Bicycle carry

[Connoisseur_of_fine_cars]

What's the best way to carry a mountain bike on a LB?

(1) Roof
(2) hitch-style rack
(3) trunk-strap style, like Saris Bones

[Kaykogi]

True, I don't drive a LB, and this setup hasn't had the best track record (http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35696), once I got all the bugs worked out, this is hands down the best way to transport bikes on a car.

[A-Dingo-Ate-My-Baby]

nope

hitch racks are the only way to go



inside the vehicle is the very best, but a hassle with tear downs (especially muddy)

all racks will scratch the finish over time except a hitch rack.

[WeeYari]

I have a hitch rack, so naturally that is where my vote goes.
- Keeps bike tucked in behind the car for less wind resistance.
- No worries about forgetting it's on the roof when pulling into a garage (it has been done on here).
- Doesn't scratch the finish like strap on types are prone to do.

[nemelek]

I was able to get my bike in the car. Took some work. If I was to carry a bike a lot, I would get a hitch.

[Kaykogi]

I think we can all at least agree that the trunk strap rack, while the cheapest option, is ... well, the cheapest option. If you go that way be prepared to lose something. Also, for me, the roof rack is awsome because I can pull off the bike attachments and throw on a gear box or the snowboard attachments in the winter months.So for multisport versatility (that's a thing, right?), it's great.

[A-Dingo-Ate-My-Baby]

Originally Posted by Kaykogi

I think we can all at least agree that the trunk strap rack, while the cheapest option, is ... well, the cheapest option. If you go that way be prepared to lose something. Also, for me, the roof rack is awsome because I can pull off the bike attachments and throw on a gear box or the snowboard attachments in the winter months.So for multisport versatility (that's a thing, right?), it's great.

you have a point

also, bike stay cleaner on rainy days up on roof

each system has pros and cons.

[Connoisseur_of_fine_cars]

Yeah. I have been driving out to the trails almost every weekend. So, I expect to use the bike rack very often. And the drive is usually at least 30 minutes to an hour on interstate; so we're talking about 70 MPH speed.

The roof rack is indeed versatile, but I'm not sure if I like clamps. They probably scratch the paint off. And I just don't trust clamping anything to hold for high speed. At 70 MPH, the wind probably creates a lot of load on the bike and rack. Is there a roof rack that bolts to the roof?

I could take the front wheel off and throw the bike in the trunk. But the bike gets so dirty and greasy after a ride. I hate to ruin the immaculate interior of my brand new car.

[Kaykogi]

Yakima and Thule both make racks that bolt on to the roof. The ones I'm thinking of use a track system, so you can take the towers off, but the tracks are permanent.

One pro for a hitch rack is not having to take the front tire off the bike. Usually a bike tray on the roof grabs the front forks. I bought bike attachments that let me leave the front tire on, but they were quite a bit more expensive.

[mo_feezy]

Trunk strap racks are the best if you take the rack on and off alot, at the cost of scratching the paint (which on the yaris doesn't take much. I've had LEAVES scratch my cars paint). Overall I would prefer the hitch style, but I haven't had the money to add a hitch to my car.

[Yaribusa]

The hitch rack gets my vote. Here's what I have...

Thule 990XT-Doubletrack

Draw-tite 24819


I've had it installed continuously for about 25,000 miles with no issues at all.

One major benefit of the hitch rack is that your bike is tucked in behind the car, protected from debris and gravel strikes. I'm sure you know that's a HUGE deal if you ride a carbon fiber frame. It's too dark for pics now, but I can get some tomorrow if you want.

[Stove]

I bought a roof rack for the versatility. Bike, cargo pod, skis/snow board, kayak, etc. Maybe even a combination of a couple of things at the same time. Most of the hitch mounts I've seen block easy access to the hatch. Besides, I might want to pull a trailer, even with the controversy that seems to bring

[Connoisseur_of_fine_cars]

I wouldn't trust the Thule rack. My buddy has one. His bike tire started losing air after it was placed on the rack. The hook on the Thule is set based on the tire. So my buddy's bike slipped out of the rack and was half dangling on the highway. Luckily we pulled over in time.

What is the difference between the Draw-Tite hitch and the Curt 11060? Which is better?

[A-Dingo-Ate-My-Baby]

Originally Posted by Connoisseur_of_fine_cars

I wouldn't trust the Thule rack. My buddy has one. His bike tire started losing air after it was placed on the rack. The hook on the Thule is set based on the tire. So my buddy's bike slipped out of the rack and was half dangling on the highway. Luckily we pulled over in time.

What is the difference between the Draw-Tite hitch and the Curt 11060? Which is better?

curt is easier to install and uses the tie-down/tow holes. more logical install

[Yaribusa]

Originally Posted by Connoisseur_of_fine_cars

I wouldn't trust the Thule rack. My buddy has one. His bike tire started losing air after it was placed on the rack. The hook on the Thule is set based on the tire. So my buddy's bike slipped out of the rack and was half dangling on the highway. Luckily we pulled over in time.

What is the difference between the Draw-Tite hitch and the Curt 11060? Which is better?

Which Thule rack are you talking about? The 990XT Doubletrack is extremely secure and the hook goes over the top tube of the frame. I've done many miles at 75-80 MPH and never had a single issue with this setup.

Here's a few pretty terrible pics of a filthy Yaris, but you can get the idea...

[Connoisseur_of_fine_cars]

Originally Posted by Yaribusa

Which Thule rack are you talking about? The 990XT Doubletrack is extremely secure and the hook goes over the top tube of the frame. I've done many miles at 75-80 MPH and never had a single issue with this setup.

Yep, that's the same one he is using. He used it for 2 years without any problem. Then one day, we on driving on the interstate, and his bike slipped out of the hook thingy. His bike lost tire pressure; so it sank lower, allowing itself to slip off the hook thingy. Just becareful. You're OK as long as you don't lose air. Or tie and hook to your bike, just in case.

[Yaribusa]

Originally Posted by Connoisseur_of_fine_cars

Yep, that's the same one he is using. He used it for 2 years without any problem. Then one day, we on driving on the interstate, and his bike slipped out of the hook thingy. His bike lost tire pressure; so it sank lower, allowing itself to slip off the hook thingy. Just becareful. You're OK as long as you don't lose air. Or tie and hook to your bike, just in case.

Ohhhhh... I thought you meant the rack cause a flat tire. I had not considered this situation. Thanks for the heads up.

[DevilGirl]

I bought my Hidden Hitch from eztrailer.com. Install time was approximately 30 minutes, and I did not have to remove the bumper (ratcheting wrenches as opposed to just sockets helps a lot in the small space).

I have a Thule Roadway 4-bike hitch rack. We only carry 2 bikes right now (his and mine, both Giant mountain bkes, mine a 26", his a 29"), but having the extra spots on the rack helps with aligning them nicely so there is no damage to either bike.
When the bikes are unloaded, the rack can tilt down for easy access to the hatch. (That's also our local bike shop, family run, been around 40 years, best service I've received for anything bike related... If they don't have something you want/need, they find it for you and get it in).

I'll see about getting some pictures taken when they're loaded up this weekend for our ride.

I find this setup to be the easiest for us. Bikes are easy to load and unload without having to lift it over your head (there's no way after a 20-mile ride that I could lift my bike up high enough to put it on the roof). I have the hitch on mine, and we're adding one to his car too (09 Jetta Sportwagon TDI), so it'll be an easy swap between the cars.