Yakima bike tray opinions
07-07-06, 12:06 PM
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Yakima bike tray opinions
I'm looking at a couple different Yakima rack options. The King Cobra looks good. I like not having to take off the front wheel. Just load and go. My Subaru has a low roof, so it's easy to get up there. Yakima also makes another model that allows you to keep the front wheel on, but I don't really want anything gripping my frame.
King Cobra:
https://www.yakima.com/Product.aspx?id=13
The other one that I'm checking out is the Viper.
https://www.yakima.com/Product.aspx?id=10
My main question is if the tray locks to the rack on the King Cobra like the Viper does. I don't want someone being able to just bypass the cable lock on the King Cobra by unbolting it from my rack. Anyone have any opinions either way on these two? I'm looking at Yakima b/c I can get them cheap. Thanks.
King Cobra:
https://www.yakima.com/Product.aspx?id=13
The other one that I'm checking out is the Viper.
https://www.yakima.com/Product.aspx?id=10
My main question is if the tray locks to the rack on the King Cobra like the Viper does. I don't want someone being able to just bypass the cable lock on the King Cobra by unbolting it from my rack. Anyone have any opinions either way on these two? I'm looking at Yakima b/c I can get them cheap. Thanks.
07-07-06, 01:09 PM
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I'd go for the King Cobra. I've seen a lot of these setups driving up to Whistler (lots of dual-crown forks and 20mm thru-axles). I use the Rocky Mounts Noose FR (fork mount) on my Subaru; but I dislike having to take apart my thru-axle setup and use the Fork-Ups adapter to make it all work.
On your question about the rack locking to the crossbar: YES, it does in a sense. Look at the installation instructions (link on the KC page) - - it shows how the wheel hoop covers the mounting nut wings when it's open to load. All the fasteners are covered/hidden when the bike is on the rack.
Just watch your clearance heights on drive-thru windows and such.
On your question about the rack locking to the crossbar: YES, it does in a sense. Look at the installation instructions (link on the KC page) - - it shows how the wheel hoop covers the mounting nut wings when it's open to load. All the fasteners are covered/hidden when the bike is on the rack.
Just watch your clearance heights on drive-thru windows and such.
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07-10-06, 10:41 PM
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I have both the viper and the king cobra racks. The king cobra is awesome for hauling DH bikes as they do not fit well on my rear rack due to the triple crown forks and I don't want to remove the front tire all the time and use an adapter on a conventional tray. Yes, someone could manage to get the whole king cobra rack off of your crossbars if they tried. I normally don't leave my bikes on the car overnight or for extended periods but when I do, I run a cable lock around the bike/rack/crossbar. The viper cannot be removed from the crossbar if it is locked unless someone uses a hacksaw or reciprocating saw on your crossbar. If a thief really wants your bike and has the time, he will get it. I view the lock on my racks as a deterrent to the opportunist who walks by in a parking lot.
