Roof rack reco
#1
Keepin it Wheel
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: San Diego
Posts: 10,270
Bikes: Surly CrossCheck, Krampus
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26 Post(s)
Liked 3,469 Times
in
2,571 Posts
Roof rack reco
Just got a used Corolla hatchback with factory racks, like this:
I want to get a pair of roof racks for my Krampus (large, rigid, 29x3 tires), and my wife's MTB (niner air with 29x2.something, probably any bike rack would work).
The racks on the car are pretty aero, maybe 3-4 inches long and 1 inch tall.
Any recommendations on big-name (Thule/Yakima) roof racks that will work or not work with a Krampus?
Any cheap-brand racks that are sturdy and reliable and convenient?
I want to get a pair of roof racks for my Krampus (large, rigid, 29x3 tires), and my wife's MTB (niner air with 29x2.something, probably any bike rack would work).
The racks on the car are pretty aero, maybe 3-4 inches long and 1 inch tall.
Any recommendations on big-name (Thule/Yakima) roof racks that will work or not work with a Krampus?
Any cheap-brand racks that are sturdy and reliable and convenient?
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 18,141
Bikes: Stewart S&S coupled sport tourer, Stewart Sunday light, Stewart Commuting, Stewart Touring, Co Motion Tandem, Stewart 3-Spd, Stewart Track, Fuji Finest, Mongoose Tomac ATB, GT Bravado ATB, JCP Folder, Stewart 650B ATB
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4231 Post(s)
Liked 3,940 Times
in
2,347 Posts
The old way to figure this out would be to go to a retailer who stocks roof racks and try to match up your car's rack rails/bars with a known brand's. That way you could use that brand's bike mounts or even just the cross bar/rail clamps and then make your own bike mount with a fork clamp.
My quick search for Thule shows a few options for roof racks for your potential car (unsure of even the year) and possible bike mount (listing a 29x3 tire capacity). Good luck. Andy
My quick search for Thule shows a few options for roof racks for your potential car (unsure of even the year) and possible bike mount (listing a 29x3 tire capacity). Good luck. Andy
__________________
AndrewRStewart
AndrewRStewart
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: New Rochelle, NY
Posts: 38,952
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
Mentioned: 141 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5908 Post(s)
Liked 2,777 Times
in
1,549 Posts
While roof racks are fine and very convenient, keep in mind that bicycle windage is murder on your fuel consumption. So if you're planning a long trip, you might do better with the bikes inside, or on a rear rack of some kind.
Also, learn to note and read overhead clearance signs. Can't count the number of people I know that wrecked their bikes on the roof, usually when using indoor public parking, but also driving into their own garages.
Also, learn to note and read overhead clearance signs. Can't count the number of people I know that wrecked their bikes on the roof, usually when using indoor public parking, but also driving into their own garages.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
Likes For FBinNY:
#4
Keepin it Wheel
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: San Diego
Posts: 10,270
Bikes: Surly CrossCheck, Krampus
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26 Post(s)
Liked 3,469 Times
in
2,571 Posts
I did that once (there might even be a post on BF with pics)
I've long wondered, why do all bicycle roof racks have bikes standing straight up, as tall as possible?
It would be great if there were a system where the bike wheels could be strapped into a tray, and then leaned over sideways, and another tray would have a rigid bar that holds the frame by a tube
Prior art: if I 'invented' that and were to market it, it be called The Pythagoras (TM) bike rack
I've long wondered, why do all bicycle roof racks have bikes standing straight up, as tall as possible?
It would be great if there were a system where the bike wheels could be strapped into a tray, and then leaned over sideways, and another tray would have a rigid bar that holds the frame by a tube
Prior art: if I 'invented' that and were to market it, it be called The Pythagoras (TM) bike rack
#5
Really Old Senior Member
If you get too many side G's, does the rack detach or the car tip over?
#6
Keepin it Wheel
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: San Diego
Posts: 10,270
Bikes: Surly CrossCheck, Krampus
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26 Post(s)
Liked 3,469 Times
in
2,571 Posts
?? I sure hope not. How many side G's can a non F1 driver generate?
