[TEXN]

The lean seems to be the case with every RockyMount product. Not a big deal to me, but I can see it being an issue to some.

I can't get over how sleek the new Tie Rods are, especially compared to the Noose they replaced. I attached the only picture of my Noose SL for comparison.

I have two, the second one was free but was meant for a Yakima, luckily RockyMounts keeps spare parts and I was able to order the base that'll fit the OE bars, $35 for the new base and a matching lock!

 

[trumpus]

The lean seems to be the case with every RockyMount product. Not a big deal to me, but I can see it being an issue to some.

EVERY RM product? Do you mean just with the 2010-2011 OB or with ALL cars? I ask because here is the reply I got from RM customer service:

Brian,

We have seen this on the new Subaru's and few other makes. Unfortunately, that is the design of the factory cross bar. It is secure and we have not had any problems...except that people don't like the way it looks.

Just double check and make sure you have it mounted flush (which it looks like you do).

 

[pairadux]

I'm with Trumpus and the RM guy on this - the OB rack rails are curved and I recall seeing someone with their Yakima or Thule racks complaining about the same thing.

My racks got here today (man that blue is bright - I was hoping for a little darker cobalt action) so I'll take some pictures, hopefully tomorrow when I put them up.

 

[trumpus]

I jokingly asked the guy if they felt like designing a shim for people like us with curved racks - unlikely to happen, but if anyone here has any know how or means of doing this, I would be in!

 

[TEXN]

EVERY RM product? Do you mean just with the 2010-2011 OB or with ALL cars? I ask because here is the reply I got from RM customer service:

All cars...at least the models I've seen with a factory rack that has any curve (for style, of course), not a straight rack like Yakima and Thule seem to offer. I think it has more to do with the wider front base/bracket, wide enough that it eats up some of the curve.

A shim may create swaying at higher speeds, something I'm more concerned with than the aesthetics of having a little lean. The bike is secure as is, I've driven with both Cannondales for 400+ miles and no concern about having the bike off balance or it swaying at all.

 

[bluezurich]

My Noose SL trays sit at an angle on my Tribute as well. I plan on moving them to the 2011 OB I have ordered. Boy those Tierods sure look slim and sweet though. Going to add a Kuat Alpha as well for the kids bikes and full susp (with a Lefty)

 

[SubieNoob]

A shim wouldn't work with the Tie Rod and other racks that use 1 bolt to secure the front attachment because the shim would necessitate the outside strap to be longer than the inside. Now if you could design a shim for the top of the crossbar and it's inverse for the bottom of the crossbar - and not compromise tightness/stability - then it would work.

Or just don't worry about it.

I think the aero factory crossbars getbpart of their strength due to their curvature and apparent compression of the center area under load?

 

[pairadux]

I just put my first of two up tonight - took me a while to get it up there. The rear tire holder was a tight fit - took some elbow grease to get it on there. Then I had to battle operator error to get the quick clamp on right so it wouldn't come undone when tightening. My dad always says "ya' gotta be smarter than the...."

So tomorrow I'll get the second one on there now that I know what I'm doing and post pics.

Does anyone know if there's enough room on the roof to get three racks up there?

 

[SubieNoob]

Does anyone know if there's enough room on the roof to get three racks up there?

There should be - just turn it around so the bike points backwards. Getting racks installed is one thing. Then you have the problem of handlebars hitting against each other if they're all facing the same way.


And bugs at highway speeds :17: Our 2 bikes that we drove to various ski towns and such in Colorado and a little Moab, UT are grossly covered with bugs. I wouldn't care but going on a ride and grabbing the brake levers and getting crunchy (and juicy) bug bits is gross. Sometimes they get on the back portions of the seats :gasp:

I'm considering turning both my mounts backwards just to avoid bugs.

 

[pairadux]

I got my racks this week and put them up. After I got over my brain freeze, I was able to have them up in 15 minutes or so.

Putting the bikes on the racks is easy as heck. Drop the fork on, lock the clamp and boom - done.

Yes, mine lean just like everyone else's but there didn't seem to be any issues with it.

Love these things. After seeing how low profile they are, all the Yakimas and Thules on the market just look huge and clunky.

So far I've only seen one other set in Eugene. With so many other OBs here, I'm glad I've got something to set my car apart.

 

[ardvark11]

I got my racks this week and put them up. After I got over my brain freeze, I was able to have them up in 15 minutes or so.

Putting the bikes on the racks is easy as heck. Drop the fork on, lock the clamp and boom - done.

Yes, mine lean just like everyone else's but there didn't seem to be any issues with it.

Love these things. After seeing how low profile they are, all the Yakimas and Thules on the market just look huge and clunky.

So far I've only seen one other set in Eugene. With so many other OBs here, I'm glad I've got something to set my car apart.

Would be great to see both bikes loaded.

 

[trumpus]

Nice! Makes me think I should pick up another to match!

 

[pairadux]

Here's a shot of the lean with both bikes up on the racks. Like I mentioned earlier, it doesn't seem to present a problem. My driveway is also a little tilted, that's why the bike on the driver's side tilts even more.

 

[ardvark11]

Thanks. :29: Looks good and they don't appear to be leaning too badly. After you mentioned the arch in the crossbars I have been keeping an eye out for other vehicle crossbars; I noticed one this weekend that was curved also but I can't remember the make!

 

[jon595]

I just ordered a Tie Rod and a pair of locking cores from ORS after reading the positive opinions all of you had on this. I just wanted to say thanks. I've been looking for a while on the 'right' rack for my Outback and finally stumbled onto to this. Once I get it, I can post a few pictures if people want. Thanks again.

 

[TEXN]

ORS is a good outfit, I ordered a locking core (for the second rack( and it was keyed to match my first rack. Easier to have one key.

 

[catric69]

First post on this thread has 2011 brochure, page 4 of the PDF file shows a great shot of two bikes mounted on the roof. Looks like they are leaning more the "pairadux" racks are.

http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums...104-2010-2011-subaru-outback/26043-website-brochure-2011-outbacks-just-fyi.html

 

[trumpus]

I just picked up a used set of Thule 450 feet and some 50" crossbars. Won't have a chance to rearrange the Tie Rod and new racks until tomorrow, but more pictures to come. Then hopefully I can pick up a new kayak rack and get everything on top finally!

Brian

 

[jon595]

Problem with ORS Racks

On Monday I ordered a Tie Rod with 2 lock cores from ORS. I got the automated confirmation email right away. Come Wednesday, I didn't hear anything. So I called the company. No answer on multiple attempts. Just an answering machine. So I emailed. No response all day.

Thursday rolls around. So I try calling and emailing again. No answer from email and the phone went to an answering machine.

Friday after lunch, still hearing nothing, I emailed ORS once again and said I want to cancel my order. This was exactly at 3:00pm. At 3:06pm, I get a response saying that the Tie Rod was ready to ship but the lock cores are on backorder.

This infuriates me because I get ignored for 2 days, but within 6 minutes of saying I want to cancel an order, I get a response. They canceled the order no problem and said they were having issues with their VOIP phones. No apology or anything else though.

I dunno. I'm not saying not to shop from them, but my first experience will be my last. On a side note, I ordered the same thing from RackAttack.com and within an hour of placing the order, it already shipped out.

 

[bluezurich]

rackattack has done right by me in the past as well. Good choice. I would be getting Tierods if I didn't already have a set of Noose SL/s and wheel holders. Pretty sweet!