ST+center exhaust=no hitch?

[kylesvt720]

Here is what I was thinking of doing, then I'd do either a single or maybe dual down turn tips, (one on either side) that are basically hidden from view.

Insert Crappy pshop:

[feta_mgp]

Originally Posted by Focus YBTC

I've heard it all before and I don't believe any of it. In my experience the only advantage a roof rack has is that it displays your "lifestyle" way up high for all those folks that like to make a statement about themselves more than they like to ride a bike. That roof racks are a much larger detriment to fuel economy over hitch racks can't be disputed by any serious person. You could probably get around the paint scratches with a little ingenuity but the amount of people that should know better that drive their expensive bikes into their garages or other overhangs thereby ruining their bikes, racks, car roof and garage doors is staggering. All it takes is once after a hard ride when you're pretty fatigued and inattentive. I've seen many people I know do it that I never dreamed would. As for "aeroblades" you got me there, never heard of that and don't care to Google it at the moment but most roof racks with bikes on them are noisy.

That said, the ST clearly chose looks over usability for me at least. I'm not going to buy multiple vehicles just to have a special one to transport bikes and will never use a roof rack. An optional rear exhaust setup that allowed the use of a trailer hitch for a rack would have been nice. It could have even been a dealer installed option. If you look at the back of the ST you can imagine a hitch will be possible but I can't imagine it being as hidden as a regular Focus hitch, it would negatively impact ground clearance on the lowered ST going up and down driveways and it would probably look terrible.

It is disputable by anyone who knows anything about aerodynamics and how it affects a 3200lb car going 60-70mph... you will NOT see a noticeable dip in fuel economy with a roof rack. Especially the Aeroblade (and I don't even have one!) first of all a roof rack is not a sheet sticking straight up catching wind and producing much more drag... it's a rack, usually now designed with "flat" bars across, and a purposefully (and aesthetically cool/customizable) designed "shield" up in front to deflect the air up and over just like your windshield does. So... you know, it's not going to do a damn thing to your fuel economy.

As for slamming your bikes into your garage door and damaging your car, all I read in that paragraph was that you're telling yourself you're going to be one of those people and apparently you don't know how to handle your bike or pay attention. If you're too fatigued to realize your bike is on your roof rack and drive it into your garage, you shouldn't be driving anyway. And if you know a lot of those people maybe you should tell them what I just said.

Just my .02.

Do some research on the matter before you spit out "indisputable" facts.

[kylesvt720]

Originally Posted by feta_mgp

It is disputable by anyone who knows anything about aerodynamics and how it affects a 3200lb car going 60-70mph... you will NOT see a noticeable dip in fuel economy with a roof rack. Especially the Aeroblade (and I don't even have one!) first of all a roof rack is not a sheet sticking straight up catching wind and producing much more drag... it's a rack, usually now designed with "flat" bars across, and a purposefully (and aesthetically cool/customizable) designed "shield" up in front to deflect the air up and over just like your windshield does. So... you know, it's not going to do a damn thing to your fuel economy.

Just my .02.

Do some research on the matter before you spit out "indisputable" facts.

He is talking I think more the mileage difference with a rack and a couple bikes on it, versus the bikes being tucked behind the car. I know my friends A4 loses about 2-3mpg highway with either the rack and two bikes, or the rack and a thule box for his skis.

[Focus YBTC]

Originally Posted by feta_mgp

It is disputable by anyone who knows anything about aerodynamics and how it affects a 3200lb car going 60-70mph... you will NOT see a noticeable dip in fuel economy with a roof rack. Especially the Aeroblade (and I don't even have one!) first of all a roof rack is not a sheet sticking straight up catching wind and producing much more drag... it's a rack, usually now designed with "flat" bars across, and a purposefully (and aesthetically cool/customizable) designed "shield" up in front to deflect the air up and over just like your windshield does. So... you know, it's not going to do a damn thing to your fuel economy.

As for slamming your bikes into your garage door and damaging your car, all I read in that paragraph was that you're telling yourself you're going to be one of those people and apparently you don't know how to handle your bike or pay attention. If you're too fatigued to realize your bike is on your roof rack and drive it into your garage, you shouldn't be driving anyway. And if you know a lot of those people maybe you should tell them what I just said.

Just my .02.

Do some research on the matter before you spit out "indisputable" facts.

A roof rack without bikes on it will impact fuel economy a significant bit, perhaps a special aerodynamic one will do so less than a conventional one. Put some bikes up there in the air flow over the top of the car and you're talking a major MPG hit. A hitch rack without bikes on it will impact fuel economy a tiny bit at best and a small bit with bikes on it. It's been documented many times and I just don't have time to go around educating you obstinate deniers, look it up yourself.

As far as running your roof racked bikes into an overhang, no one thinks they will do it but I've seen it happen so often that I know it's a very real concern. It's extremely expensive when it happens.

he Roof Rack MPG Experiment

He compared the gas mileage of his car at 54.7 mph (88 kph) with 1) no roof racks, 2) an empty roof rack, and 3) a mountain bike on the roof rack.

He found that compared to the baseline of no roof rack, the empty rack reduced his MPG by -12.7% and the roof rack with a bicycle reduced it by a whooping -27.3%. And since air resistance increases exponentially with speed, the difference would have been even bigger at 70 mph (many people drive at that speed).

While the methodology isn't 100% scientific, and every vehicle will be affected differently by a roof rack, it gives a good idea of how big a difference a roof rack (empty and full) can make.

So please, if you're not using it, take the roof rack off your car (and forward this tip to your family & friends)! It's such a simple trick, like inflating your tires properly, that could save millions of gallons of gas.

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/fuel-e...ffect-mgp1.htm

[Focus YBTC]

Originally Posted by kylesvt720

Here is what I was thinking of doing, then I'd do either a single or maybe dual down turn tips, (one on either side) that are basically hidden from view.

Insert Crappy pshop:

Good work! I could probably live with something like that.

[kylesvt720]

I'd probably have to make it myself as no one would be selling it, and a regular focus hitch would hang down further I'm assuming. If I end up getting an ST, I'll make one of these, and either give away the design or sell the hitches to people that want them.

If I don't buy a Fiesta ST (If we get it.) or a Sonic RS, or an ATS, or a thousand other cars I debate getting reguarly.

[Focus YBTC]

Here's how the Fiesta ST concept does it. Two thumbs up from me if I can sneak an electrically retractable tow bar/trailer hitch in there! Even a regular old style hitch would do.

[Frankenbike]

Resurrecting an old thread. Curt now makes a trailer hitch for the Focus ST that mounts under the exhaust. I haven't gotten one myself, but I'll spread the word.

Installation PDF with pictures you have to zoom in on:
https://www.curtmfg.com/masterlibrar..._11350_INS.PDF

Actual product page (you can probably find it cheaper):
http://www.curtmfg.com/part/11350

[Superd]

lol you guys are funny fighting over fuel economy changes with or without racks!
i started this thread in case anyone had seen a hitch on a center exhaust car as i dont think i ever have. I really like the '12 hatch i drive now and think i will go test drive an st as i'm pretty sure i am going to really like the performance it offers.
Thanks frankenbike for reviving the thread and posting the curt hitch!