter friends can't reach to get their bikes up there at all.) And yes, you need to remember that your bikes are on there when you want to drive into a parking structure :D
So for me, roof rack is the preferred solution because I use it a lot and I keep my biking gear in the back of the car.
| Astroguy | 07-11-2005 01:16 PM |
I have the subaru hitch installed on my sedan, I didn't have to do any trimming for it despite what others have said. It is in contact with the the very outer edge of the bumper, but I don't see any ill effects coming from that. You're probably better off getting a hidden hitch as they're cheaper and you don't need the wiring harness...I payed around $200 for my subaru hitch w/ light harness.
| wkw | 07-11-2005 05:24 PM |
I had to have the hitch modified a bit to fit around my aftermarket muffler. no biggie though, they just cut out a section and welded in a curved piece.
if you get a hitch rack, spend a little extra money and get a quality rack. don't get one that uses a simple pin to attach to your hitch. get one with a threaded thing that actually uses a bolt you have to tighten. the ones that use a simple pin tend to move around alot in your hitch and that sucks. I use a sportworks rack that uses an actual bolt. I went one step further and I use a lockwasher as well for a really solid, worry free fit. Also think about getting something that holds your bike in place solidly but has some sort of quick-release mechanism, there are several options. Just think convenience and something with lots of rubber padding to protect the paint job on your nice bike. Also, some kind of system that holds your wheels in place is nice too although not critical.
here is my bike all mounted up on the rack and ready to head out for a ride:
[IMG]http://www.efn.org/~wkw/bent/P1010146.jpg[/IMG]
later!
if you get a hitch rack, spend a little extra money and get a quality rack. don't get one that uses a simple pin to attach to your hitch. get one with a threaded thing that actually uses a bolt you have to tighten. the ones that use a simple pin tend to move around alot in your hitch and that sucks. I use a sportworks rack that uses an actual bolt. I went one step further and I use a lockwasher as well for a really solid, worry free fit. Also think about getting something that holds your bike in place solidly but has some sort of quick-release mechanism, there are several options. Just think convenience and something with lots of rubber padding to protect the paint job on your nice bike. Also, some kind of system that holds your wheels in place is nice too although not critical.
here is my bike all mounted up on the rack and ready to head out for a ride:
[IMG]http://www.efn.org/~wkw/bent/P1010146.jpg[/IMG]
later!
| Murf_68 | 07-11-2005 06:56 PM |
[QUOTE=BoneStockTS] Some wind noise, though I got the 32" Yakima fairing from the local bike shop. It fit perfectly on the factory roof rack, and it made a big difference in the noise. Now it's almost down to where it is w/o the rack. It seems my rear window gets less dirty now too. There's also having to lift the bike up after a hard ride, which can be a pain. If you're not over 6 ft tall there can also a problem with reach. (My shorter friends can't reach to get their bikes up there at all.)[/QUOTE]
So the 32" Yakima fairing will fit to the OE Subaru roof-mounted bike rack (to the round front tube)? As you may have seen, Yakima didn' t know this and I already tried the 44" and the 38" and have the 32" on order! You have made my evening (so far anyway!) :banana:
BTW I'm 5'6" and I'm glad the rack isn't any higher. It's manageable but if the bike slips, I have a hard time catching it.
Still pleased about the fairing! :banana: :banana:
So the 32" Yakima fairing will fit to the OE Subaru roof-mounted bike rack (to the round front tube)? As you may have seen, Yakima didn' t know this and I already tried the 44" and the 38" and have the 32" on order! You have made my evening (so far anyway!) :banana:
BTW I'm 5'6" and I'm glad the rack isn't any higher. It's manageable but if the bike slips, I have a hard time catching it.
Still pleased about the fairing! :banana: :banana:
| mangoman | 07-11-2005 11:10 PM |
[B]Murf_68: [/B]
When I ran through Yakima's fitting script on their site, I noticed that (after I stated that I had an 05 WRX wagon) the script gave me only one selection for a fairing: the 32". So it looks like the programmers at Yakima have that custom selection database accurately set up. For what it's worth.
