Traditional or suction roof rack?
 

I currently own a Kuat Sherpa 2 that came off the old car and I prefer hitch mounted racks but I just leased a new Volvo and there are no options for hitch receivers that will work for me. There is one that I can find that is very expensive and requires cutting to install. I am hesitant to cut the rear fascia on a lease car.

The only option I like at this point is a roof rack (no strap mounted racks). I have been considering the Volvo rails with two fork mount carriers and the Seasucker Mini Bomber. The entire Volvo kit would run $439 while the seasucker would be about $570 including the spacers for the mtb.

Anyone here use the Seasucker (or Rockbros) suction mounts?

I have watched and seen the Seasucker for years. I just don’t know about something that uses that method for my equipment. Maybe someone here that has used it and can give the skinny on it.

I use the talon, have driven at highway speeds for 8-10 hours with no issues. Would definitely recommend

Calling trekmogul

I like the look of a traditional roof rack. I was interested in getting Sea Suckers at some point, but realized that anyone could walk by, release the suction and leave with the whole thing. I know they sell locks, but it's just too much hassle for me.

I prefer a regular hard mounted system.
I have a Seasucker and it does work as advertised but it is just a bit of a hassle to mount every time you want to transport your bike.
Fine if you rarely need it or if you can't mount a regular roof rack but if neither of those apply it wouldn't be my preference.

No personal experience, but my seasonal neighbor, who worked at a bike shop in AZ, would drive between MN and AZ with his mondo-expensive bike attached with a Seasucker. He had absolute confidence in it.

Got the seasucker after seeing my dads friend arrive to a meet up with it attached to 911. It's great for occasional use and if you don't want to commit to a semi permanent solution.

I say go SeaSucker.

My gas mileage is so much better when I don't have the roof rack on - without a bike. It's not a huge hassle to put it on or take it off - just four screws - but it's enough of a hassle that I don't remove it often.

The reason I opted not to do the SeaSucker is because I often leave my bike on the roof while at work. There was not a good way to lock the bike to the car with it. Maybe newer versions have an option.

Cable ran through the bike frame and then inside doors on both sides.

i used to have a BIC rack that clipped on and off. It came with a stretch of cable with balls on each end that wouldn’t pull through the closed window.

of course all a thief has to do is break the window. But any bike lock can be defeated in a few seconds by a determined thief

I have the Thule Evo wingbar setup, with Yakima front loader carriers. I like it. When I got a new car, just had to get a different fit kit. Works well.

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85-95mph in the arabian desert headed t oa bike ride at AlQudra

If you opt NOT to go with Sea Sucker (although I've read they are absolutely great) . . .

I have a Volvo wagon with factory roof rails, to which I added Thule aero crossbars -- great fit, very secure.
But none of my bikes have quick release wheels (disc brakes on trail bikes, and a single speed bike) so I opted for upright bike trays which don't require removing the wheels.
So I use the 1UP rooftop tray and it's excellent.

All aluminum fabrication, no plastic and no springs to wear out or to rattle, it holds the wheels with contact on the tires only, so no rim contact and no frame contact.
The Thule upright carrier on the other hand has many plastic parts and adjustment points, plus the base of the Thule career was so wide on the crossbars that I could fit only 2 on my crossbars.
The 1UP is very sleek and the mounts are less than 6 inches wide . . . I'm currently using 2 but I have room enough to add 2 more and carry 4 bikes by alternating their facing directions.

If you're short like I am, you'll need to become adept at stepping onto the rear tire to get the elevation to put the bikes on and off, or use a small step stool positioned alongside the car.

I like the 1up trays with the Volvo rails. Thanks for everyone’s input!