replace cross bars or get a roof basket?

[jacal]

Looking for feedback:

I specifically 'want' a rooftop fork-mount bike rack. (Although I may eventually consider a different style of rooftop mounting) Nothing fits the stock cross bars, so either I go with aftermarket cross bars (thule/yak) or a roof-basket which has the cross bars built in.

I have read that mounting bikes (upright style mounts) direct to the factory xbars had some issues including: bikes would 'bounce' up and down a bit, and there were some 'leaning' issues. Can anyone substantiate those claims for me?

Would mounting a basket also "bounce" its cargo or would it be okay due to 4 mounting points?

The aftermarket bars are about $200. They should be stronger, and compatible with all other accessories from that company. However, the baskets start around $465, and 'include' the xbars, so in my mind it is only +$265 to get the basket. The basket might cost 1-2 mpgs, whereas I doubt replacement crossbars would.

Opinions/thoughts?


J

 

[sketch1]

I would assume that the basket would bounce a little bolted to factory crossbars simply because the crossbars they use have some sping to them and that is just how they are. Yakima Crossbars are stronger, however the 150lb weight limit still applies.

I didn't notice a drop in gas mileage with my rack and bike trays. But you definatly would with a basket, and the basket makes a lot of wind noise. The crossbars and bike trays make a little wind noise but nothing like the cargo basket.

I am in no way trying to persuade you one way or the other, as both are very functional and look cool, just trying to give all the info I know. And I don't know what basket you were interested in but I know of a Mega Warrior, only mounted on the car, never acatually loaded that I think I could get my boss to sell for a pretty good deal. Let me know if you are interested

 

[jacal]

some sping to them and that is just how they are. Yakima Crossbars are stronger, however the 150lb weight limit still

Can I assume you have the stock roof rails (lengthwise) and then you added the yak crossbars?



lot of wind noise. The crossbars and bike trays make a little wind noise but nothing like the cargo basket.

Noise - excellent point against the basket.

If I don't want to keep the 'basket' on all the time, I'd have an extra step just to load bikes. i.e. mount basket, then mount bike tray to basket (unless I left the bike tray on the basket at all times). If I had aftermarket crossbars I could just mount the bike tray whenever I wanted (fairly quick procedure correct?). If I later get a basket as well then I could just mount that directly as/when required.

There is also less initial cost to get the xbars+bike tray. I would get the basket brand new for yaks recent "lifetime" warranty, but thanks for the offer on that used one.


J

 

[mtnracer]

I have the megawarrior basket from Yakima plus 2 Boa Bike mounts which don't use long wheel trays.

This allows me to load the basket and mount the bikes over the cargo.

I installed the basket to the factory crossbars and it is rock-solid. The Boas are mounted to the basket crossbars.

Yakima baskets can be equipped with light mounting brackets, shovel bracket, hi-lift jack bracket, spare tire mount and cargo net.

The wind noise with the basket is not much higher than without unless you open the sunroof above 40mph. With the sunroof closed I don't really notice it unless I have strong cross winds.

Installing and removing the basket as you need it is not an option unless you like spending 30-40 minutes aligning brackets and bolts. Just get the locking brackets to secure the basket and be done with it.

 

[sketch1]

Can I assume you have the stock roof rails (lengthwise) and then you added the yak crossbars?

Yes If you have the factory rack your only option to add Yakima crossbars is to use lowriders which you mount to your existing rack, but the roundbars from Yakima are much more sturdy than the factory bars.

If I don't want to keep the 'basket' on all the time, I'd have an extra step just to load bikes. i.e. mount basket, then mount bike tray to basket (unless I left the bike tray on the basket at all times). If I had aftermarket crossbars I could just mount the bike tray whenever I wanted (fairly quick procedure correct?). If I later get a basket as well then I could just mount that directly as/when required.

The procedure to mount the trays is fairly simple but it still takes about 10-15 minutes and leaving the trays on all the time doesn't do anything negative in terms of mileage or noise. And at the same time if you leave them on all the time you can always through a bike up top. I can't tell you how many times I have picked up a friend in the rain or with a flat and it was nice to have the racks up top.

The Basket however (like mtn racer said) takes about 30 minutes or so to put on as you have to manually screw in 8 bolts and get it all aligned etc. If you don't think you need a basket I wouldn't get one.

There is also less initial cost to get the xbars+bike tray. I would get the basket brand new for yaks recent "lifetime" warranty, but thanks for the offer on that used one.

I am a Yakima dealer and the basket is "new" it was on display for the shop and has never been registered so the warranty would still apply, just so you know.