I'm looking for some input into bike rack options for a 2012 HB. Looking for some people's experiences with what worked well and not so well. I've been getting really into mountain biking lately and I've never had any sort of bike rack on any car before.
Bike rack options
MGDeftones
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I'm looking for some input into bike rack options for a 2012 HB. Looking for some people's experiences with what worked well and not so well. I've been getting really into mountain biking lately and I've never had any sort of bike rack on any car before.
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I'm interested in this, too, although I'm looking for a rack that holds 2 or 3 bikes. Worried about long-term damage to the paint or body parts of the car, though.
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I've had this rack for years. No problems ever - http://hollywoodracks.com/trunk-racks/F1B-trunk-rack.htm HTH
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I kayak and bike. If I'm kayaking solo, I will usually drop my bike off way down river, drive back to my entry point, put in, paddle to my bike, then bike back to my car.
Each type of rack has pros and cons.
Roof racks are convenient, and secure (with the right locks), but can be noisy (wind), and can damage the paint under the pads over time unless you have one mounted permanently. They also tend to be the most expensive option. The nice part about a roof system is the ability to adapt it to carry other toys.
Hitch mounted racks are strong, secure with the right locks, and not quite as expensive as roof racks, but they're pretty heavy and can block reward vision. Also, although I use this kind of rack, I'm always worried about someone rear-ending my bike(s).
Trunk racks are less expensive and are easy on/easy off, but they are less secure and can also damage your paint if debris gets under the padding.
It will come down to your wallet, how often you're going to haul your bike, and your future needs.
Each type of rack has pros and cons.
Roof racks are convenient, and secure (with the right locks), but can be noisy (wind), and can damage the paint under the pads over time unless you have one mounted permanently. They also tend to be the most expensive option. The nice part about a roof system is the ability to adapt it to carry other toys.
Hitch mounted racks are strong, secure with the right locks, and not quite as expensive as roof racks, but they're pretty heavy and can block reward vision. Also, although I use this kind of rack, I'm always worried about someone rear-ending my bike(s).
Trunk racks are less expensive and are easy on/easy off, but they are less secure and can also damage your paint if debris gets under the padding.
It will come down to your wallet, how often you're going to haul your bike, and your future needs.
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Thanks! This was what I was looking for. I'll probably be transporting my bike a couple times a month at the most, and was looking at the trunk racks. Any suggestions on what to steer towards or stay away from?
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This
http://www.saris.com/en/bike-racks/...ge=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage_images.tpl&product_id=224&category_id=7
It's not cheap but for a trunk mount it is solid. On caution on trunk mounts. If you are only on smooth surfaces they are fine but if you are going to be driving on back roads, gravelly and rutted, they tend to bounce around and damage the car and bikes. The roof or hitch mounts are much better in those conditions.
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I can fit mine inside with the hatch no worries about screwing up the paint ,getting rear ended,getting it ripped off.
I almost tagged a guy on the Harley last summer because his bikes were blocking his brake lights
For me it was why I got the hatchback. I do have to take off the front wheel. but thats 10 seconds to put back on. Just throw in an old blanket and you are good to go.
Oh and the price $0.00
I almost tagged a guy on the Harley last summer because his bikes were blocking his brake lights
For me it was why I got the hatchback. I do have to take off the front wheel. but thats 10 seconds to put back on. Just throw in an old blanket and you are good to go.
Oh and the price $0.00
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Similar to the wilsonfocus86 thread I've got two options:
Thule Aeroblade racks for a Thule 594XT
![Image]()
or a Hidden Hitch for a Thule 990XT
![Image]()
Thule Aeroblade racks for a Thule 594XT
or a Hidden Hitch for a Thule 990XT
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I don't want to ever worry about scratching/tearing the leather, and having to fold down the seats everytime, remember to bring the blanket down with me, etc. I did that for the longest time in my old fofo, and just got sick of it. I like having more room in the car, and with a passenger...say if we have gear to throw in the back seats/trunk, I don't want to cram it (which is what we did in the past) Oh and being able to show off my bike is cool too haha. But as we all say, to each his own I guess! [thumb]
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Picked up my new bike yesterday, and this is what I was planning on doing for awhile, but I got a 29er and it doesn't fit. I took off the front wheel, but I had to rest the rear tire on the back of the front seats to get the hatch to close. I'm going to go with a hitch mount now. Any suggestions on what hitch to get? There seem to be a few options out there.
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They're all rated the same as far as capacity goes. The Hidden Hitch and Draw-Tite don't require drilling during the install, which is nice. The Hidden Hitch comes with the ball mount, pin, and clip. If you don't need those right away, go with the Draw-Tite and save a few bucks.
http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2012_Ford_Focus.htm?style=Hatchback&x=14&y=9
http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2012_Ford_Focus.htm?style=Hatchback&furl=-pm-Draw~Tite
I'm considering a roof rack for versatility. My dilemma is a permanent mount or removable mount, as I'm not sure if I want holes drilled into the roof or want to risk scratching and chipping the paint? If the permanent mounts are chosen, would this be best done by dealership or a bike shop?? Or DIY?
Or if the suggested removable rack (per Thule fit-guide) were chosen, would the likely-hood of paint damage be negligible? Any suggestions?
Or if the suggested removable rack (per Thule fit-guide) were chosen, would the likely-hood of paint damage be negligible? Any suggestions?
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There is no paint damage, or should I say, it's very hard to damage the paint unless you are a klutz. With the fit kit, everything that comes into contact with the roof is rubberized. I've put my rack up and down a dozen times over and no paint damage whatsoever. There is another member on here with a permanent install (Thule areoblades like me) and I don't have the taste for looking at that everyday. Just my opinion! I love my rack, can put it up and take down in a few mins now I have it down to a science. If you need to leave it up for a week or two, it won't do any damage.
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Ahh, klutz would aptly describe me, at (most) times. And I too wouldn't want to look at it for any length of time. From what I've seen, either can be removed when not in use. The permanent mount just has the clips attached to the roof, and covers (separate purchase?) for when not in use. I could see myself doing the most damage with attaching the fit-kit for the temporary mount. Especially at the door jams. And I am most likely over-thinking this one.
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^ tis true, lol, but you can do what you want if you look at the comparison photos of a permanent mount to regular one. I can't find the pics because I am on my phone. I did a nice write-up of my roof rack install on here if you haven't checked that out yet.
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I've had Yakima and Thule removable roof mounts on my cars for around 14 years. Just got my Thule Aeroblades installed and the car looks fantastic. I got some clear Lamin-x strips that cover a rectangular area under the rubber pad. The thing about them is you won't scratch your roof with either the rubber pads or the clips that go around the edges of the roof, but if you leave them on for an extended length of time, road grime can get under the pads and damage the paint. The Lamin-x should solve this however.
You're going to be the end of me, wilsonfocus86! It seems you're always popping up with the gorgeous photos of your 18s and bike rack that I so deeply desire! (otherwise same car as mine!)
You're going to be costing me a lot of money, I hope you know! [hatchet] [grinking]
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