Roadies... what roof rack are you using?
04-02-2011, 12:46 PM
#1
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Roadies... what roof rack are you using?
Hey everyone,
I am in the market for a roof rack for my Cervelo S1, but I need some opinions on what would be my best option.
Thule vs Yakima vs Inno
What rack will work best/safest? etc.
Let me know your opinions and experiences.
Thanks
I am in the market for a roof rack for my Cervelo S1, but I need some opinions on what would be my best option.
Thule vs Yakima vs Inno
What rack will work best/safest? etc.
Let me know your opinions and experiences.
Thanks
04-02-2011, 01:18 PM
#3
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I prefer the Yakima HighRoller. Thule SideArm is a close second, but I like how the HR has two full arms to hold the wheel (more leverage), as well as a cable lock to secure the bike. The SA arm locks down, which is supposed to secure the bike, but I find it to be more frustrating to use and it seems less secure. I'm also a strong proponent of the round bars so naturally the Yak will be a better option if you are already using round bars. The Yak tray is much beefier than that of the Thule, which probably isn't a critical feature since thats a rare point of failure, but I just wanted to put that out there.
Cliffs: Yak is better because
1. Better arms - it has two, and they attach on both sides for more lateral strength.
2. The mounting system to attach to the cross bars is better.
3. Better locking system.
Cliffs: Yak is better because
1. Better arms - it has two, and they attach on both sides for more lateral strength.
2. The mounting system to attach to the cross bars is better.
3. Better locking system.
04-02-2011, 10:18 PM
#4
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I prefer the Yakima HighRoller. Thule SideArm is a close second, but I like how the HR has two full arms to hold the wheel (more leverage), as well as a cable lock to secure the bike. The SA arm locks down, which is supposed to secure the bike, but I find it to be more frustrating to use and it seems less secure. I'm also a strong proponent of the round bars so naturally the Yak will be a better option if you are already using round bars. The Yak tray is much beefier than that of the Thule, which probably isn't a critical feature since thats a rare point of failure, but I just wanted to put that out there.
Cliffs: Yak is better because
1. Better arms - it has two, and they attach on both sides for more lateral strength.
2. The mounting system to attach to the cross bars is better.
3. Better locking system.
Cliffs: Yak is better because
1. Better arms - it has two, and they attach on both sides for more lateral strength.
2. The mounting system to attach to the cross bars is better.
3. Better locking system.
04-03-2011, 12:19 AM
#9
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Anyone who's lost a bike off a roof-mount rack that's not implemented well will tell you - money well spent.
I personally prefer fork-mount racks, as there's a more solid mechanical connection there and less leverage with the weight of the bike brought closer to the roof, but the High Rollers are pretty slick and take care of front wheel management - I've never (at least on a Yakima round car setup, which I prefer) found a good set of wheel forks - they'll always rotate down to sit on the roof under load/speed. Lost a wheel off one, too, but that was a freak thing and it was for a cheap bike, but I stopped after the 3rd different wheel holder had the same types of issues. I also think it (slightly) lowers the theft risk if there's not a complete bike sitting up top, but that's probably just a placebo on my side.
If you don't want to yank the front wheel, or don't want to carry it inside, go with t he full bike carriers from Yakima, they're put together better than the Thule stuff from what I've seen.
04-03-2011, 10:14 AM
#10
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Yeah, it's expensive.........but how expensive is your bike?
Anyone who's lost a bike off a roof-mount rack that's not implemented well will tell you - money well spent.
I personally prefer fork-mount racks, as there's a more solid mechanical connection there and less leverage with the weight of the bike brought closer to the roof, but the High Rollers are pretty slick and take care of front wheel management - I've never (at least on a Yakima round car setup, which I prefer) found a good set of wheel forks - they'll always rotate down to sit on the roof under load/speed. Lost a wheel off one, too, but that was a freak thing and it was for a cheap bike, but I stopped after the 3rd different wheel holder had the same types of issues. I also think it (slightly) lowers the theft risk if there's not a complete bike sitting up top, but that's probably just a placebo on my side.
If you don't want to yank the front wheel, or don't want to carry it inside, go with t he full bike carriers from Yakima, they're put together better than the Thule stuff from what I've seen.
Anyone who's lost a bike off a roof-mount rack that's not implemented well will tell you - money well spent.
I personally prefer fork-mount racks, as there's a more solid mechanical connection there and less leverage with the weight of the bike brought closer to the roof, but the High Rollers are pretty slick and take care of front wheel management - I've never (at least on a Yakima round car setup, which I prefer) found a good set of wheel forks - they'll always rotate down to sit on the roof under load/speed. Lost a wheel off one, too, but that was a freak thing and it was for a cheap bike, but I stopped after the 3rd different wheel holder had the same types of issues. I also think it (slightly) lowers the theft risk if there's not a complete bike sitting up top, but that's probably just a placebo on my side.
If you don't want to yank the front wheel, or don't want to carry it inside, go with t he full bike carriers from Yakima, they're put together better than the Thule stuff from what I've seen.
04-03-2011, 05:58 PM
#12
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Sprocket rockets are the new pimpness, but I'm still really happy with my Vipers. Only thing they don't like is Marzocchi Bombers, it's a tight fit - but I've yet to find a rack that does like 'em. No issues with a road bike, period.
04-04-2011, 08:44 AM
#15
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Yeah I have a stupid expensive bike. When I was looking at the racks I was thinking that fork mounted would be sturdier. It is not a hassle for me to take off the front wheel, and I have no problem leaving the wheel in my car so that is not holding me back. What fork mount do you use?