What kind of racks do people suggest for vehicles?

[trailchik805]

I need to get a bike rack for my 4Runner and there are
just so many types.

[Teamfubar]

I personally think a roof rack is more versatile, but here are some pros and cons;

Roof Racks
Pros:
1. Tend to be a bit more secure since bike isn't as accessible when in public.
2. Bike isn't as vulnerable to traffic accidents.
3. Lot of options for how to carry your bike on roof rack, making odd shaped frames easier to carry.
4. Other uses for roof rack than bikes (skis, canoes, etc.)

Cons:
1. More expensive to get into.
2. Wreaks havoc on gas mileage when bikes are loaded.
3. Drive thru/garage mishaps:(.
4. A pain in the @$$ to load bikes, esp. for shorter people.

Rear/Bumper Racks
Pros:
1. Easier to load/unload bikes.
2. Easier on gas mileage.
3. More reasonable to purchase.
4. Don't have to worry about driving into the garage :D.

Cons:

1. One use application (for bikes only typically).
2. If you get rear-ended, kiss your bike goodbye.
3. Difficult to carry odd shaped frames.
4. Bikes get a lot of road spray on them when driving in wet weather.

Hope this helps!

[phastey]

My buddy has a 4-runner and he was able to simply get a yakima tray that fit the factory rack.

Another thing to consider is going without either. I think you can put the seats down in the 4-runner. If you get a 4"x6" and a fork mount simply put the seat down on the bike and it should be able to fit in the back. Very secure, very inexpensive and easy to load and unload.

[trailchik805]

I had heard that one should use a rack in which you
place the tires in it instead of the hanging type if you have a frame that is carbon or alloy.

Wow Teamfubar that was quite a complete response,
thanks

[50 Mission Cap]

I need to get a bike rack for my 4Runner and there are
just so many types.

Well,

If it has existing factory racks, you can get a rocky mounts noose sl that bolts right on to your factory rack. I have had mine for a year and it works great. You could also go cheap; bolt some yakima fork mounts into a 2x4 and put it inside your runner.

[manwebi]

Three basic options I know of:

1) Rear trunk/hatch strap mounted rack; these are usually the cheapest option and often the first one that people try. I used one at first but it required constant tightening/adjustment and led me to the conclusion that I don't trust anything that isn't bolted onto the vehicle to hold my bike, especially at freeway speeds or off road.

2) Roof mount (crossbar with fork clamp and wheel tray or similar retention system). More costly but definitely more durable. Premium models from Thule and Yakima, but cheaper options like Rocky Mounts and Forte (Performance Bike) are available. Also offers versatility for skis, snowboards, kayaks, luggage cases, etc. Judging by the number of them I see on vehicles, they're the most popular choice. Personally it's never appealed to me due to increased wind resistance, reduced clearance (garage door, drive-thru windows) and hassle of climbing up to reach bikes, especially on taller vehicles. But that's just me.

3) Hitch-mounted rack. If you have an SUV, chances are there's a trailer hitch, and if not, it's worth having one installed. Some of these types will even swing away so you can access your hatch area without removing the rack from the vehicle. I like these the best because they don't add to the profile of your vehicle and they provide easy access to your bike.

That said, I rarely use the rack. I usually put my bike in the back of my truck for shorter trips. I only need the rack for road trips when the truck is full of gear and/or dogs:D. But my situation is not yours. Hope my $.02 helps.:)

[mimbresman]

When I lived in the USA, I had a Honda Civic with a Yakama roof rack. One day, with two bikes on the roof, driving in a gale force headwind, I couldn't get the car out of 3rd gear. My little car sucked gas big time, getting less than 20 mpg which was significant since it had only a 10 gallon tank.

After a while, I stopped, put both bikes inside the car and continued my journey in 5th gear.

From that day forward, I never used the rack. I took it off the next day. I liked having the car incognito.

Moral of the story...keeping your bike(s) inside your 4 Runner might be an option. More secure, no added wind resistance.

