rack options?

[midnighthunder89]

Hello, I have been looking for a while now to find racks to fit my needs. currently I have modified an older thule bike rack. I have a 2010 vibe with the factory crossbars. I am looking for a system that will carry 2 bikes in the summer and skis and snowboards in the winter. For the bikes i would like a fork mount system. The 2 that i have found are the rocky mounts, noose, and the Yakima, fork lift. Does anyone have these or a better solution? What are your opinions? I have had very little success finding a mount to carry the front wheels though. One place a read that the Yakima mighty mounts would adapt the wheel carrier to fit a factory mounts. For the winter I have both skis and snowboards, I was wondering if any of the new Thule or Yakima systems will direct mount to the crossbars. Has anyone had experience with any of these? If anyone has any input on products that would work better please let me know. Thanks in advance for any help.

[keithvibe]

gezze when i read this title, my mind went to gun rack ... lol i guess i might have a problem lolsorry I haven't a clue how to help you with your choices

[lovemyraffe]

There aren't any of options for a fork mount bike rack that will attach to the factory rails. You need to have aftermarket rails to have a fork mount. For skis/snowboards, those can mount directly to the factory rails.

[midnighthunder89]

I know there is at least the rocky mount rack that fits to the factory rails. I have seen them on a few vibes just didn't know if anyone heard reviews on them. Just to get an idea, How many people here ride bikes? What do you do to transport them?

[ou.grizzly]

Hitch and bike carrier an option?

[beemerphile1]

Quote, originally posted by midnighthunder89 »...How many people here ride bikes? What do you do to transport them?...Trailer hitch with a hitch mount rack.

[midnighthunder89]

I have always liked the roof mounts idea but if i dont find what I am looking for I may switch to Hitch.

[midnighthunder89]

off topic, but where do you live OU?

[ou.grizzly]

Quote, originally posted by midnighthunder89 »off topic, but where do you live OU?Sterling Hts / Rochester area depending on the day and what is going on

[lovemyraffe]

Quote, originally posted by midnighthunder89 »I know there is at least the rocky mount rack that fits to the factory rails. I have seen them on a few vibes just didn't know if anyone heard reviews on them. Just to get an idea, How many people here ride bikes? What do you do to transport them?I don't even consider Rocky Mount an option. I have seen way too many problems with them. Stick with Thule or Yakima. Sell your factory cross bars on eBay or here on GenVibe. The cross bars will be much stronger and you will be able to do more with it in the future.

[Tonebalone]

I used to use a roof rack to haul my bikes on my Saab. I made a habit of opening my sunroof to remind me they were up there. My Vibe has no sunroof, and I'm forgetful enough to try to drive into my garage with a bike on the roof, so now I use a hitch mounted rack. I went with a Yakima Double Down and a Uhaul hitch.

[midnighthunder89]

There are a few reasons that i do not like the idea of a hitch mounted system. First I like seeing out of the back of the vibe. Second I am afraid of people rear ending me and taking out my bikes. Third reason are the rocks and other things that fly up from the road hit the bikes. What are the bad things you have heard about the rocky mounts?

[lovemyraffe]

I have seen issues with Rocky Mounts products coming apart and falling off. Now before you say it is the person who installed the racks, I did it for a customer.I don't like rear mounted systems either. I'm afraid of someone rear ending me. If the bikes are on top, I know that I am the only one who can cause real harm to them because I might forget they are there. On a side note, I saw something bizarre this weekend. I should have taken a picture of it. Somebody put their rear-mounted bike rack on the hood of their car. I think that is pure stupidity. That would cause a few visibility issues.