| Re: Adding rails to factory Roof Rack for bikes
jj wrote:
> On Tue, 01 Mar 2005 10:35:32 -0700, Rich <richa_colorado@yahoo.com>
> wrote:
>
>> jj wrote:
>>
>>> I'd advise getting a trailer hitch and mount into that.
>>
>> This was the route we went. Makes loading and unloading very easy.
>> I'm pleased with it.
>>
>> Rich
>
> Cool. I'd be worried the roof rack would detach, or the roof would
> buckle unless specifically rated by Chevy for that. Though Blazers
> are built OK, those roof racks seem to be mostly for light luggage.
In fact they may not even be designed for that. Late model roof racks are
usually designed for sports equipment add-ons, but older vehicles' roof racks
were mostly decorative! The problem is not the roof bucking, it's the screws
holding the rack on pulling right out.
If you do have a late model vehicle, the accessories from Yakima or Thule should
be fine. These brands are your best bet because of their widespread
distribution, which makes it easy to get parts, etc. Resale value is pretty
good too.
> Didn't think about the loading and un-loading; good point.
Yup, for a high roofline vehicle a hitch rack is a lot easier to use, much more
aerodynamic, and not prone to garage entry incidents. I've seen more than one
person drop a bike while straining to put it in a roof rack on a tall SUV,
damaging both truck and bike. The downside to rear racks is the bikes get
dirtier.
However, with such a large vehicle, why do you even need a rack? Do they really
not fit inside? I've always driven *cars,* and rarely had trouble putting bikes
in the trunk. Even small cars will usually take one bike. Most Midsize SUVs
will take 3 or 4 no problem.
Even though I have racks, I only use them when I have more than one bike to
carry in a small car.
Another thing to consider is security -- bikes in racks are major theft targets,
as are the racks themselves. Most of the locks are pretty useless too. With
Thule, for example, even a child can rip the knobs right off, lock and all. 4
kids can steal a rack full of bikes in about 5 seconds, drop it in the back of a
pickup truck, and be gone before you look up from eating your hamburger.
My major criteria for cars is that bikes must fit *inside.* Very few cars are
actually too small to carry one bike -- with ease. With the rear seat folded,
even a Mini will carry 2. Geez, what did we all do before fancy modular roof
rack systems?
> Heh, now you don't have to worry about putting the car in the garage,
> then going 'oops!'... ;-D
Worth thinking about too!
Matt O.
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