Hello,

Not sure if it is at all possible to generalize, but was wondering:

a. Is the most popular method for transporting bikes on a car (wagon) these
days to go to the trouble of installing a Hitch, and using a Hitch Carrier, or do most use the
"typical" on-off cable mounted carriers that do not require a Hitch ?

b. Guess I'm looking for a compromise that doesn't block the visibility, nearly totally, on
an Outback, yet doesn't require going to the expense and trouble of getting a Hitch installed
correctly.

Bob

If you don't want to spend the extra for a hitch, or have decreased visibility of a rack that hangs on by straps, then there is always the roof rack option. This can be a cheaper option if your Subaru already has a roof rack installed from the factory.

Roof bike racks do have some issues.
1. Disturbs gas mileage.
2. Can be noisier.
3. Bike bug splats (but you can get a fairing).
4. Can be difficult to lift the bike up to the rack. Fortunately your Subaru isn't as tall as some SUVs and vans.
5. The dreaded "drive it into the garage with the bike on top".

Yes there is an expense to having the hitch installed but once I had done that I do not regret getting my Thule hitch rack. It locks to the hitch so I do not have to worry about someone easily stealing my rack. It is the style that lets the bike tires rest in a trough with a hook that comes down over the top tube. This hook then has a key lock to secure the bikes. This style rack is very stable, easy to use, and somewhat secure.

mike

Over the years, I have used all forms of car bike racks and by a wide margin my current hitch mounted Kuat Shrepa works best for me. It's safe, solid and easy to move between both of our cars. Cant ask for much more.

I've gone to hitch carriers after experiencing too much bounce from a regular carrier that damaged a wheel. I've also gone with a real rigid carrier made by BoneLocker. Installing a hitch is not a big deal, and you don't need an expensive hitch is all you're using it for is to attach a carrier and a couple of bikes, so an inexpensive class 1 is more than you need.

See https://scsrack.com/ I think personally this is the best hitch rack on the market, read about and others mentioned here and you decide which will fit your needs the best.

Sometimes I have 4 bikes to carry, sometimes 2 &sometimes just 1, so I like having options. I have a forester w/o the fin at the top and a class I OEM receiver hitch.
- 1 bike - I use my SUV rack which sits on the back bumper, or I use my small (older Subaru brand) hitch rack designed for bikes w a straight top tube. Wifey's Trek FX fits on it too, just at an angle. no picture of that rack for some reason sorry. Can't even find an internet picture, weird
- 2 bike - same deal I have choice of 2 racks. I really do like my SUV rack and bought it used at a yard sale over 10 yers ago. It's rock solid and w/o the bikes on it I can still use the hatchback
- 4 bikes I have to use the SUV rack in combination with my larger hitch rack, see photos

I have a Subaru Forrester, This and my 2 previous cars I bought with trailer hitches installed just for ease in transporting my bike.

make sure the hitch job is well done.. picked up a whole family's bundle of Bikes off the Roadway ,
and pulled it to the break down lane ..

welded fittings on travel trailer bumper gave way , so they were unaware it fell off.. till Passed and notified.. by others..

I drive a Legacy, and had a hitch installed, even though the car is so low that I hit the hitch pretty frequently in driveway entrances... I still wouldn't go with anything else.

I use the Yakima Hold up rack, which is expensive, but with my 2" hitch, I have a 2 bike rack always mounted during cycling season, and a 2 bike extension as needed when I am bringing more than one other person with me.... It is nice to not have the extra long rack other than when I need it.