#7
Really Old Senior Member
#8
Keepin it Wheel
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: San Diego
Posts: 10,270
Bikes: Surly CrossCheck, Krampus
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26 Post(s)
Liked 3,469 Times
in
2,571 Posts
I have not watched police chase videos, and I have hard time believe even a compact car could be rolled on a turn because of an extra 70lb on the roof
Likes For RubeRad:
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 18,141
Bikes: Stewart S&S coupled sport tourer, Stewart Sunday light, Stewart Commuting, Stewart Touring, Co Motion Tandem, Stewart 3-Spd, Stewart Track, Fuji Finest, Mongoose Tomac ATB, GT Bravado ATB, JCP Folder, Stewart 650B ATB
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4231 Post(s)
Liked 3,940 Times
in
2,347 Posts
I prefer roof racks for a few reasons but that wasn't the OP's question.
I have a few gas mileage references. A VW Rabbit would get near 31mpg bare topped and almost 26ish with a load of two bikes given the same route and general driving style. My mid 90's Saab got about the same no roof rack mileage but only 3 or 4 mpg less with two bikes on top. My current GTI gets about 34ish during the winter (no rack but 4 snows) on highways and 28+ in the riding season with summer rubber on and bikes on top.
All the arguments, pro and con, are value, easy of use and risk management ones and we all will see differently on them. Andy
I have a few gas mileage references. A VW Rabbit would get near 31mpg bare topped and almost 26ish with a load of two bikes given the same route and general driving style. My mid 90's Saab got about the same no roof rack mileage but only 3 or 4 mpg less with two bikes on top. My current GTI gets about 34ish during the winter (no rack but 4 snows) on highways and 28+ in the riding season with summer rubber on and bikes on top.
All the arguments, pro and con, are value, easy of use and risk management ones and we all will see differently on them. Andy
__________________
AndrewRStewart
AndrewRStewart
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: South shore, L.I., NY
Posts: 6,974
Bikes: Flyxii FR322, Cannondale Topstone, Miyata City Liner, Specialized Chisel, Specialized Epic Evo
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3308 Post(s)
Liked 2,146 Times
in
1,213 Posts
I use a Yakima Front loader. It’s designed to carry the entire bike with the front wheel on. The clamp attaches to the front wheels, the rear wheel has a strap, it’s very secure. I don’t pay attention to gas mileage as I’m usually also carrying a kayak. I have the old Thule system where the front axle quick release clamps, but most of my bikes are now thru axle and no longer use that design.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: New Rochelle, NY
Posts: 38,952
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
Mentioned: 141 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5908 Post(s)
Liked 2,777 Times
in
1,549 Posts
It doesn't matter. The weight involved is too low to fret over.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
Likes For FBinNY:
#12
Senior Member
I did that once (there might even be a post on BF with pics)
I've long wondered, why do all bicycle roof racks have bikes standing straight up, as tall as possible?
It would be great if there were a system where the bike wheels could be strapped into a tray, and then leaned over sideways, and another tray would have a rigid bar that holds the frame by a tube
Prior art: if I 'invented' that and were to market it, it be called The Pythagoras (TM) bike rack
I've long wondered, why do all bicycle roof racks have bikes standing straight up, as tall as possible?
It would be great if there were a system where the bike wheels could be strapped into a tray, and then leaned over sideways, and another tray would have a rigid bar that holds the frame by a tube
Prior art: if I 'invented' that and were to market it, it be called The Pythagoras (TM) bike rack
#13
Full Member
Join Date: Mar 2024
Location: San Diego
Posts: 395
Bikes: Columbine, Paramount Track Bike, Colnago Super, Santana Tandems (1995 & 2007), Gary Fisher Piranha, Trek Wahoo, Bianchi Track Bike, a couple of Honda mountain bikes
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 192 Post(s)
Liked 111 Times
in
78 Posts
https://www.etrailer.com
They have about every rack ever made, including some vintage ones. They are also pretty helpful.
They have about every rack ever made, including some vintage ones. They are also pretty helpful.
__________________
Cheers, Mike
Cheers, Mike
#14
Keepin it Wheel
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: San Diego
Posts: 10,270
Bikes: Surly CrossCheck, Krampus
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26 Post(s)
Liked 3,469 Times
in
2,571 Posts
I prefer roof racks for a few reasons but that wasn't the OP's question.
I have a few gas mileage references. A VW Rabbit would get near 31mpg bare topped and almost 26ish with a load of two bikes given the same route and general driving style. My mid 90's Saab got about the same no roof rack mileage but only 3 or 4 mpg less with two bikes on top. My current GTI gets about 34ish during the winter (no rack but 4 snows) on highways and 28+ in the riding season with summer rubber on and bikes on top.