[hophead]

I have both roof racks and a trailer hitch mounted rack on my Jeep. I prefer to use the hitch rack for ease of loading/unloading. If you have a trailer hitch, the Thule 916 & 917 are very nice. They will each accommodate 2 bikes. The 916 is for a 2" hitch and the 917 is for the 1-1/4". There is also a 2 bike add-on available to increase capacity to 4 bikes. The Thule rack will carry just about any bike. They retail for 369.00.

[RandomV]

I refuse to use my bicycles for a rear bumper on my car...

[hophead]

Go ahead, hit me. That's what insurance is for. I'll take the money, build a new bike, and have beer money left over.:D

[althegud1srtakn]

i've got a hitch mount yakima bike rack that holds 4. getting my devinci on there is a sqeeze, but it does fit, and the rack is great. if you get a roof rack that uses the fork to mount it, make sure it's also got the extra support bar, i've heard a few stories about forks snapping during some hard cornering on those.

[myron]

I like the Swagman brand hitch rack, I don't trust to roof mount ones much. I know of not one, but two poor souls that lost(or nearly lost) their bikes from roof mount systems.

Tis true,

[ironspoke]

I've been a Yakima man since the early 90's. I love the round bars. On my Pilot I have the longest bars they make attached to the Low Riders. http://http://www.yakima.com/Product.aspx?id=86

For camping trips and such I can put my canoe on top as well as a Rocket Box. I can then hang up to 4 bikes off the hitch rack.
http://www.yakima.com/Product.aspx?id=32

On my Camry I have the 60" bars which are a size larger than Yakima suggests.

It does all depend on what you are going to be doing. If you like to kayak or canoe then get the roofrack system. For short jaunts around your general area if I had a 4 Runner I would keep the bike inside.

I know someone mentioned it but its worth repeating, if you are a shorter person, the roof rack can be difficult to use. I'm 6'4" and its a bastard playing around with the bikes on the roof. Now its a breeze on the Camry but the 4 Runner easily sits as high as my Pilot.

[ironspoke]

I have both roof racks and a trailer hitch mounted rack on my Jeep. I prefer to use the hitch rack for ease of loading/unloading. If you have a trailer hitch, the Thule 916 & 917 are very nice. They will each accommodate 2 bikes. The 916 is for a 2" hitch and the 917 is for the 1-1/4". There is also a 2 bike add-on available to increase capacity to 4 bikes. The Thule rack will carry just about any bike. They retail for 369.00.

Yakima just recently started offering a product similar to this. They seem like a great choice compared to the standard hitch mount.

[mscotch]

check out the saris cycle-on rack or other options from them. They have roof, trunk and hitch and many options of each.
http://www.saris.com/t-SarisRacks.aspx?skinid=1

Have the hitch mount for my jeep (2 bikes) and a single for my motorcycle that can attach as a 3rd. rack for my jeep.

[davkatreb]

I recommend you ditch the 4runner and get a Honda Element. Fold up the seats and put the bike inside where it belongs.

Problem solved.

[mscotch]

I recommend you ditch the 4runner and get a Honda Element. Fold up the seats and put the bike inside where it belongs.

Problem solved.

mtn. bikes belong indoors, no doubt. :)
isn't a pain to deal with mud issue, though going this route?
seems more of a problem than most of the things one has to deal with if the bike is kept out.
that being said, anyone out there have a Aztec or Rendezvous? Been thinking how these rigs work with carrying a bike inside.

[S. cerevisiae]

With the potential for road crap to be shoved into every bearing and pivot at highway speeds I'd try everythign possible to keep the ride inside. If passengers are an issue then explore exterior options.

I have a '94 Sable that my 'Cog 29 rides inside of unless I have my son and his bike going too. Then I have a Thule and Saris trunk mount job. But my frugal gene is activated due to my Scot grandmother.

Perhaps 1 of the mods can dig up the photo from Rider's Eye View of the POS Volvo with permanantly mounted "rack" system. It had 2 fork mounts bolted to the rear of the roof and 2 short pieces of wheel tray bolted to the trunk deck. Voila, improved aerodynamics, and the security (perceived or otherwise) of a roof racking system.

[davkatreb]

isn't a pain to deal with mud issue, though going this route?

