Roof/Bike Rack?

[flynnstone]

I picked up a '12 LE and it came with the roof rack and cross bars. I'd like to be able to transport my mountain bike on the roof, however i'll need different cross bars to mount the front forks to.

Does anyone know of any options, or what will work best?


Thanks!

 

[Quentin]

I have Thule square bars that mount to the factory roof rails. I don't, though, use it for bikes unless I'm hauling more than 2. The 4Runner is just too tall to practically get bikes up there with any frequency. I'm 100x happier with a hitch mounted bike rack. It is so easy to get bikes on and off and you don't have that whole "****, I just drove into my garage with a bike on the roof" concern.

 

[ICD]

I am kinda in the same boat, but have been leaning more towards the hitch mount mainly because my drives the 4 more than I do and you know women fruvers

 

[DC4R]

These guys make some handy racks....

North Shore Bike Racks

 

[desertred]

Absolutely agree that the 5th gen is a bit too tall to consistently carry your bikes on the roof. It was a pain with my 3rd gen, which was a few inches shorter.

Look at this thread for some more ideas/options: Hitch Mounted Bike Rack

 

[j_shoe99]

I haul 5

I'm not a fan of using the roof rack for hauling bike up top either, unless you need to fit a bunch of them.

I have a Saris Thelma 3 hitch mount on the back. Easily to load, better mpg, less debris hitting bikes, etc.

I have 'leftover' Thule 450 Crossroads Roof Rack from my Subaru Outback I used. I clamp that to the 4R Roof Rack and it allows me to haul 2 more bikes, or my Thule 1600 Cargo Box or my Loadwarrior Basket.

This was actually another reason I wanted the 4R, for it's versatility about the rack up top, and I could haul a variety of stuff.

<a href="http://s138.beta.photobucket.com/user/j_shoe99/media/4r2_zps5c508cae.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q242/j_shoe99/4r2_zps5c508cae.jpg" border="0" alt="Bike Racks 4R"/></a>

<a href="http://s138.beta.photobucket.com/user/j_shoe99/media/4r1_zpsd4bf06f5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q242/j_shoe99/4r1_zpsd4bf06f5.jpg" border="0" alt="4r1_zpsd4bf06f5"/></a>

Above is a shot of all loaded up w/4 bikes for a MTB race this Fall.

 

[Lebengeek]

I have the 2 Bike Thelma. Works great for carbon frames, 26 and 29'ers !! Doesn't work well on my Specialized Enduro due to the wheel base, not sure if DH bikes will have the same issue as well. All are L frames.

 

[flynnstone]

I have Thule square bars that mount to the factory roof rails. I don't, though, use it for bikes unless I'm hauling more than 2. The 4Runner is just too tall to practically get bikes up there with any frequency. I'm 100x happier with a hitch mounted bike rack. It is so easy to get bikes on and off and you don't have that whole "****, I just drove into my garage with a bike on the roof" concern.

I think i like this method better. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[G8RB8_12SR5]

We have both hitch and roof mounted bike racks. Got the hitch one when we got the 4R. It's a Thule Apex Swing 4, which is really nice since it allows you to completely swing it out of the way and access the trunk, though it does hold the bikes via the top tube vs. the wheels like Saris so it may not work entirely for your applications (we have triathlon and road bikes).

Also have run the Yakima Forklift, I've looked at running it on my 4R but if I do I'll run crossbars wider than the rails so I can mount the rack outboard of the side rails so it's easier to reach, but like the others have said it can be a pain to access especially with heavier MTBs (my road bike is 15.5lbs and my tri bike is 18lbs and I'm 6'1" so it's not that big of a deal for me). Anyway, if you're interested and want pics of the Thule mounted on the truck let me know and I can get them (I don't run it all the time mainly during racing season).

 

[Diver Deuce]

Thule

Greetings for 'stan,

I have two Thule rooftop bike racks for my TE that use the stock crossbars without any modification, wish I could tell you what model they are but what I can tell you is that Thule's website actually has a will it fit on my vehicle portion of their site. That's how I found mine and I just went to my local bike shop in Key West (where I was stationed at the time) and ordered it. or there is always amazon.

I will tell you that they hold up very well and supported both roadbikes driving from Key West to San Diego without problems. Hope it helps.

Semper!

 

[SoOregon]

I own an Bike shop and sell Yakima racks I love my Holdup for the rear hitch but also sell a couple of roof top racks that will work with the front wheel off or on. (I would recommend the wheel off for security and wind drag).
Yakima.com has set up for most vehicles. The Forklift will mount directly to most factory rack crossbars.

 

[Reino]

+1 on a rear hitch rack. Your truck has a receiver, might as well use it.

I only use roof racks for snowboards. When putting bikes on a roof rack you are taking a big risk. The question is not IF you absentmindedly drive your bike into a parking garage deck, it is WHEN. :crybaby:

But to answer your question, you shouldn't need new crossbars. All major rack companies sell adapters for our factory crossbars.

 

[ZJumper]

My wife and I have used one of the Yakima DoubleDown 5 bike rack for 4 years and 1000's of miles. Never had an issue with it. It's rated for 5 bikes, but you'd be hard pressed to fit 5 on there...unless they were all the same size. 2 MTB and 2 road bikes isn't a problem, but it's maxed out on available space. FYI--A 4 bike holder will comfortably fit 3 bikes.

Amazon.com: Yakima DoubleDown 5-Bike Hitch Mount Rack: Sports & Outdoors

This is actually a pretty got deal on the rack as it's the "old model" overstock.

EDIT: If you're going to carry a full suspension MTB, these make it much easier to load.

http://www.amazon.com/Yakima-Womens...82398&sr=1-1&keywords=yakima+top+tube+adapter

 

[jsketoe]

Yak roof rack fan here.

 

[mtb_frk]

I tired the fork lift on our 12 LE with factory bars, without much luck. No matter where I put the rack, the clearance between it and the roof was so tight I couldnt even fit a piece of paper between it and the roof. I went with the holdup 2 instead.
I have a high roller that I was able to use with universal mounts but they dont lock to the rack.
Looks like the rocky mounts might work ok, but I have never seen them in person.

 

[jordancartersrc]

Using Aero Bar in triathlon Gear with Multisport Watch

I am using Aero Bar in triathlon Gear with Multisport Watch.
Give it a read: Do I Need A Triathlon Watch? – Benefits of a Triathlon Watch