Anyone try an aftermarket hitch? I need it just for bicycles...
03-02-2009, 05:03 AM
#11
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Installed a 3rd-party hitch about 4 years ago...
...and it works great for bikes. I have found that a hitch rack is far better than roof-mount, and if you have a ride that costs more than a couple of grand, you will want to lock it inside anyway. Got the allroad hitch from etrailers.com, couple hundred bucks, easy install.
03-02-2009, 06:26 AM
#12
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When's the last time you got rear-ended?
And if I were rear ended, the last thing I'd be worried about are the bikes.
For hitch mount systems, I only like the ones that clamp down on the wheels...leaving the frame untouched. Funky suspensions doesn't work well with frame clamps.
http://www.yakima.com/racks/bike-racks/product/8002419/holdup-2.aspx
Biggest problem I see is hatch access when bikes are on the back. When someone comes up with a wheel clamp like Yakima's that swings away from the car, I'll probably jump on it.
For hitch mount systems, I only like the ones that clamp down on the wheels...leaving the frame untouched. Funky suspensions doesn't work well with frame clamps.
http://www.yakima.com/racks/bike-racks/product/8002419/holdup-2.aspx
Biggest problem I see is hatch access when bikes are on the back. When someone comes up with a wheel clamp like Yakima's that swings away from the car, I'll probably jump on it.
03-02-2009, 10:17 AM
#13
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Re: When's the last time you got rear-ended? And check Thule
<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/154823/img00064.jpg"></center><p>They have a rack called the T2. It clears the rear hatch perfectly with both bikes there and if not, pull a lever and it will pivot down and out of the way. Very easy to use. This was a hardtail and a 6" all mountain hung on the rear of the allroad. no frame contact and very stable. Road bikes are light and easy to load on the roof. Big hit suspension, not so much. Id rather be loaded and locked down in 30 seconds myself.
03-02-2009, 12:42 PM
#14
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Since you asked.....2005, $10,000 worth of Carbon Fiber Wilier bikes on the roof. Got hit at 10mph..
Enough to crack my bumper.
Bikes were on roof, rather than in the garbage.
When was the last time you saw a rear mounted bike rack in the caravan at the Tour de France? You wouldn't, because they care about the bikes(naturally) that they carry. Their care out of necessity to win the race, mine because I can't afford to replace them because someone was rubbernecking and hit me. One less variable I can eliminate. Any other questions?
Bikes were on roof, rather than in the garbage.
When was the last time you saw a rear mounted bike rack in the caravan at the Tour de France? You wouldn't, because they care about the bikes(naturally) that they carry. Their care out of necessity to win the race, mine because I can't afford to replace them because someone was rubbernecking and hit me. One less variable I can eliminate. Any other questions?
03-02-2009, 01:19 PM
#15
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Re: Since you asked.....
<center><img src="http://www.comparestoreprices.co.uk/images/tr/trek-session-10-2006-bike.jpg"></center><p>I think you might be missing whats being said in this particular part of the thread. Roof racks are fine with road bikes as your $10k road frame will easily lift up there. What I was saying, along with downindenver, is mountainbikes with different suspension designs are tough to mount up top. Not to mention that they are heavier than your carbon road frame. I would rather have my insurance replace my bike, its coverable under home owners or renters insurance as a zero deduction item, than have to lift 40-50 pounds above my head constantly. Not to mention that at the weight of a big hit bike, combined with twists and turns and crosswinds that equal weight transfer, it get put under enormous stress. Ive cracked a Thule Velo2 MTB for mount and almost lost my Trek, friend had his bmx up top and it let go crashing through the sunroof.
Youll not see Tour de France chase wagons running hitch mounts just like you wont see any allroads there. Head to the trails and resorts up in WVa or someplace with some good downs, and I guarantee youll see pickups with pads over the gate or youll see hitch mounts. Specs on average AM/ FR/ DH bike, 160-200mm travel, all alloy frame, 2.5" tires, serious slack geo. As much as I love my bikes, I would rather get clipped in the rear and have insurance replace my bike than take the immediate nose dive in value a small, recorded hit on the allroad, would result in.
