Bikes on factory cross bars

[4runnah005]

Just wanted to see what everyone is doing using bike trays on factory cross bars.

I am thinking about getting the yakima bars and clips to go on the factory load rails.

The bikes seem like they lean out a little to far. I can't push them closer together as the handle bars would hit. Does any one mount one bike backwards so that the handle bars are in rear? Or should I just go with the yakima cross bars? Thanks!!!

 

[4runnah005]

....

 

[4runnah005]

.....

 

[DocMT]

Why not just get a hitch rack instead? That's what I have and it's so much easier to use. Plus, you won't rip the bikes off the roof when you drive under something and forget that they are up there.

 

[4runnah005]

good suggestions. i live right outside of boston so i guess i was worried about someone hitting my bikes when they are on the back. but they could get damaged on the roof too but at least I'm in control of that.

 

[CrimsonCountry]

I would def look into mounting one backwards if I were to mount them on top. However, I 2nd the hitch rack. Personally, I would be nervous about forgetting the bikes were on top and going under something low...damaging not only the bikes but also the 4runner. Which would seem to be more likely in an urban setting. Of course lots of people have them mounted on top with no trouble...its all preference.

I love my hitch rack. I have a Hollywood HR8000. Its awesome...it holds 4 bikes, tilts down for rear access, and has solid mounting points for the bikes. I've read that Hollywood really stands behind their product. Plus its only $135 shipped....amazing deal IMO when compared to the other guys. If you go this route, also look into getting a locking threaded hitch pin.

It is worth noting that I have an entry level bike, Specialized Hardrock Sport, and dont mind the hanging style. I would look into the tray type hitch racks if I had a really nice bike. I realize this doesn't exactly answer your question but just an idea.

 

[4runnah005]

i currently use the yakima forklift mounted on the factory cross bars. same set up that is in the picture

 

[Uneek]

Why not just get a hitch rack instead? That's what I have and it's so much easier to use. Plus, you won't rip the bikes off the roof when you drive under something and forget that they are up there.

:iagree: Yakima Holdup 2 here.

 

[4runnah005]

I will consider the hitch rack. However I would prefer to find a better solution for the roof bike trays. When I originally got the roof bike racks I knew that I would sacrifice some convenience. I knew how much easier it would be to just put the bike on a hitch mount.

I however decided that I would rather deal with the increased incovience of roof bike racks for the added security of having the bikes on the roof. I live right outside of Boston and although I know i can lock my bikes to a hitch rack I still think it would be a lot easier for someone to just walk up to my car to cut my locks and run off with my bikes. (Both my bikes are worth over $2,500 each) Where as with the roof rack they have to climb up on my car to cut or drill the locks. Also having bikes on the roof protects them better from debris from the road hitting the bikes as oppose to the hitch mount.

So I guess I am really just looking for options to better accommodate my current roof bike racks. Either your experience with after market cross bars or with mounting one rack backwards. Thanks and advance for the advice.

 

[2003Can4runner]

How could you possibly forget about having bikes on your roof???

I have two Thule Sidearms on my factory rack. They are amazing. Super quick to load and unload and very sturdy. The lifetime warranty/customer support is amazing as well. I had a friend throw his bike up and put too much pressure on the ratchet system, and they sent me a new one out on a monday and I received it the Wednesday no questions asked. I didn't even have to send the old one back.

Myself, I tow a camper or a boat when I go to the lake so taking up the hitch isn't an option. I highly recommend the Sidearms for your roof.

 

[rmstucky]

If you really want them on the roof, pull the factory bars, grab some Yakima Railgrab's and 58" crossbars. You can mount up to 5 bikes on there.
Yakima › Shop › Rack Systems › Factory Tracks or Rails › RailGrab

I personally like the stability of the fork mounts as well.. like the Yakima Viper.
Yakima › Shop › Bike › Top › Viper

I have 2 vipers and 2 steelheads on my roof right now.. but could use a hitch rack for Cyclocross season.. putting muddy bikes on the roof is a PITA, specially with the 3" lift !! :toilet:

 

[zimm]

This thing is the bomb. No more hoisting bikes on the roof. Clearance for garages, etc.

 

[ridefast]

x2 i had one of those!