When I ran through Yakima's fitting script on their site, I noticed that (after I stated that I had an 05 WRX wagon) the script gave me only one selection for a fairing: the 32". So it looks like the programmers at Yakima have that custom selection database accurately set up. For what it's worth.
| Murf_68 | 07-12-2005 09:23 AM |
[QUOTE=mangoman][B]Murf_68: [/B]
When I ran through Yakima's fitting script on their site, I noticed that (after I stated that I had an 05 WRX wagon) the script gave me only one selection for a fairing: the 32". So it looks like the programmers at Yakima have that custom selection database accurately set up. For what it's worth.[/QUOTE]
That's odd - I looked through the paper book at REI and it said 44". When I emailed Yakima customer service they said they didn't know! Either way, 32" it is!
Thanks
Mark
When I ran through Yakima's fitting script on their site, I noticed that (after I stated that I had an 05 WRX wagon) the script gave me only one selection for a fairing: the 32". So it looks like the programmers at Yakima have that custom selection database accurately set up. For what it's worth.[/QUOTE]
That's odd - I looked through the paper book at REI and it said 44". When I emailed Yakima customer service they said they didn't know! Either way, 32" it is!
Thanks
Mark
| BoneStockTS | 07-12-2005 11:29 AM |
[QUOTE=Murf_68]So the 32" Yakima fairing will fit to the OE Subaru roof-mounted bike rack (to the round front tube)? [/QUOTE]
Yes, it will fit, and it fits well. There's some (quite a bit actually) fiddling involved to actually get it on there, but it will get on there w/o any jerry-rigging.
Yes, it will fit, and it fits well. There's some (quite a bit actually) fiddling involved to actually get it on there, but it will get on there w/o any jerry-rigging.
| S.G.D | 07-12-2005 11:51 AM |
sportworks hitch racks are by far the best rack i have seen in a long time. i have had mine for two years, and between traveling to the mountains 1-3 times a week, and two full races seasons it has held up perfectly. i even got rear ended with the rack and bikes on my car, and thankfully it took the brunt of the hit and saved my car and bike.
it takes literally 30 seconds to mount the bikes, and they are held firmly in place even doing upto 180km/h (dont ask me how i know)
it takes literally 30 seconds to mount the bikes, and they are held firmly in place even doing upto 180km/h (dont ask me how i know)
| Murf_68 | 07-12-2005 12:00 PM |
[QUOTE=BoneStockTS]Yes, it will fit, and it fits well. There's some (quite a bit actually) fiddling involved to actually get it on there, but it will get on there w/o any jerry-rigging.[/QUOTE]Cool - thanks! Have you seen any chafing of the roof paint where the fairing's feet contact the roof? I know the fairing comes with small, clear, adhesive ovals that stick to the roof to help protect it but I was dubious of their effectiveness.
A friend of mine has a Yakima fairing on an 03 Maxima and he has rust spots where the fairing feet meet the roof. He never takes it off and does high mileage (read more vibration and buffeting). I just wonder how well the infamous Subaru paint will stand up to this over time?
I considered adding little patches of the clear car bra material under the feet but I don't know if you can get it in small quantities or how abrasion resistant it is... Also if removal of this material is possible.
Thanks
Mark
A friend of mine has a Yakima fairing on an 03 Maxima and he has rust spots where the fairing feet meet the roof. He never takes it off and does high mileage (read more vibration and buffeting). I just wonder how well the infamous Subaru paint will stand up to this over time?
I considered adding little patches of the clear car bra material under the feet but I don't know if you can get it in small quantities or how abrasion resistant it is... Also if removal of this material is possible.
Thanks
Mark
| BoneStockTS | 07-12-2005 12:34 PM |
[QUOTE=Murf_68]Cool - thanks! Have you seen any chafing of the roof paint where the fairing's feet contact the roof? I know the fairing comes with small, clear, adhesive ovals that stick to the roof to help protect it but I was dubious of their effectiveness.
[...]
I considered adding little patches of the clear car bra material under the feet but I don't know if you can get it in small quantities or how abrasion resistant it is... Also if removal of this material is possible.
Mark[/QUOTE]
Clear bra material actually does work, you might want to put a new layer on now and then, but it holds up pretty well. The fairing came with the clear plastic, and also foam pads to put on the fairing so that you've got foam pads rubbing on the clear plastic.
