hey guys, i got my 4runner a couple months ago and I need to get a basic bike rack or roof rack (i dont know the difference). The only problem is i literally have no clue what or where to start looking at. I just need to hook up my bike to the roof of my car and get from point A to point B (basic I know). but i was hoping some people here could tell me about some basic and affordable but reliable bike racks? thanks
roof/bike rack for 1999 4runner? im a beginner
- Thread starter billsauce
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are you talking about one that attaches to the back of my car?
If your car doesn't have a hitch, you can use this.
Amazon.com: Rhode Gear Super Shuttle 2 Bike Rack: Sports & Outdoors
I have this one and it works fairly well. Don't remember it being that expensive though.
Amazon.com: Rhode Gear Super Shuttle 2 Bike Rack: Sports & Outdoors
I have this one and it works fairly well. Don't remember it being that expensive though.
jc1kz
New member
Yeah get the kind that attaches to the tow-hitch...you do have a tow-hitch on the runner right? You'll have to be kinda real tall or use a step ladder to put the bike on the roof of the runner....check these out
toe hitch bike rack | eBay
Ol'Blue
New member
And if you do not have a hitch I'll be happy to send you the extra one that I had sold that fell through. It is just sitting in my garage right now.
Hint Hint.. :hiding:
SkidPalace
Member
I have the 4 bike version of this hitch mount rack.
I can vouch for the sturdiness of this unit. This Hollywood destroys anything from Yakima or Thule for the money.
Aluminum lightweight but beefy construction, tilt away and folding arm design, includes hitch mount lock and 8 foot cable lock with matching keys.
You could wait for the next 20% off sale (seems like every other week) or a free shipping offer (equally as often).
Hollywood Road Runner HR300 Bike Car Rack - Hitch Mount
I can vouch for the sturdiness of this unit. This Hollywood destroys anything from Yakima or Thule for the money.
Aluminum lightweight but beefy construction, tilt away and folding arm design, includes hitch mount lock and 8 foot cable lock with matching keys.
You could wait for the next 20% off sale (seems like every other week) or a free shipping offer (equally as often).
Hollywood Road Runner HR300 Bike Car Rack - Hitch Mount
GhostRing
Member
No. There are mounts that can attach to the vehicle without OEM racks (i.e. Yakima Q Towers) They can be rather spendy and you still need to hump the bike up there.
Receiver hitch is way more versatile for the money.
Check out the various rack manufacture websites for specific info.
Receiver hitch is way more versatile for the money.
Check out the various rack manufacture websites for specific info.
A.Wilson013
New member
In a word, yes.
You can buy aftermarket rails (will mount to the roof), risers (mount to the rails), and cross bars (connect the risers) however, you'll be into the rack for about $400 without even being able to mount the bike. From there you'll have to buy the bike rack(s) for as many bikes as you want to mount for ~$100 each.
My advice, depending on how tall you are, would be to get the hitch rack. I have one and it works really well. I personally have the Yakima Double Down, it works well due to the ability to lower it, with bikes attached, and open the rear hatch. My wife, 5' 9", about 130lbs, can load/unload the bikes with ease with this setup.
If you're taller, with some strong shoulders, you can purchase a factory roof rack from a junk yard for less than $100 typically. This will get you the rails, risers, and crossbars. From there you'll need the bike rack(s) for the number of bikes you have again, ~$100 each. My wife CAN NOT load/unload the bikes with this setup. I am 6', about 185lbs, not trying to brag about how freaking strong am I (yeah right =p) but can shoulder press about 225lbs. I can load/unload the bikes with this setup however, it's not the easiest thing. If I am taking more than just my bike, I will not mount them on the roof, unless I am hauling 4+ bikes, or going on a long trip.
For reference, I am talking about a Cannondale F7 MTB (wifes) and a Cannondale Trail SL1 MTB (mine). These are not light bikes. If you're riding a fully carbon road bike or something, shoot, throw it anywhere you please.
While this is true, for a more seamless integration the Q towers are less than ideals.
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I have roof racks on three of my cars. On the 4Runner, I went with a receiver style Kuat brand rack. I've got Thule roof racks and like the Kuat better for receiver. I'm over 6' tall and still would need a ladder to put a bike on a roof rack.
With a roof rack you have to worry about peeling off the bikes in low clearance drive thrus, especially with a taller SUV. It's easy to forget the bikes are up there. Otoh, it's not too difficult to crunch the bikes when backing up if they are hanging off the back of the truck and you're watching the front bumper as you turn the wheel. Take your pick.
With a roof rack you have to worry about peeling off the bikes in low clearance drive thrus, especially with a taller SUV. It's easy to forget the bikes are up there. Otoh, it's not too difficult to crunch the bikes when backing up if they are hanging off the back of the truck and you're watching the front bumper as you turn the wheel. Take your pick.
KidVermicious
New member
I'm 6'4" and strong. I hate trying to fling my 30ish pound mountain bike onto my Thule roof rack - it's not the weight, it's the leverage. Damned floppy bike is a PITA. Those roof racks are made for cars, not trucks.
My suggestion would be to skip the idea of a roof-mount bike rack completely. If you're cheap and don't mind a little paint scuffing, drop $40 on a trunk mount rack that'll strap to your tailgate. If you want to spend more, a hitchmount bike rack that will drop down or swing aside will run you at least $200 and as much as you want to spend.
MONTYMTB
New member
I've been toting my bikes on my 4Runner for years, using both roof and hitch mounted racks. Trust me, you'll like the hitch mount much better. So much easier to load/unload, and you can quickly and easily transfer it to another vehicle if you need to. I am currently using the Yakima Holdup and highly recommend it. If you aren't in a hurry for one, keep an eye on your local Craigslist - somebody is always looking to get rid of one. Just make sure you get the correct size, pretty sure all of the 4Runner factory hitches are 2 inch.
SkidPalace
Member
Turns out there is a free shipping coupon in effect right now.
Use code 54984 to get free shipping for this rack (will save you $20 for the oversized item shipping charge).
That works fine on bikes with a traditional style main triangle. It can be a pain trying to suspend some of the high-zoot frame designs. Same goes for step-through *ladies* frames.
If you can afford it, go for something that cradles the wheels with an arm that clamps the bike in place.
4RunnerKyle
New member
I have a high-zoot 29'er and it suspends just fine by using a cross bar adapter which can be found for 20 bucks from Thule or Yakima using coupons on various sites
Cross bar adapter I tried let my bike hang too low, at least with the rack I was using.
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