StumpJumper

Only an idiot forgets their bike is on the roof

The only part I agree with you is on the mileage, though I don't think its worth drilling the frame

Stereodude

I know several people who I wouldn't classify as idiots who have done it.

FWIW, the possible Curt and Draw-Tite S4 solutions don't require drilling.

bbbuzzy

"a towbar hitch mounted bike rack is just a much better solution"


except when you are parked with the bikes in a parking lot and someone pulls in too tight and bashes your bikes.

Stereodude

You back into parking spots or park in pull through spots where that could happen? FWIW, I haven't had that problem yet.

StumpJumper

that's actually the same argument I'm using - I've never driven my bikes into an overhang nor have my friends

however in my case it's up to me to break my bikes, I won't come out to some doofus who wasn't paying attention crushing them between mine & their car

Stereodude

FWIW, I suspect your insurance company will be more cooperative replacing your bike when it's damaged by someone else's actions than your own.

StumpJumper

you're assuming the person who crushed them lets you know

really though, both are reasonable options - for me there's no way I'd put a hitch on a car like this, for you you don't want to put cars on the roof - both ways work but I will never be convinced that the hitch is a better option on a small car

Stardog

I put a Westphalia hitch on my wife's VW Sportwagen. Love it, no drilling, and OEM quality. I had a 2" receiver fabricated onto the Euro swan neck ball hitch. I can pull up to 4 bikes. See www.eurohitches.com. It is an expensive solution but works extremely well. The eurohitches website includes S4 fitments.