[...]
I considered adding little patches of the clear car bra material under the feet but I don't know if you can get it in small quantities or how abrasion resistant it is... Also if removal of this material is possible.
Mark[/QUOTE]
Clear bra material actually does work, you might want to put a new layer on now and then, but it holds up pretty well. The fairing came with the clear plastic, and also foam pads to put on the fairing so that you've got foam pads rubbing on the clear plastic.
| Stonebaru | 07-12-2005 12:38 PM |
Don't forget about Rocky Mount trays............cheap and decent.
edit: *if you go the roof method.....
edit: *if you go the roof method.....
| nimaxpro | 07-12-2005 12:49 PM |
Definitely go with the hitch mounted rack. Your wife is guaranteed to like it much more than the roof ones.
1. Buy a Drawtite hitch from etrailer.com.
[url]http://www.etrailer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=E&Product_Code=24710[/url]
Cost: $82 + ~$10 shipping.
2. Buy a rack you can afford. There are a lot of options ranging from $50 and up.
I consider 1upUSA to have the best rack, but it's also very expensive.
Sportworks is also good and it's #2 on my list of "approved racks".
Here's what 1upUSA looks like, click on the image for more info.
[URL=http://1upusa.com/1upusarackhome.htm][IMG]http://1upusa.com/1upusa72.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
And I do not work for the company. Just a very satisfied customer.
1. Buy a Drawtite hitch from etrailer.com.
[url]http://www.etrailer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=E&Product_Code=24710[/url]
Cost: $82 + ~$10 shipping.
2. Buy a rack you can afford. There are a lot of options ranging from $50 and up.
I consider 1upUSA to have the best rack, but it's also very expensive.
Sportworks is also good and it's #2 on my list of "approved racks".
Here's what 1upUSA looks like, click on the image for more info.
[URL=http://1upusa.com/1upusarackhome.htm][IMG]http://1upusa.com/1upusa72.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
And I do not work for the company. Just a very satisfied customer.
| Murf_68 | 07-12-2005 01:34 PM |
[QUOTE=BoneStockTS]Clear bra material actually does work, you might want to put a new layer on now and then, but it holds up pretty well. The fairing came with the clear plastic, and also foam pads to put on the fairing so that you've got foam pads rubbing on the clear plastic.[/QUOTE]Hey! Thanks for all the feedback - I feel a lot more comfortable about this now!
Mark
Mark
| Bagelw | 07-12-2005 01:45 PM |
Another vote for a hitch rack.
When I had a roof rack I never liked how the mud and dirt from my bike would fall off and land on the roof of my car. Everytime I went mountain biking I had to wash the bike and the car when I was done. Also, it seems like most of the hitch racks now can fold back so you can gain access to the hatch.
When I had a roof rack I never liked how the mud and dirt from my bike would fall off and land on the roof of my car. Everytime I went mountain biking I had to wash the bike and the car when I was done. Also, it seems like most of the hitch racks now can fold back so you can gain access to the hatch.
| BoneStockTS | 07-12-2005 02:11 PM |
[QUOTE=nimaxpro]
Here's what 1upUSA looks like, click on the image for more info.
[pic]
[/QUOTE]
That has to be the best hitch-mount rack I've seen! Neat!
Here's what 1upUSA looks like, click on the image for more info.
[pic]
[/QUOTE]
That has to be the best hitch-mount rack I've seen! Neat!
| black.macleod | 07-18-2005 03:35 PM |
Hitch
�
�
Thanks to this thread and others, I just put an etrailer hitch and a Thule 937xt on my '05 OBS. Easy install (both hitch and rack). The really cool thing is even though the rack is designed to fold down for rear hatch access, there is JUST enough clearance for me to open the hatch without even doing that. I also bought the extra Thule lock mechanism for locking the rack to the hitch.
Thanks for all the help, even though I didn't start this thread.
Thanks for all the help, even though I didn't start this thread.
| mangoman | 07-18-2005 08:56 PM |
Thanks to everyone from me, also. I've decided to go with a Subaru hitch setup. Call me crazy. But thanks to you guys weighing in, I was able to steer my thinking. Cheers!
| lola_b | 07-19-2005 09:51 AM |
just my $0.02!
