Best Roof Rack for one MTB + one Road Bike?
 

Price isn't that much of an issue, but this is my very first roof rack and I'm wondering if anyone here has advice on a brand+model that allows me to securely carry a 700c Road Bike and a 27.5" MTB at the same time.

I drive a BMW 2-series.

I've been largely looking at Thule as I've heard good things about them but I'm open to any brand. Thanks for any advice!

Do you have through-axle or quick-release drop-outs?

Yakima and Thule are the two most mainstream options. (It is worth waiting for one of the frequent 20% off sales).

Kuat makes a very nice roof rack. (I bought it and returned it because it was too long for my car.)

I have Rockeymounts. They are more sleek and aero, and you can get colors to match or contrast with your car.

One-up has interesting options that allow you to use the same holder either on the back or the roof.

If you don't want a permanent rack, take a look at Seasucker.

Lots of options described here: https://www.rackoutfitters.com

Thule should do nicely.. Pro teams get custom steel ones made for their cars ..
that would be 'best' if you want perfectly fit for purpose..

I had a Yakima on my cars with rain gutter edges to clamp onto.. ReRack re sells old racks..

Company lists of fit kits get you mounts to suit your particular car..








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I have a Yakima set up and carry that exact combination often. Audi A4.

Get a model where the bikes are upright without the front wheel needing to be removed, Yakima HighRoad or equiv. and that clamps the F wheel/tire and secures it.

Avoid models that have an arm that clamps to the bike downtube as you cannot use that with a carbon frame.

The "trays" that have the F wheel removed and clamps the fork are usually designed for quick release forks only and you need at $50 adapter to use a 15/100 thru axle fork. And if you don't want the front wheel(s) in the vehicle, you need wheel holders with are $70 each. As well I thought I would save money and get the less expensive Thule Circuit tray and found the method of installing the front QR clamp to the cross bar is a really dumb design that is just a PITA to install.

Other than that, whatever fits your vehicle, Yakima, Thule, RockyMount, all good. I've found that Rack Warehouse has prices that are almost as good as when REI has there sale, which ended 5/27.

Or check Craigslist, folks are always selling older racks and cross bars, all you then need is the particular foot kit/adapter for the vehicle. Thule and Yakima stuff lasts forever, so buying used is a good bargain.

Have been using Yakima roof mounts since the 90's and love them for 1 or two bikes. My present ones are fork mounts.

Have been using Thule racks since 1987 but in more recent years I have also used Yakima and vehicle manufacturer racks (sometimes made by Thule or Yakima for the vehicle company). Both Thule and Yakima racks will safely mount to your vehicle, but I think Thule mounts are somewhat more specifically engineered to each model vehicle. Since you're in Singapore, Inno racks from Japan may be an option for you as well. I have not used their base racks, but their rack accessories are well made.

Traditionally, Thule (and Inno) used rectangular crossbars and Yakima used round crossbars. Those options remain but both companies have and promote more aerodynamic bars. In order to increase their markets, most companies manufacturing mounts for bikes make them compatible with all the commonly available crossbar types so you can use a base rack from any manufacturer and choose the bike mounts that you prefer from a different manufacturer.

If you are not going to keep the rack on your vehicle for long periods of time, I suggest looking closely at the ease for removing and installing the rack. Factory racks from the vehicle manufacturer are often the quickest to install as they are made for a specific vehicle and have the fewest adjustments.

Good luck!

Thule Roof Bike Carrier "ProRide 591"

I've been using these for about ten years and they work great. https://nh.craigslist.org/spo/6894182248.html I am NOT a fan of racks where you have to take off the front wheel. The strain on the fork is excessive.

I'm selling them because, at 68 yrs old, hefting two bikes onto the roof is difficult. I just put a Yakima hitch rack on the car and love that setup.

https://www.opel-accessories.com/app...h=-1&height=-1