Roof Racks

I have a yakima downtube-clamp model that I have used for years, nary a problem, have driven it coast-to-coast and it's never come loose, so security is not really the issue it is made out to be.

On problem is that it will only work with a metal-framed bike (because the clamp screws down around the downtube of the frame).

I also now have a yakima model that clamps over the bike wheel, to use on my carbon-framed bike. But I have not yet installed this tray as I have not had to haul my carbon bike anywhere.

Personally, I prefer not to have to take off the front wheel and store it somewhere. Have enough items in the van already between kids, luggage, tri equipments, etc.

Having said all of that my next rack will probably be hitch-mount -- makes access easier and doesn't give me a 15% hit to gas mileage.

My first question is why go with the roof rack rather than a hitch mount? I know some people are worried about getting rear ended, but you only have a small chance of that happening (as opposed to always having a big drop in mpg with a roof rack).

Yakima and Thule are the big gorillas, and their stuff is very good.  I started with Yak, so I stuck with it for compatability.

I generally use my hitchmount when I transport bikes, but I have used roof mounting as well. (I've also used a trunk mounted system, until the bike pedal broke one of my taillights.  Hey, with a name like gearboy, of course I've tried them all!).  If you drive an SUV, the height is a major PITA. On a "regular" sized vehicle, the height is not an issue.  I've used both wheel off and wheel on models.  (I even have an odd model Yak make in the past to clamp onto the crankarm, for bikes with oddly shaped down tubes).  For the road bike, I prefer the wheel off model.  It feels more secure, and I think it's a little more aerodynamic (but I have no proof of that).  For the mtn bike, I prefer the wheel on models, because after riding in the mud and dirt, I really don't want to (a) take off the wheel and get even dirtier, and (b) have to put the wheel somewhere in the vehicle to leave mud and dirt everywhere.

The other thing to remember about using a roof rack is that it is very easy to forget the bikes are up there, and crash into drive throughs, garages, low hanging  trees....

Thanks for the feedback; all very helpful.

 Fortunately, I don't park in the garage, that's reserved for the wife's car and all my crap.

 I just got a hatchback and it seems like a  hitch mount may be somewhat cumbersome when making trips and trying to get things out of the back.  Plus the ability to mix and match components with Thule and Yakima would allow me to get a kayak attachment and a storage compartment for the top if needed.

 Thanks again!

I just got a roof rack and so far I like it.  Yes, my gas mileage dropped from about 32 to 25 driving from Tucson to Moab (3 bikes up there).  Overall it was just easier than doing the trunk mount or hitch (which I didn't have, so would have to install).  We have managed to slip and the the fork scratched my roof (damn!).  All of mine are fork mount which is easier for weak people like myself to lift up on the roof (I have an Accord).

As for remembering they are there - I printed this off in bigger form and taped it to a piece of poster board and I hang it off my rearview mirror whenever I have a bike on the rack:

This sign can be bought from Nashbar to hang on your garage door; this only does me good at home.

First of all, I fixed your post. Second, I'd probably still go for the hitch mount.  I have one like this made by Yakima (Thule makes a similar product), that lets me swing the hitch away from the back of vehicle to access the rear (I have an Xterra, so similar access issues as the hatchback). I also have a roof mounted rack that I will use for kayaks (OK, I actually have 2 different roof mounts for kayaks depending on the configuration I am using and the boats I am taking that day...). But depending on your available funds (and whether you actually have the kayaks now or it is a later consideration), I would still lean to the hitch mount.

Don't fprget Ebay.  I have a company car that gets swapped out yearly so I wanted to save.  I went on ebay and found this rack with 2 racks for only $50.  I was skeptical but once they arrived wow did I get a deal.  Having two sets up proved valuable for road trips with racing friends.  Although it does seem like it moves slightly (observation from being behind others with this type of rack).  But keeping the wheel on is helpful for Brick workouts.  I usually throw the bike on top, lock it down and go...so my T2 time is more realistic.

We've got a Yakima rack on both our Jeep and our Nissan.  We've got some old school bike racks where we take the front wheels off, and I'll tell you that it can get REALLY old taking the front wheels off all the time.  However, it's pretty easy to work with.

Also, I love the fact that we can interchange our bike mounts (takes about 5 minutes per mount) and our kayak mount (takes about 5 minutes to install) on both vehicles!!

I'd go with Yakima again in a heartbeat, but I'd buy the bike racks so that we wouldn't need to take off the front wheels.

-Joel

Will the Thule and Yakima mounts work on a factory installed roof rack?  I drive a 2008 Honda CRV and went online today to look at getting bike racks and saw they were $400 a piece

Money very well spent. 

 I have a Thule roof rack that works great on my Honda Pilot roof rack.  Just go to the bike shop and tell them what car you drive.  Thule (or Yakima) can tell them which ones will work with your car.  Mine cost me $200 and it is great!  Mine does not require removal of the front wheel and it is very secure.  I drove 10 hours to a tri and had no problems at all.