Cycle racks, which is best

[freeheeler1690]

We have a 2012 Outback and want to carry our road bikes (2) using either a roof carrier or a carrier at the back.
Does anyone have preferences as to which is best. Don't really want to get a hitch at the back, just something that fits onto the trunk

Thanks

Martin

[jcruz689]

If you're okay with taking the front wheel off. Most people here will say the Rockymounts Tie Rods for the roof. I don't have mine yet but I'm planning on picking one up this spring once ski season is over. It has a very easy and universal mounting setup, which is nice in case you want to transfer it to other cars. And it also has a sleek low profile design although some have said they had some issues with the pedals touching the roof of the car since it's so low.

A nice sturdy two-wheel roof rack is the Thule Side-arm or Criterium. The side-arm is a bit bulky but there is no frame contact. The 'side-arm' wedges down on the wheel. The criterium is nice too but the mount grabs the frame. A lot of people with carbon frames aren't too trusting of a frame grab setup so most road cyclists opt for the fork mount in which case my untested recommendation would be the Tie Rod mentioned above. Another argument for using a fork mount as opposed to a two-wheel setup is that often times there is a bit less road wobble in the wind and bumps since the bike is situated lower and secured a lot more tightly when mounted by the fork. I've seen people use the Subaru bike roof racks (which are rebranded Yakimas) and they seem to sway a lot in the wind and bumps.

I don't have any recommendations for a back carrier although back carriers are generally sometimes cheaper than roof racks. however, unless reaching up to put bikes on the roof will be pain if you're a bit shorter, I'd say go with a nice sturdy roof rack. I'd also imaging that people would be less inclined to steal a bike on the roof of a car as opposed to a back carrier but I digress. haha

[mopartodd]

I've seen a few of the Seasucker racks around and they are getting good reviews. They are very flexible in their use.

SeaSucker | Vacuum Mounting Systems

[tibug]

I prefer my hitch rack because of how amazingly simple it is to install and remove (one bolt, 20 seconds) and how easy the bikes are to put on (the wheels go in cradles and you push a ratcheting arm on top of the top tube. Done like dinner.) but between the trunk rack and the roof rack, I'd take the roof rack.

[freeheeler1690]

Thanks for all the information

I've also been looking at the Yakima sprocketrocket which looks like it fits onto the subaru cross bars whereas the rockymounts don't

Yakima SprocketRocket Demonstrated by Rack Attack - YouTube

Yakima SprocketRocket Demonstrated by Rack Attack - YouTube

Martin

[EastTeleSki]

I really like the Rockymounts Tirerod. Sits very secure on the crossbars.

[tibug]

The other thing about trunk racks is that on some hatchbacks/wagons, they will necessarily obstruct the rear wiper. That kind of sucks. Depending on the slope of the hatch and how the rack can be installed, it may not,

[forty2]

I have both roof and hitch racks and nothing I've ever used beats this:Yakima HoldUp Bike Hitch Rack

[JCBERB]

Today I researched either a hitch or a roof mounted solution. The common things that were brought up for hitches were: having to purchase a hitch, obstruction of the rear hatch, or the rack being too heavy to move out when loaded to open hatch, the bikes getting dirtier when compared to being on the roof (???), being rear ended and having bikes destroyed. The vehicle being longer, and having to account for the extra width when bikes are loaded. Blocking camera/rear view.For roof top racks it was gas mileage, bike falling off due to not being secured or rack not strong enough (???). mounting combinations.While I am still getting a stealth hitch, I ended up purchasing a TieRod in black. After I get some use out of it and like it I will order my second one, if not I will shop around (I was looking at Thule, and Yakima).I based my decision on being able to use the factory bars, I am tall enough to lift and easily mount the bikes.I prefer the bikes on top compared to in the rear, and I did not want to buy a hitch right now (hoping prices drop a bit). The price was right, and the roof mount rack had pleanty of positive reviews and appears secure.

[JCBERB]

Originally Posted by freeheeler1690

Thanks for all the information

I've also been looking at the Yakima sprocketrocket which looks like it fits onto the subaru cross bars whereas the rockymounts don't

Yakima SprocketRocket Demonstrated by Rack Attack - YouTube

Martin

Are you refering to the TieRod? If so I beleive they do fit factory cross bars.

2012 Subaru Outback with Rocky Mounts TieRod Bike Carriers by Rack Outfitters - YouTube

2012 Subaru Outback with Rocky Mounts TieRod Bike Carriers by Rack Outfitters - YouTube