No it isn't; not even a little bit. Every interior surface of the Element, including the floor, can be wiped clean with a rag. This car was designed from the getgo for outdoor adventure. It really can't be beat.

[davkatreb]

And come to think of it, what's wrong with just popping the wheels off and putting the whole shebang in the trunk? I ride a 64 cm/21 inch, and there's plenty of room in my little Mercury Topaz for a bike. If you balk at the hassle of removing both wheels, I suppose one of those folding Park home work stands would cost about the same as a car rack you'd trust with a decent bike.

[mscotch]

No it isn't; not even a little bit. Every interior surface of the Element, including the floor, can be wiped clean with a rag. This car was designed from the getgo for outdoor adventure. It really can't be beat.

so I've heard. my local bike mechanic recommended the same deal, using an Element. I guess if you're only going to be biking, that's cool, but most time (I travel for my job and do most of my biking while on the road) I have so many other things inside that need to be kept clean, including customers at times. Plus, if you're going on vacation, room might become an issue? I keep a thule ski box on my jeep year round to handle 90% of the dirty, wet or otherwise things that need to be "outside" (biking shorts, gloves, socks and jerseys that have 2-3 days worth of riding grime and sweat in them, life jackets, water shoes, etc. for the days I canoe or kayak)

[one piece crank]

A lot depends on why/when you're transporting your bike. I too have used just about every style of bike carrier, and if you only need to bring your bike along, then any type will do the job, and do it well. The problems begin when you also need to bring a lot of gear and/or passengers.

I would prefer the bikes go inside, and used to be able to fit 2-people/2-bikes/gear in the car, plus the 3rd bike outside. Times change though, and now I need to carry 4 bikes and 4 people. Add in a few days camping gear, food and water, in a vehicle that's just over 7 feet tall! So, this one has a hitch mount for bikes, and a full-roof cargo rack which even let's me carry the canoe at the same time.

Personally, anything can be washed and wiped down (or I wouldn't drive it). And don't fall for that element 'ploy' - go buy a new bike instead!!!!

Tom P.

[Cyclenaut]

Trailchik how tall are you? You might want to keep in mind the extra height that putting a roof rack on an SUV will have.

Short of getting an Element (Dav is right, it simply can't be beat), the hitch system is probably the best way to go. If you decide to go with this option, get the larger receiver hitch. The smaller ones seem bit flimsy even for bike racks.

[50 Mission Cap]

Trailchik how tall are you? You might want to keep in mind the extra height that putting a roof rack on an SUV will have.

Short of getting an Element (Dav is right, it simply can't be beat), the hitch system is probably the best way to go. If you decide to go with this option, get the larger receiver hitch. The smaller ones seem bit flimsy even for bike racks.

I don't know... I tend to feel alienated by cars w/ hitch racks.

[KDWeb]

Man this is a common topic.:)....S. cere hit it for the most part

With the potential for road crap to be shoved into every bearing and pivot at highway speeds I'd try everythign possible to keep the ride inside.

while keeping stuff inside is a optimal solution given that everything from Rain to Locust guts are gonna get jammed into your headset sitting on the roof, a hitch mount on the back of your SUV is not going to subject the bikes to the same forces. Sure you'll get road spray but not head on at 60 mph. And Cyclenaut! I am shocked you didn't point out how the back rack doubles as a quickie work stand!

[mimbresman]

And come to think of it, what's wrong with just popping the wheels off and putting the whole shebang in the trunk? I ride a 64 cm/21 inch, and there's plenty of room in my little Mercury Topaz for a bike. If you balk at the hassle of removing both wheels, I suppose one of those folding Park home work stands would cost about the same as a car rack you'd trust with a decent bike.

I like small cars, but I like small cars with trunk space big enough for a bike. Taking the wheels off is no hassle. Some cars it might be necessary to take the seat post out.

Hondas are real efficient in using their space. I could fit two bikes and one set of wheels inside the trunk. The other set of wheels can go in the back seat.

One trip to Big Bend, we fit 4 bikes on the roof of the Civic, all our camping gear in the trunk, and 4 adults inside. Awesome cars!

