Suggestions for bike racks...
- Thread starter surf185
- Start date
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The only ones that I have tried and am satisified with in terms of security (both theft and stability) and ease of use is the Thule "594 Sidearm". They fit many different geometries of bikes as they secure it around the legs of the fork and the front wheel, are very sturdy/secure ( I carry bikes weighing around 40lbs), and are pretty easy to load up (depending on bike weight). You can also purchase locks for them and your bikes will be safe.
Here's a link: :thumb3:
http://www.thuleracks.com/product.asp?dept_id=8&sku=594
Here's a link: :thumb3:
http://www.thuleracks.com/product.asp?dept_id=8&sku=594
SilverBullet01
Senior Member
i love the look of the roof mounted bike racks, but my buddies are still trying to convince me to get a rear hitch mounted rack, just because of the risk factor of having your bike slip or something while you are lifting it up, and having it scratch the runner
sn0wrunner
New member
I like the hitch ones better personally.
Ghostrider
Registered User
I know too many people who forgot they had a bike up there and tried to pull into their garage.
SilverBullet01
Senior Member
i have a feeling i would do that :redbrick:
surf185
New member
My 4Runner did not come equipped with a tow hitch, which leaves out the option for a hitch rack. I am also liking the look of roof rack and wanted something that would be secure and stable when driving down the freeway, yet would utilize the factory crossbars.
I am also worried about scratching the Runner when lifting the bicycle up and being that my vehicle is lifted, it makes it a little harder. On the upside my fixie is really not that heavy.
I am really liking the Yakima and Thule racks, but I believe Thule requires extra crossbars to be installed. What are some opinions on these?
I am also worried about scratching the Runner when lifting the bicycle up and being that my vehicle is lifted, it makes it a little harder. On the upside my fixie is really not that heavy.
I am really liking the Yakima and Thule racks, but I believe Thule requires extra crossbars to be installed. What are some opinions on these?
That's why I suggested you check out Rocky Mounts. They can attach to your factory cross bars. Plus they come in cool colors :guitar2:
http://rockymounts.com/noose
Ghostrider
Registered User
One suggestion on stopping the carnage of forgetting you have a bike up there. I know some people hang something in their garage but thats distracting if you don't have a bike. I would put the garage door opener in your saddle pack on the bike. You can't open the door without getting out, retrieving the opener, and removing the bike
Fireball
Member
I believe that Yakima makes one or two models that attach to the factory cross rails. I'm 99% sure the Forklift will fit with the rails on my 99.
That being said, I would strongly agree with BJU that you look at Rocky Mounts. Their stuff is way nicer and stronger than the Yakima forklift.
And, all that being said, depending on what type of bike you're hauling around and how much you like it, I strongly recommend getting a hitch mount carrier. I have a Thule T2 and it is awesome - no need to be taking the front wheel on and off, no need to be hoisting your bike to the top of the vehicle (risking damage to the bike and/or your car) and holds the bike securely while only touching the wheels. This was the best solution for me to carry my road bike, but like they say, YMMV.
That being said, I would strongly agree with BJU that you look at Rocky Mounts. Their stuff is way nicer and stronger than the Yakima forklift.
And, all that being said, depending on what type of bike you're hauling around and how much you like it, I strongly recommend getting a hitch mount carrier. I have a Thule T2 and it is awesome - no need to be taking the front wheel on and off, no need to be hoisting your bike to the top of the vehicle (risking damage to the bike and/or your car) and holds the bike securely while only touching the wheels. This was the best solution for me to carry my road bike, but like they say, YMMV.
Martinjmpr
New member
Seems to me a decent receiver would be less expensive than some of these Yakima or Thule rack designs, plus a reciever can come in handy for a number of other things as well. :shrug:
My mount is a receiver mount, but it's not like the ones pictured. Mine carries the bikes by the wheels, not the crossbar, so they don't swing or sway. It also means that if the bike doesn't have a horizontal crossbar, I can still hold it level.
EDIT: This is what I use:
http://images.google.com/imgres?img...d+bicycle+carrier&ndsp=20&hl=en&sa=N&start=20
My mount is a receiver mount, but it's not like the ones pictured. Mine carries the bikes by the wheels, not the crossbar, so they don't swing or sway. It also means that if the bike doesn't have a horizontal crossbar, I can still hold it level.
EDIT: This is what I use:
http://images.google.com/imgres?img...d+bicycle+carrier&ndsp=20&hl=en&sa=N&start=20
Last edited:
Have you considered installing some QR mounts inside on the back of the seats? With the seats folded down. Enough room for two bikes. Or just a 2x4 with QR mounts would work, too. I have thought about roof mounts, but my neighbor just crushed his $3000 bike into his garage. I thought I'd probably end up doing the same (not to mention underground parking, drive-thru's, etc), so I nixxed that idea.
DefJeff
New member
The Thule T2 is the bomb. Super secure and your bike is off in seconds. I only use my roof mounts when I'm rolling four deep. All my pics are too big to post for some reason. Here's a link that has them...
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?t=54981
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?t=54981
