Roof racks & winter
11-04-07, 06:00 PM
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Roof racks & winter
Winter is coming quickly which will put my outdoor riding into hibernation. I bought a trainer so I don't have to battle the darkness, snow, ice, and cold. My question is in regards to my Yakima roof rack. Should I take the rack off before it snows or is it okay to leave it on all winter?
Thanks,
Steve
Thanks,
Steve
11-04-07, 06:10 PM
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What is there to be damaged on your rack? If you think there is a problem area, then I would take it off. If you don't see any problem area then I would leave it on.
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2007 Jamis Ventura Comp
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2000 Specialized Hardrock (bought used)
Swim, Bike, Run and sounds like fun
11-04-07, 06:41 PM
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Winter is coming quickly which will put my outdoor riding into hibernation. I bought a trainer so I don't have to battle the darkness, snow, ice, and cold. My question is in regards to my Yakima roof rack. Should I take the rack off before it snows or is it okay to leave it on all winter?
Thanks,
Steve
Thanks,
Steve
11-04-07, 08:03 PM
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The snow and ice won't do the rack any good, and the ultraviolet will accelerate wear on the soft parts (straps, plastic stuff, whatever you have up there). Having said that, though, you have to replace that stuff every few years anyway and you might not notice any difference.
What I wonder, though, is why anyone would even THINK of leaving a rack on if you're not going to use it. I put mine on and take it off for every ride that requires transport (not many; I'm lucky to live in an area where I can do good rides from home). Installing or removing the rack takes less than five minutes (I can take it off in less than two). Leaving it on increases wind noise dramatically on the highway and cuts my gas mileage from around 32-34 to 27-29. Makes no sense to drive around with it on the car if I'm not going to use it until April.
What I wonder, though, is why anyone would even THINK of leaving a rack on if you're not going to use it. I put mine on and take it off for every ride that requires transport (not many; I'm lucky to live in an area where I can do good rides from home). Installing or removing the rack takes less than five minutes (I can take it off in less than two). Leaving it on increases wind noise dramatically on the highway and cuts my gas mileage from around 32-34 to 27-29. Makes no sense to drive around with it on the car if I'm not going to use it until April.
11-05-07, 11:36 AM
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Velo Dog - It's a roof rack that is mounted and locked onto my roof. It's not something that can be done in 5 minutes or less. I have a fairing on the front so there is no wind noise and I have noticed no difference in gas mileage, I checked.
Thanks for the input, I think I'll go ahead and take it off.
Steve
Thanks for the input, I think I'll go ahead and take it off.
Steve
11-05-07, 11:58 AM
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Mine stays on all winter as I need it to transport my bike all winter. 
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11-05-07, 07:05 PM
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11-05-07, 07:21 PM
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If it isn't hurting gas mileage and you don't have any parts that will wear out and you don't want to take it off, don't take it off.
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2007 Jamis Ventura Comp
2006 Jamis Explorer 2.0
2000 Specialized Hardrock (bought used)
Swim, Bike, Run and sounds like fun
2007 Jamis Ventura Comp
2006 Jamis Explorer 2.0
2000 Specialized Hardrock (bought used)
Swim, Bike, Run and sounds like fun
11-06-07, 12:20 AM
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If you don't need it, take it off. Some of those parts will rust a lot slower if you garage your rack.
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