carlfreddy

Trunk/hatch mount racks are pretty inconvenient.

What do you do when you've got the rack loaded with 2+ bikes and you need to get into the trunk/hatch?

If I had a drawbar on my car (Ford Focus) I would've bought a hitch mount, but instead I went with a roof rack. Then only think I'm not happy about is the mileage drop when you have a bike on the rack, other than that I'm tickled pink with my roof-mount rack!

Snuffleupagus

Someone sounds jealous of both nice bikes and roof racks

operator

I still don't get why anybody would buy a roof rack. The possibility of running into something taller than your car is huge.

Quijibo187

is there nothing that travels on roads that's taller than a camry?

biker128pedal

I wish I had a roof rack for the car but I use the trunk of the car if taking one bike. I add the trunk rack if taking two. For more I use the big pickup truck with Quad cab. But then we need this for hauling hay and the horse trailer.

For large groups get a utility trailer. https://www.automotive-rewardpath.com...=18256-trailer

If you go the money get one that is enclosed. Of course you need a truck to pull it and then why not use the truck. https://www.interstatecargo.com/trail...s/default.aspx

Terex

Yakima BackSwing4, among others. Easy to remove when not in use, easy to access in use, and swings out of way of trunk/hatch. Negatives vs. roof racks are 1) someone else running into and damaging your bikes and 2) bikes get dirtier, depending on road conditions. On trips, I'm very selective where I park. Roof racks only have the overhead clearance issue.

DanielS

Wouldn't it be possible to install some sort of sensor on your roof racks that beeps madly at you if you are about to drive into something? Maybe you could get one of those after-market reverse/parking sensors and install that?

electromethod

Those of us with small sedans or sports cars can't fit bikes inside the cabin. I would love to pick up a roof rack but they are a rare find used for my car, and I can't justify blowing that much on a new roof rack for a car that gets replaced in 2 years. My rear seat doesn't fold down since I never got the ski hatch option, and her mustang is a PITA to try and fit a bike in much less 2. So I have been forced to tune up the beater truck so I can haul the bikes around with it for the time being. Does that mean we are still OCP by your standards when we get new cars with 2 new roof racks?

b-jet

It's funny how many divisive topics there are on this forum. I really thought most people would have sided with roof racks on this one. For me the roof rack is the best option. I just went from a mid size sedan with a roof rack to a mid size SUV. A hitch or trunk rack just would be a huge pain for access to the trunk, and the idea of putting my wet, muddy, yucky bike in the back of my new car after riding in the rain was not an option. Just avoid drive thrus, and I don't think there is too much out there you could hit, most places are designed for fairly tall vehicles anyway, aren't they? Two years of roof rack, and I decided to go with one again.

Gordo789

You have two options, you can either take the bikes down and put them back (less than 5 minutes once you've got the routine down), or you can pull the back seat down from the inside (if your call lets you do that).

If the fear of inconvenience is stopping anybody from getting a trunk rack, its really a non-issue. It takes me about a minute to pull the rack out of my trunk and mount it, and another minute to get the bike onto the rack. When i get to my destination, i simply stuff the rack back into my trunk so no one will steal it (I don't know WHY somebody would go and do such a thing----but I'm paranoid).

carlfreddy

I think this argument is something akin to the old "boxers or briefs" debate.....

Quijibo187

you put your underwear on your car?

Luwin1026

I have a roof rack for the full-size SUV, putting it up is not that big of a deal - easy to open the rear door and step up on the side steps. Plus, more incentive for having a light bike.

I usually open the moonroof cover and glance up at the bike and try to be conscientious that the bike is up there.

With a car seat in the middle row, a stroller folded up in the back, it's just easier and cleaner for the bike to sit on top of the car rather than inside. And as the hatch is much easier to access without a hitch rack, the roof rack was the most viable option. I do take a hit on gas mileage on longer trips, though - but that's not very often.