All the arguments, pro and con, are value, easy of use and risk management ones and we all will see differently on them. Andy
I have a few gas mileage references. A VW Rabbit would get near 31mpg bare topped and almost 26ish with a load of two bikes given the same route and general driving style. My mid 90's Saab got about the same no roof rack mileage but only 3 or 4 mpg less with two bikes on top. My current GTI gets about 34ish during the winter (no rack but 4 snows) on highways and 28+ in the riding season with summer rubber on and bikes on top.
All the arguments, pro and con, are value, easy of use and risk management ones and we all will see differently on them. Andy
#15
Keepin it Wheel
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: San Diego
Posts: 10,270
Bikes: Surly CrossCheck, Krampus
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26 Post(s)
Liked 3,469 Times
in
2,571 Posts
I use a Yakima Front loader. It’s designed to carry the entire bike with the front wheel on. The clamp attaches to the front wheels, the rear wheel has a strap, it’s very secure. I don’t pay attention to gas mileage as I’m usually also carrying a kayak. I have the old Thule system where the front axle quick release clamps, but most of my bikes are now thru axle and no longer use that design.
#16
Keepin it Wheel
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: San Diego
Posts: 10,270
Bikes: Surly CrossCheck, Krampus
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26 Post(s)
Liked 3,469 Times
in
2,571 Posts
https://www.etrailer.com
They have about every rack ever made, including some vintage ones. They are also pretty helpful.
They have about every rack ever made, including some vintage ones. They are also pretty helpful.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: South shore, L.I., NY
Posts: 6,974
Bikes: Flyxii FR322, Cannondale Topstone, Miyata City Liner, Specialized Chisel, Specialized Epic Evo
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3308 Post(s)
Liked 2,146 Times
in
1,213 Posts
I also want a solution that keeps the wheels on. The yakima page says "Fits 20” to 27.5” wheels with tire widths up to 3” and 29" wheels with tires widths up to 2.7"" -- are they just being conservative, or would my 29x3 Krampus really not work?
#18
Keepin it Wheel
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: San Diego
Posts: 10,270
Bikes: Surly CrossCheck, Krampus
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26 Post(s)
Liked 3,469 Times
in
2,571 Posts
Or maybe if I write a post on BikeForums, somebody with experience with plus-bikes and roofracks will turn up and chime in with information.
I should try that
I should try that
Likes For RubeRad:
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Mich
Posts: 7,524
Bikes: RSO E-tire dropper fixie brifter
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Liked 3,089 Times
in
1,972 Posts
Idk what the fat tire bikes or E bikes use [if they even use roof racks] , but I'd try finding those brands & read up on those reviews.
__________________
-Oh Hey!
-Oh Hey!
#21
Full Member
Likes For 13ollocks:
#22
Keepin it Wheel
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: San Diego
Posts: 10,270
Bikes: Surly CrossCheck, Krampus
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26 Post(s)
Liked 3,469 Times
in
2,571 Posts
OK, if I perceive that, that perception will cause me to corner more conservatively. I am an Old Man (TM), not a testosterone-filled nascar wannabe young buck
Likes For RubeRad:
#23
Keepin it Wheel
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: San Diego
Posts: 10,270
Bikes: Surly CrossCheck, Krampus
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26 Post(s)
Liked 3,469 Times
in
2,571 Posts
The Piston SR looks really great (and says up to 5" tires), but $500 is really spendy!
Last edited by RubeRad; 05-04-24 at 01:10 PM.
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: South shore, L.I., NY
Posts: 6,974
Bikes: Flyxii FR322, Cannondale Topstone, Miyata City Liner, Specialized Chisel, Specialized Epic Evo
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3308 Post(s)
Liked 2,146 Times
in
1,213 Posts
Well, get used to spending. Yak and Thule gear is pricy, but well designed. So is 1UPUSA and Kuat.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Pioneer Valley
Posts: 1,230
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 403 Post(s)
Liked 937 Times
in
482 Posts
Have you considered a hitch rack? That car looks pretty low to the ground, but there are hitch risers to give the rack a bit more clearance, and tray style hitch racks are more convenient to use than roof racks in my opinion.