I have the subaru hitch and rack and to be honest, as much as i love love the hitch mount, i think i'm going to look into getting a different rack. The subaru one fits my bike fine, but this weekend i tried to take me and a couple friends to the mountains, and it would not fit my friends 9-ball because of the monotube (if thats what its called?). it only fits bikes with a mostly normal size top tube.
so because i want to drive my car and i am looking at getting a bighit, i dont find the rack to be helping me at all. but the hitch mounted system works awesome, and the subaru rack does fold down to get at the trunk!
and on a funny note, the other day i was at a ghetto pizza place and the owner came out to me and said "that is not a bike carrier." and i said, oh really? and he goes "that is a ROCKETSHIP" heehee he was quite offended i was using my sedan to hold my bikes.
I have the subaru hitch and rack and to be honest, as much as i love love the hitch mount, i think i'm going to look into getting a different rack. The subaru one fits my bike fine, but this weekend i tried to take me and a couple friends to the mountains, and it would not fit my friends 9-ball because of the monotube (if thats what its called?). it only fits bikes with a mostly normal size top tube.
so because i want to drive my car and i am looking at getting a bighit, i dont find the rack to be helping me at all. but the hitch mounted system works awesome, and the subaru rack does fold down to get at the trunk!
and on a funny note, the other day i was at a ghetto pizza place and the owner came out to me and said "that is not a bike carrier." and i said, oh really? and he goes "that is a ROCKETSHIP" heehee he was quite offended i was using my sedan to hold my bikes.
| BoneStockTS | 07-19-2005 12:17 PM |
[QUOTE=lola_b]
and on a funny note, the other day i was at a ghetto pizza place and the owner came out to me and said "that is not a bike carrier." and i said, oh really? and he goes "that is a ROCKETSHIP" heehee he was quite offended i was using my sedan to hold my bikes.[/QUOTE]
That is funny. A guy I knew threw the biggest hissy fit when he saw a BMW 5-series towing a camper.
and on a funny note, the other day i was at a ghetto pizza place and the owner came out to me and said "that is not a bike carrier." and i said, oh really? and he goes "that is a ROCKETSHIP" heehee he was quite offended i was using my sedan to hold my bikes.[/QUOTE]
That is funny. A guy I knew threw the biggest hissy fit when he saw a BMW 5-series towing a camper.
| jchristopher | 07-19-2005 12:51 PM |
Sportworks
�
�
I'm using the Sportworks T2 hitch rack on my WRX wagon, highly recommended. They were recently bought by, and now distributed by Thule. The bikes go on/off super easy and are very stable.
I used the 1 1/4" hitch from etrailer. It was a bear to get installed. That being said, the install is quite clean, you can barely see the hitch below the bumper.
I used the 1 1/4" hitch from etrailer. It was a bear to get installed. That being said, the install is quite clean, you can barely see the hitch below the bumper.
| mangoman | 07-19-2005 01:01 PM |
Thanks for bringing up Sportworks, [B]jchristopher[/B]. My most trusted bike shop on the planet, Speedgoat, is a huge advocate of Sportworks, and if Chris Currie says it's bombproof, I listen. Plus Speedgoat prices rock. Here's a link:
[URL=http://www.speedgoat.com/product.asp?part=47709&cat=70&brand=358]Sportworks T2 at Speedgoat.com[/URL]
[URL=http://www.speedgoat.com/product.asp?part=47709&cat=70&brand=358]Sportworks T2 at Speedgoat.com[/URL]
| BoneStockTS | 07-22-2005 05:38 PM |
[QUOTE=mangoman]Thanks to everyone from me, also. I've decided to go with a Subaru hitch setup. Call me crazy. But thanks to you guys weighing in, I was able to steer my thinking. Cheers![/QUOTE]
Bump... how is the hitch setup working for you? What carrier did you get? Is it the kind where you can access the rear with the hitch still on? What did it cost? (ya I know, zillion questions but I'm curious to know)
Bump... how is the hitch setup working for you? What carrier did you get? Is it the kind where you can access the rear with the hitch still on? What did it cost? (ya I know, zillion questions but I'm curious to know)
| chiron47 | 08-22-2005 03:13 PM |
exhaust blowing out tire
�
�
I have had the OEM hitch rack for 2 years now and love how easy it is to use and remove when done. I have had very few problems with it, except for 2 blown tires on hot desert days when the wheel behind the exhaust got jammed from freewheeling.
