hatch-mount bike rack

[djkeev]

Through the years and on various makes, I've tried a wide assortment of rear mounted bike carriers. Honestly, I never was happy with any of them because of annoying straps, high pressure points of the rack, rack movement and the resulting paint damage that was a result.When I got my Mazda Miata, bikes were a major problem so I put a receiver hitch on the car and got a receiver bike rack.I've NEVER LOOKED BACK!!! there is no better way to transport a bike on an automobile! No high lifting to mount a bike on a roof, no plethora of straps and buckles to fight with and best of all, NO paint damage.Step up to the plate, lay down your cash and do it right the first time.There is a wide variety of mounts available to accommodate doors that swing or hatches that rise. Shop around and find what suits you. As a side note, the trailer hitch on the Miata drew a lot of "What the HECK do you tow with THAT car!?!?" comments.Dave

[lovemyraffe]

You could get mounts from Thule or Yakima that would work just fine. I don't have the factory crossbars and have a Thule system that I take on and off as necessary.

[KITT222]

Alternatively, you could mount it inside your Vibe.http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=28162

[lovemyraffe]

Quote, originally posted by xmasguy »What model Thule do you have? is it easy to install remove? has it caused any damage to the exterior of your car?thanks! I use the 450 Crossroads and the 400XT. Sometimes I use just the Crossroads on the roof rails, sometimes I put the 400XT towers on. The 450 Crossroads are extremely easy to install and remove. The 400XT is a little more difficult to install, and neither of them leave any damage.

[lovemyraffe]

Quote, originally posted by xmasguy »both of these are roof-rack systems; I am looking for something to mount on the hatch... Yep they are roof mount systems. I thought you knew that from my first post...my bad. Personally, I would stay away from hatch mounts.