[HHaynes]

Hey folks - I've been looking around at bicycle rack options, starting with the OEM setup. There are two things that are keeping me from considering a top rack - for one, I don't like the way it breaks the line of the vehicle, and two, I live in a multi-level garage that *may* not give enough overhead clearance. I have a picture in my mind of the bicycle handlebars crashing into a concrete abutment overhead, and that's not something I'd like to see in real life. Plus there are all of the other places where overhead clearance is an issue - so I'd rather deal with having "a long tail".



So - I'm looking at rear mount bike racks now. The two names that pop into my head (not being an aficionado of bicycling or Crosstouring) are Thule and Yakima. I've done some online research and like much what I've seen so far.

Aside from Thule and Yakima, are there other brands I should be looking at?

One last thing (isn't there always?), I need to be able to fold down the bike rack to something reasonably low-profile when it's not in use. I only plan to have the rack on the car when hauling a bike around, and the rest of the time it's going to be in the top of a closet in my apartment. So extra credit goes to those that recommend a unit that's reasonably foldable.



Thanks in advance.

 

[DanRFl]

Hello HH,
I had the same idea few months back and I ordered a Thule 961XT Speedway, recommended by the Thule website , but I never used, because look fragile the point upper to the back door, upper connection if you look carefully, is part glass and part metal. Consulting with some experts, I was afraid to use and I still have it in my closet...waste of money and it's too risky to use...
If you find any other solution, please let us know.
Happy New Year
Dan

 

[HHaynes]

Thanks I went by the local sporting goods superstore and looked at Yakima, Thule and Hollywood Racks. I kind of get what you mean. In fact, Hollywood Racks has a setup video that shows an advisory slug to not place hooks on glass.

I just went out to the car and saw that the hatch has a sturdy frame along the top, but the top edge of the glass overlaps the frame by a smidgen. Considering that there's a LOT of glass overlapping with the frame (in terms of contact area/support), I wonder how much this matters. The hooks would be making primary contact with the top edge of the glass, but they would certainly catch the frame on the back side as well. It's a conundrum, that's for sure.

 

[HHaynes]

Yakima takes the lead!

"Glass hatch hooks" that come with each unit - will be interesting to see how that works in/around the CT hatch...

 

[HHaynes]

Well - I just put on a Yakima Quickback 2 - if anyone cares to take a look, here's a link to an album I put up on this site. The pictures are somewhat out of order. And it also seems that the image management tools on this site seem to think that everything is coming into the uploader in landscape. So apologies for the lack of linearity and bad orientation in some cases. I'd go back and re-do it, but you guys are a smart bunch and can get the picture.

 

[Limbery]

Just wondering why you didn't go for one of those racks that go into your hitch receiver?

 

[HHaynes]

This seems to be more compact, so I can take it off and mount it in just a few minutes. It comes in a really sturdy box that I can toss it in and put in the top of my coat closet.

Besides, doesn't a hitch-mounted kit require that you buy another attachment for the CT to make the magic happen? Is there a hitch receiver already on the car? I have to admit that I never bothered to look.

 

[Limbery]

Besides, doesn't a hitch-mounted kit require that you buy another attachment for the CT to make the magic happen? Is there a hitch receiver already on the car? I have to admit that I never bothered to look.

I thought I spotted something that looked like a receiver hitch in one of your photos...guess I was mistaken....

 

[edubfromktown]

I'm debating on roof or hitch. Can't use the Quickback type because my dual suspension bike doesn't have "typical" tube design and won't fit properly. I guess a roof rack kills MPG worse and there's always the OOPS as you go blowing into a garage and hear a loud crunch...

Anyone install a hitch and bike rack that they would recommend?

 

[iggibar]

We will never use the "quick mounts" ever again. A thief can just take a couple swipes to the cords and be gone with your bike. Ever since we had the Suburban, we've always used trailer hitch mounts. That way, you can use it for multiple purposes, it can hold hundreds of pounds(depending on additions), and everything can be locked. It ends up being a little more expensive, but it only take one instance of theft for you to always regret it...especially when your bike is worth 1k! I also hate roof mounts! If I ever did want a mount for my CT, it's going to be another hitch mount.

 

[timber_tom]

I'm debating on roof or hitch. Can't use the Quickback type because my dual suspension bike doesn't have "typical" tube design and won't fit properly. I guess a roof rack kills MPG worse and there's always the OOPS as you go blowing into a garage and hear a loud crunch...

Anyone install a hitch and bike rack that they would recommend?

put on the hitch, then get the yakima holdup bike carrier. it works very well with dualies

 

[benton688]

Ive owned lots of different bike racks and IMO saris makes some of the best to go off the back of the vehicle. If you are considering a hitch mount I would go with a yakima or thule.

As to your issues with roof mount racks, no you cannot go into a garage or into a parking deck. Most drive-thru services will fit you just have to pay attention the the clearance signs. You cannot beat the security that comes with a roof mount fork secured bike rack. (cable locks used to secure bikes can easily be cut with cable cutters) When you are securing a $3000+ bike security is one of the top factors.

The factory roof bars are easily removable and come with trim blanking plates when you are not using them. If you would like I can post a pic with and without.

 

[timber_tom]

yakima holdup 2 works really well in the hitch. have been using one on our pilot for the last 2 years. haven't used it on the crosstour yet cuz its still snowing here in n.ont

 

[ef4045]

HHAYNES....Do you recommend the Yakima trunk mount rack? I am lookng fr one too and am leery to latch anything to the glas....do those latches I see in your photos prevent damage to the glass?

 

[HHaynes]

latches never touch glass - you're either looking at the wrong photos or you're misinterpreting what you see

 

[edubfromktown]

yakima holdup 2 works really well in the hitch. have been using one on our pilot for the last 2 years. haven't used it on the crosstour yet cuz its still snowing here in n.ont

Thanks for the info... looks like just the ticket for me. I'm a bit concerned about security but I guess that's true with any rack.

For now I typically transport 2 bikes inside my CT which works great unless there are 4 passengers (like this weekend's Cranky Monkey 9 hour MTB race up in Flintstone, MD). I'll be driving my 11-year old Mitsu with a trunk rack :/

 

[tpatrick90210]

Re: Bike Rack for Crosstour

I just purchased a 1 1/4" hitch from ziebart instsalled for $275. Then bought a swagman xtc2 hitch mount for $200. This hitch holds 2 bikes folds up nicely behind the vehicle. It is very lightweight to store as well. See www.swagman.com The locking mechanisms are also fantastic. Two mini padlocks install on the sliding center pole. No cables needed. Also has a locking pin to fit for receiver to rack. Purchased to padlocks and locking hitch pin from etrailer.com