Youll not see Tour de France chase wagons running hitch mounts just like you wont see any allroads there. Head to the trails and resorts up in WVa or someplace with some good downs, and I guarantee youll see pickups with pads over the gate or youll see hitch mounts. Specs on average AM/ FR/ DH bike, 160-200mm travel, all alloy frame, 2.5" tires, serious slack geo. As much as I love my bikes, I would rather get clipped in the rear and have insurance replace my bike than take the immediate nose dive in value a small, recorded hit on the allroad, would result in.
03-02-2009, 01:51 PM
#16
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ahhh, a mountain biker and downhiller, explains the screen name!
Just messing with you and trying to start the age old fight between the two genres...and for the record, I do both.
I hear you on the difficulty of putting a heavy bike up on a roof. I just personally hate the aesthetics, and the limited functionality of the hitch mounters as an opinion. Eventually, a lot people ski, kayak, or put a box on top, and a roof mounted system will accommodate all.
I prefer bikes that can be pedaled up the mountain as well as down:-). I'll go shave my legs now.
I hear you on the difficulty of putting a heavy bike up on a roof. I just personally hate the aesthetics, and the limited functionality of the hitch mounters as an opinion. Eventually, a lot people ski, kayak, or put a box on top, and a roof mounted system will accommodate all.
I prefer bikes that can be pedaled up the mountain as well as down:-). I'll go shave my legs now.
03-02-2009, 03:02 PM
#17
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Re: ahhh, a mountain biker and downhiller, explains the screen name!
Well, I have a little of everything. Used to MTB race a hardtail but I sold the carbon goodies off of that and its become my commuter bike. Ive got a Trek Liquid all mountain with about 150mm front and rear that I use to pedal up and down but I just sold my Session 88 and am thinking about building up something else to take its place. Also have a Felt B2 on the way as I love the TT genre of racing, which is weird as I am a mountain guy. Yeah, we can argue rides all day long. Name comes from the 6 or so MGs Ive owned in my short life span. Down to just two right now but who knows....
03-02-2009, 05:32 PM
#18
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Nice...want another MG? my father in law has a MG TD and MGA he is rebuilding.
TT is a natural fit for Mtn Bikers. Its how I got into the Road Scene. I could bury my head and go all out so I tried TT'ing. Crushed the little roadies, and never looked back. TT'ing is my Fav. by far. Looking to do more Tri's once the knee recoups and will be building a nice speed rig. Not sure what though.
03-03-2009, 06:53 AM
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Agreed that it is more hassle, but that's also what insurance is for.
I'm not familiar with Wilier bikes, but I'll assume that they can be replaced. I regularly have $15K+ of bikes on my roof and loading the inboard mounted bikes is frankly a pain. This is typically with 5-6.5" travel mtn bikes that all weigh under 28 lbs. I won't be running the Tour anytime soon with my bikes (or my body).
Both systems have benefits and drawbacks. On the roof puts them in harms way of bugs and other debris (how about driving through rain and airflow forcing water into your headset and other bearings). You get low branches on streets or access roads, parking garages, etc. On the hitch, you get less direct debris, but lots of spray and dust in the wake of the car. When you're parked head-in, the bikes may be more exposed to cross traffic.
I've used roof racks for 20+ years and had them on all sorts of vehicles. If you've had almost any SUV and you've tried loading bikes on its roof, you'd understand what I'm talking about.
Both systems have benefits and drawbacks. On the roof puts them in harms way of bugs and other debris (how about driving through rain and airflow forcing water into your headset and other bearings). You get low branches on streets or access roads, parking garages, etc. On the hitch, you get less direct debris, but lots of spray and dust in the wake of the car. When you're parked head-in, the bikes may be more exposed to cross traffic.
I've used roof racks for 20+ years and had them on all sorts of vehicles. If you've had almost any SUV and you've tried loading bikes on its roof, you'd understand what I'm talking about.