Here a pic of my Venezuela car; a 2003 Kia Rio. It has my Litespeed*, plus a Schwinn Predator BMX bike and all 4 wheels inside the trunk.

*cheating...bike in 2 halves with S & S couplings.

[phastey]

The trunk route will scratch your bikes all up and get grease and grime all over the carpet.

[davkatreb]

The trunk route will scratch your bikes all up and get grease and grime all over the carpet.
Ummm, no it won't. There are many cheap and simple strategies that will prevent both.

Get some foam pipe insulation and slip it around your frame tubes. $5.00 worth should be plenty.

Slip an old blanket between the wheels and the frame. No worries.

Lay a plastic tarp down to keep your carpet clean.

Stop worrying so much. What, you're going to tell me you're not all sweaty and muddy after a ride? They got showers at the trailhead? No? What about the rich Corinthian leather?

Seriously, there's no obstacle you can't get over if you want to ride bad enough.

[davkatreb]

The trunk route will scratch your bikes all up
So will riding them. Maybe you'd best just stay home with a can of polish.:rolleyes:

[one piece crank]

I use old mtn. tires between the bikes. They provide a minimal gap/cushion between the bikes, and you can off-set them to cover the potential damage points. I fyou put a cheap tube in them even better, but this limits the number of bikes you'll fit.

Tom P.

[mimbresman]

The trunk route will scratch your bikes all up and get grease and grime all over the carpet.

Not if you're careful and have unpainted titanium bikes. :rolleyes:

[cMc]

I've had Yakima roof racks since 1993. Next car I get I'm going to have a hitch mount installed and go the receiver hitch route.

I just keep scratching the roofs of really nice cars with bike racks and I'm getting tired of it. Plus, those things produce a lot of wind noise at 100 mph. :cool:

[mimbresman]

I've had Yakima roof racks since 1993. Next car I get I'm going to have a hitch mount installed and go the receiver hitch route.

I just keep scratching the roofs of really nice cars with bike racks and I'm getting tired of it. Plus, those things produce a lot of wind noise at 100 mph. :cool:

Do like my brother and get a Volvo XC90. Lots of room inside for bikes, camping gear, AND it does 130 mph with ease. :cool::cool:

[cMc]

Do like my brother and get a Volvo XC90. Lots of room inside for bikes, camping gear, AND it does 130 mph with ease. :cool::cool:

You know, my mom has one and it's a total POS. It's constantly in the shop and it gets horsesheeyat gas mileage.

I think my next car will be an Audi S4 wagon, but only if they ditch the V8 and bring back the twin turbo six. I can get a bike inside my SFaux sedan pretty easily, but only one and it takes up pretty much all the cargo space.

[mimbresman]

You know, my mom has one and it's a total POS. It's constantly in the shop and it gets horsesheeyat gas mileage.

I think my next car will be an Audi S4 wagon, but only if they ditch the V8 and bring back the twin turbo six. I can get a bike inside my SFaux sedan pretty easily, but only one and it takes up pretty much all the cargo space.

Not sure the realiability of the new 2007 he has. It has a non-turbo V-8 if I remember. His 2004 was a twin-turbo V-6 and would hit 145 mph on I-10 between Lordsburg and Tucson. I need to go to his house today, I'll ask about reliablity. He liked the twin turbo version.

Gas milage? The Volvo is his wife's, my brother's ride is a 2000 Suburban. I don't think he cares about milage. You can stick a whole fleet of bikes inside a Suburban.

[cMc]

I think my mom's is the turbo, and about an '04 vintage.

[trailchik805]

I love my 4Runner and have no plans on getting anything else. I refuse to drive a box. I am 5'6" and there just is no way I can put a bike on top of that. Unless someone here is willing to tag along and do it for me. I am not usually good at letting people do things for me though. In the past I have put my road bike inside but at times it seems to put things out of alignment. Now with my new mtb I want to put the bikes on the outside.

[mimbresman]

Trail,
We have a tendency to go off on wild tangents.

Since you want to put the bike on the outside of your 4-Runner, then I'd look into a receiver mount unit...I personally don't know much about them, but that sounds like the best option for you.