I recently started road biking which has meant a little more freeway travel to get to ride starts. On the freeway, the rack seems to hit some kind of natural frequency that makes it look like the bike is going to destroy itself(this obviously makes me nervous)...and am looking for a hitch rack that mounts the bike by the tires and not the top tube.
Has anyone had any problems with the exhaust blowing out tires with this type of rack?
I recently started road biking which has meant a little more freeway travel to get to ride starts. On the freeway, the rack seems to hit some kind of natural frequency that makes it look like the bike is going to destroy itself(this obviously makes me nervous)...and am looking for a hitch rack that mounts the bike by the tires and not the top tube.
Has anyone had any problems with the exhaust blowing out tires with this type of rack?
| mangoman | 08-22-2005 09:51 PM |
[QUOTE=BoneStockTS]Bump... how is the hitch setup working for you? What carrier did you get? Is it the kind where you can access the rear with the hitch still on? What did it cost? (ya I know, zillion questions but I'm curious to know)[/QUOTE]
I've been a busy bastitch lately and haven't pulled the trigger on this deal. And at the risk of sounding like a complete flake, I'm thinking the Draw-Tite deal would save me money to pull the trigger on that yummy Sportworks rack.
UPDATE: The DrawTite 1-1/4" hitch will be here Friday. And the Sportworks Transport T2 bike rack is on the way as well -- should be in by end of next week. Wooot!
I've been a busy bastitch lately and haven't pulled the trigger on this deal. And at the risk of sounding like a complete flake, I'm thinking the Draw-Tite deal would save me money to pull the trigger on that yummy Sportworks rack.
UPDATE: The DrawTite 1-1/4" hitch will be here Friday. And the Sportworks Transport T2 bike rack is on the way as well -- should be in by end of next week. Wooot!
| mangoman | 08-27-2005 08:55 PM |
Done and Done!
�
�
Got the Draw-Tite hitch and Sportsworks Transport T2 installed today. Just missing a little skin off the back of my right hand. The Draw-Tite was a bit of a hassle: I ended up dumping the Sube's two tow handles. If I missed something in how those were supposed to fit back on WITH the hitch, go ahead and school me... Also found that the Draw-Tite was a muscle job to get it to line up. Ended up stripping one screw (but I'll have someone rethread it, I hope). Nonetheless, it's a stealth look for a hitch.
The Sportswork rack is decent, too. A little wobbly in the hitch, so I'll have to find something to shim it up. Also not wild about the rear tire ratchet, which seems to still slide around a bit even after I've crunched it down. Again, if anyone knows the scoop on this, school me.
I'd love to post pix, but don't know how. Do I have to host 'em elsewhere, or...?
Thanks again to all who weighed in.
The Sportswork rack is decent, too. A little wobbly in the hitch, so I'll have to find something to shim it up. Also not wild about the rear tire ratchet, which seems to still slide around a bit even after I've crunched it down. Again, if anyone knows the scoop on this, school me.
I'd love to post pix, but don't know how. Do I have to host 'em elsewhere, or...?
Thanks again to all who weighed in.
| wkw | 08-27-2005 09:11 PM |
[QUOTE=mangoman]Got the Draw-Tite hitch and Sportsworks Transport T2 installed today. Just missing a little skin off the back of my right hand. The Draw-Tite was a bit of a hassle: I ended up dumping the Sube's two tow handles. If I missed something in how those were supposed to fit back on WITH the hitch, go ahead and school me... Also found that the Draw-Tite was a muscle job to get it to line up. Ended up stripping one screw (but I'll have someone rethread it, I hope). Nonetheless, it's a stealth look for a hitch.
The Sportswork rack is decent, too. A little wobbly in the hitch, so I'll have to find something to shim it up. Also not wild about the rear tire ratchet, which seems to still slide around a bit even after I've crunched it down. Again, if anyone knows the scoop on this, school me.
