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Where do you get a good bike rack?

lyonsd

By lyonsd
in The Off-Topic Bar

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ScottS Enthusiast

ScottS

Posted
Posted

Not sure about a rack as per your request, but I used a swing away 4 bike rack from OSI on my Suburban, and now on my Avalanche.  It works great, really well built, and saves lifting the bikes onto the roof, and knocking them off on gas station awnings, low bridges and carports.

 

Here is a website with them...

 

http://www.accessconnect.com/bike.htm

 

It is 4th item down, the Swing Away rack.  Don't know if this helps at all, hope it does.

 

Good Luck

 

Scott

lyonsd Enthusiast

lyonsd

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I'm heading out to the beach tomorrow and was hoping to find a bike rack at Wal-Mart.  I didn't like what they had.

 

Is it safe to use rope and/or bungee cords to attach bikes to the racks on the roof?

The Beav Enthusiast

The Beav

Posted
Posted

The only bike accessory I'd buy at Wally Land is tubes, otherwise stick to a local bike shop or online.  By way of racks, Yakima is king of the aftermarket rack world.  They have quite a variety, depending on your wants and needs.  If you're in a hurry, I know our local Dick's Sporting Goods carries them, or again, check your local bike shop.  If you've got at least a little time, check them out on-line.

siume99 Enthusiast

siume99

Posted
Posted

Wowsers...someone else is looking for a bike rack!  me too!  Here are a few sites to get you started:

www.performancebike.com

www.nashbar.com

www.coloradocyclist.com

www.yakima.com

www.sarisproducts.com

www.thuleracks.com

 

How tall are you?  You need a good reach or a step of some sort to get the bikes up on a roof mount...easily and without scratching your truck.  Another thing to consider with this style are low hanging trees, parking garages, your own garage.  I have a friend that did ~$1000 damage to his garage, garage door, and truck roof when he forgot he had bikes on top.  No damage (maybe a scratch or two) to his bikes though, they came off with the rack.  :D  He now has an "idiot tag" hanging on his mirror to help remind him. :D

 

I have a Tahoe and I've limited myself to a hitch mounted bike rack (swing out style).  That way I can just swing out the bikes and load larger stuff into my Tahoe.  You don't have to go around like you would with the tilt down version.  Only problems I can think of with this style is:

1)  probably more expensive ($159-$350 for hitch, $80-$200 for roof)

2)  might block your vision a little out the back

3)  adds a little length to your vehicle

 

btw Don't just tie your bikes to the roof.  Way too easy to scratch your truck!

siume99 Enthusiast

siume99

Posted
Posted

I forgot to mention, it's best to go to a professional bike store.  The sales people there probably have something on their own vehicle and can offer "user" insight.  Sometimes (with the right dealer) they provide a discount if its a new style/brand or whatever.  Mine did that for me since he hadn't seen one mounted on a minivan 10years ago.  I just reported how it worked...what I liked and disliked with it.

chainsaw4130 Enthusiast

chainsaw4130

Posted
Posted

I used to work at a bike shop and I have always owned SUVs, so I will share my .02. I would go the hitch route because SUVs are tall and has already been stated damage can be done by having bikes on the roof. There are a variety of manufacturers that make quality hitch mounted racks. The main difference between them is how they actually hold the bikes; some use the frame, some hold the wheels, some use the fork. You will just need to find one that meets your needs.

 

If you decide to go with a roof mounted unit I would use either Thule or Yakima, both make great stuff. A roof rack from either of these two companies is usually more expensive than the hitch mounted rack. The main benefit of a roof rack is it can be used for bikes; skis; canoe; kayak; and gear box. Most hitch mounted racks are not multi-purpose.

 

Let me know if I can help you in anyway.

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