MM

[AndrewFlow]

Yakima made a rack called the hook up which works really well. You should be able to get one a little cheaper now since they came out with a new version. Its a 2 bike rack that holds the bike on by its wheels. I have one on my personal vehicle and one the trusty bike shop van. You can also get an attachment that makes it a 4 bike rack. Like others have said, go with a 2'' hitch since they are way more stable.

[davkatreb]

Trail,
We have a tendency to go off on wild tangents.

Since you want to put the bike on the outside of your 4-Runner, then I'd look into a receiver mount unit...I personally don't know much about them, but that sounds like the best option for you.

MM
Hey, what Mimsey said. Yep, we still ain't fixed the flat, but look at all the different ways we've come up with to re-invent the wheel.:D It's a guy thing, mostly. You'll get used to it if you hang around long enough, and I for one hope you do.

Yeah, a receiver hitch mount would be the way to go for now. And like some other feller said, go with the one for the larger-sized hitch.

[Ripp]

I love my 4Runner and have no plans on getting anything else. I refuse to drive a box. I am 5'6" and there just is no way I can put a bike on top of that. Unless someone here is willing to tag along and do it for me. I am not usually good at letting people do things for me though. In the past I have put my road bike inside but at times it seems to put things out of alignment. Now with my new mtb I want to put the bikes on the outside.

Trail, with your last post in mind, I (like a couple others) recommend the 2" hitch mount type. I use a Thule 4 bike carrier that straps over the top tubes. It can be a pain with the irregular frame shapes common these days, but I've not yet fond a bike I can't mount, some are easy and some are not. The type with the tray that holds the wheels may be a better option depending on your frame shape, they are more work for many bikes and less for some others.

My Thule has a loop for a lock (I suspect most decent racks do too) and it will fold out of the way for access to the cargo area of your 4runner without removing bikes. I really like my Thule rack!

[The Rose]

Anyone used the Saris Thelma hitch rack yet?

[brown group]

I went with the Thule 964.
1. Holds 4 bikes
2. Even the wife can load it
3. No "low bridge" worries
4. Can swing the whole thing, fully loaded, out of the way to get in the rear cargo area

I'm not worried about the bikes in the back of there's an accident - you'd have more important worries in that case.

[OneSpeedWonder]

friggin pc /windows xp wont let me add pictures but I know I have posted it somewhere here b4( Rocky????) anyway I use a trailer custom made to hide the bikes from theiving little shits and so I can use it as a camper if need be,makes it easier for me coz I dont have to have a car for everyday and a pickup/ute/van for the weekends!!!

[VegasMtb]

I use a Yakima Kingpin. It's a hitchmount and works well for me

[mutantvan]

I'll throw in a couple of cents worth. I own Yak and Thule top carriers for gutters, and if you have gutters, they are very secure for your bikes. Accumulate multiple carriers that attach to these and maybe you can keep up with the frame styles. I have wheel mount, axle mount, frame mount, you name it, and sure as hell the bike you buy next year won't fit it, or the car you just bought won't fit it. I gave up and went steel single speed, and all the racks fit.
As a side note, in Arizona you might get the bikes inside, but anyone who has ridden north of Ashland, OR will tell you that unless you want a lot of mud in the car, mount on the outside.
Curiously, the best set up I ever had entailled permanently mounting a fork mount (4 actually) on the fiberglass rear top of a Westphalia. Dang I wish I hadn't sold that rig!

[squall]

Anyone used the Saris Thelma hitch rack yet?

I do.. Well, I think I did

[gti2k2000]

[QUOTE=trailchik805;172938]I had heard that one should use a rack in which you
place the tires in it instead of the hanging type if you have a frame that is carbon or alloy.

That is the type i use. It slides into the hitch receiver. I never cared for the ones that leave the bike swinging in the wind.

[ogfeez]

yakima king cobras, way easy to put on and way easy to take off. In which ever order you would like :) . Don't have to take front tire off, as soon as it's off the bike is ready to ride. Slightly pricey though, did see some guy in Philly, PA area selling 2 of them for $100 (freaking insane) My 2 cents, maybe only 1 cent. Have them mounted on a Scion TC btw