7 replies to this topic

[Vito]

I just got a new car with the optional roof rack.  I've never had a roof rack based bike carrier and was curious as to the advantages and disadvantages of the fork mount versus upright models.  Also, are there any features that I should look for when choosing one.

Thanks,

Vito

[Jetmugg]

What kind of car?

[Vito]

Jetmugg, on 10 May 2012 - 05:45 PM, said:

What kind of car?

VW GTI

[thefutureofamerica]

I think either one will work... depending on how tall you and other users are, the upright mounts sorta require you to be able to reach above the front wheel, while the fork mounts only require you to reach the car's roofline. Maybe not an issue on a GTI, though. Also, if you get fork mount, you have to put the front wheel(s) somewhere. You can get front wheel carriers for the rack or just put them in the car. What kind of bikes do you transport?

[Jetmugg]

I was thinking of the height issue. A GTI is probably borderline for the wheel-on mount. I have a Mercedes 190, and really like the fork mount. I have the roof-mount wheel carriers, too, but basically never use them.

[Vito]

thefutureofamerica, on 11 May 2012 - 12:40 PM, said:

I think either one will work... depending on how tall you ..... What kind of bikes do you transport?

Thanks for that info.  It's fork mount for me.  I might even have to opt for model with optional step stool.

I'll be mostly transporting my road bike, but in the future, I may be carrying my mountain bike and my son's bike.

[Big Jim Mac]

I have used both and find the fork mount is a lot more stable for interstate driving. I had my Yakima upright  mount break on a trip to Wyoming after driving through a windy pass. After that, I used the fork mount for long trips and only used the upright for closer trips. I like the upright a lot though because I can hit the trail a lot faster and I don't have to put a muddy wheel in the car. I don't think the wheel mounts for roof racks are all that great, a friend of mine lost his wheel from one of them and I've never trusted them since.

[ssalmons]

I had a pair of these on my Legacy and loved it  http://www.amazon.co...t/dp/B000SL1AEG

I had to modify them a little to make the bikes more stable, but once I did they were rock solid.

Edit:  I sold my Legacy and kept the racks, if you (or anyone else) is interested I would sell the pair for $50, includes locks and keys.

Edited by ssalmons, 13 May 2012 - 05:44 AM.