I'd love to post pix, but don't know how. Do I have to host 'em elsewhere, or...?
Thanks again to all who weighed in.[/QUOTE]
I can host some pics if you want. send em to wkwATefn.org
I little bit of movement is normal. Don't worry about it. It should ratchet down nicely though. be sure to take some pics of your bike mounted up
bill
The Sportswork rack is decent, too. A little wobbly in the hitch, so I'll have to find something to shim it up. Also not wild about the rear tire ratchet, which seems to still slide around a bit even after I've crunched it down. Again, if anyone knows the scoop on this, school me.
I'd love to post pix, but don't know how. Do I have to host 'em elsewhere, or...?
Thanks again to all who weighed in.[/QUOTE]
I can host some pics if you want. send em to wkwATefn.org
I little bit of movement is normal. Don't worry about it. It should ratchet down nicely though. be sure to take some pics of your bike mounted up
bill
| mangoman | 08-28-2005 06:43 AM |
[QUOTE=wkw]I can host some pics if you want. send em to wkwATefn.org[/QUOTE]
What's the address again? This one isn't working.
Thanks, Bill.
What's the address again? This one isn't working.
Thanks, Bill.
| mangoman | 08-28-2005 11:15 AM |
[URL=http://photos26.flickr.com/37896185_e31b995544_o.jpg]photo of hitch and rack[/URL]
I've got photo hosting now, but still don't know how to embed the photo(s) into this thread. Thanks to Bill for the offer to host. Any tips on how to embed 'em?
I've got photo hosting now, but still don't know how to embed the photo(s) into this thread. Thanks to Bill for the offer to host. Any tips on how to embed 'em?
| BoneStockTS | 08-28-2005 06:47 PM |
[QUOTE=mangoman][URL=http://photos26.flickr.com/37896185_e31b995544_o.jpg]photo of hitch and rack[/URL]
I've got photo hosting now, but still don't know how to embed the photo(s) into this thread. Thanks to Bill for the offer to host. Any tips on how to embed 'em?[/QUOTE]
That's actually kind of a cool looking rack. Have you taken it for trips yet? Any high-speed driving experiences?
I've got photo hosting now, but still don't know how to embed the photo(s) into this thread. Thanks to Bill for the offer to host. Any tips on how to embed 'em?[/QUOTE]
That's actually kind of a cool looking rack. Have you taken it for trips yet? Any high-speed driving experiences?
| mangoman | 08-28-2005 07:04 PM |
Yeah, it's sweet since it lets me be lazy and drop my beefy Heckler with the 20mm front fork onto the rack without removing that axle. No long trips yet. And no high speed. But just you wait... :p
| chiron47 | 09-03-2005 06:04 PM |
Mangoman - hows the ground clearance going into driveways?
My hitch mounted subaru rack lets the tires hang pretty close to the ground so it is a little hairy getting into driveways.
Does the front tire sit a few inches above the exhaust?
My hitch mounted subaru rack lets the tires hang pretty close to the ground so it is a little hairy getting into driveways.
Does the front tire sit a few inches above the exhaust?
| richde | 09-03-2005 09:57 PM |
OMG, a hitch mount on a wagon? WHY? You grow this bizarre attachment out of the back of the car to eliminate a roof rack, when you've already got factory rails?
I've got a Yakima rack on the factory rails, ditched the spoiler because it was butt ugly for three Yakima "Slipstreamers", which are 8" wide wing/teardrop shaped fairings for the round Yakima bars. Maybe a touch louder than using the fairing, but it looks MUCH better, since the 32" fairing looks too small, also eliminates the very rare crosswind induced vibrating of the Yakima fairing. Thinking about picking some up for the rear bar as well, they're only $15/each.
Yakima SHOULD carry mounts for your 20mm thru-axle, never looked though.
Rich
I've got a Yakima rack on the factory rails, ditched the spoiler because it was butt ugly for three Yakima "Slipstreamers", which are 8" wide wing/teardrop shaped fairings for the round Yakima bars. Maybe a touch louder than using the fairing, but it looks MUCH better, since the 32" fairing looks too small, also eliminates the very rare crosswind induced vibrating of the Yakima fairing. Thinking about picking some up for the rear bar as well, they're only $15/each.
Yakima SHOULD carry mounts for your 20mm thru-axle, never looked though.
Rich
| mangoman | 09-04-2005 11:01 AM |
[QUOTE=chiron47]Mangoman - hows the ground clearance going into driveways?
My hitch mounted subaru rack lets the tires hang pretty close to the ground so it is a little hairy getting into driveways.
Does the front tire sit a few inches above the exhaust?[/QUOTE]
I haven't had enough time to experience the dropped/sloped driveway thing just yet. I had my new concrete poured at a long flush angle a couple years ago, so no problems at the homestead.
By front tire, I assume you mean bike front tire.
;) Actually, the whole rack assembly site up pretty high, with the bike's tires several inches above the top of the exhaust.
My hitch mounted subaru rack lets the tires hang pretty close to the ground so it is a little hairy getting into driveways.
Does the front tire sit a few inches above the exhaust?[/QUOTE]
I haven't had enough time to experience the dropped/sloped driveway thing just yet. I had my new concrete poured at a long flush angle a couple years ago, so no problems at the homestead.
By front tire, I assume you mean bike front tire.
;) Actually, the whole rack assembly site up pretty high, with the bike's tires several inches above the top of the exhaust.
| mangoman | 09-04-2005 11:06 AM |
[QUOTE=richde]OMG, a hitch mount on a wagon? WHY? You grow this bizarre attachment out of the back of the car to eliminate a roof rack, when you've already got factory rails?
Rich[/QUOTE]
Rich,
Tell us how you feel about hitch mounts on wagons when you get more time. :p One man's bizarre attachment is another's bike rack, right? :D
Hey, I don't pretend to be the authority on this stuff. I had a Yakima rack on my 4x4 pickup for years. That was goofy. So I custom built (read: cheap) a bed rack for the truck that's still holding up after 13 years of use. This time around, I thought I'd get crazy and 'grow something bizarre'. Plus, I'm debating the idea of taking the roof rails off. Debating.
Mangoman The Insane
Rich[/QUOTE]
Rich,
Tell us how you feel about hitch mounts on wagons when you get more time. :p One man's bizarre attachment is another's bike rack, right? :D
Hey, I don't pretend to be the authority on this stuff. I had a Yakima rack on my 4x4 pickup for years. That was goofy. So I custom built (read: cheap) a bed rack for the truck that's still holding up after 13 years of use. This time around, I thought I'd get crazy and 'grow something bizarre'. Plus, I'm debating the idea of taking the roof rails off. Debating.
Mangoman The Insane
| chiron47 | 09-16-2005 02:48 AM |
I decided on the Sportworks T2 rack also.
It is MASSIVE but it holds the bikes really really well.
It is MASSIVE but it holds the bikes really really well.
| hybrid gti 2 | 09-16-2005 05:46 AM |
realize by having a hitch on a wrx that it may limit your choices on aftermarket exhaust systems. may require kartboy long hangers. also will change ground clearance on the exhaust. If you do a roof rack on a wagon avoid using the yakima q towers setup. use rail riders. As the wagon rails will allow more range of rack options. faring is a good idea if you can get it to fit but may rub the paint and cause damage.
| VpointVick | 09-16-2005 07:08 AM |
Sportworks rocks
�
�
[QUOTE=mangoman]Yeah, it's sweet since it lets me be lazy and drop my beefy Heckler with the 20mm front fork onto the rack without removing that axle. No long trips yet. And no high speed. But just you wait... :p[/QUOTE]
They've got great racks. I've been using a Bob Ratchet (roof mount version) for a couple of years now.
In hind sight, I would put a couple of little patches of helicopter tape or rockblocker or whatever on my fork where the Sportworks clamp touches it. I've got a couple of ugly little rub marks thru the paint on my fork.
They've got great racks. I've been using a Bob Ratchet (roof mount version) for a couple of years now.
In hind sight, I would put a couple of little patches of helicopter tape or rockblocker or whatever on my fork where the Sportworks clamp touches it. I've got a couple of ugly little rub marks thru the paint on my fork.
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét