Need a bike rack

[imported_nerve]

I have an 02 Nissan Altima. I am looking for a new rack system. I used to have a hitch rack on my old blazer but it died.

What should I get? I was looking at Thule and Yakima which seem to be the only reputable company.

I have a $1000 Specialized mountain bike and I want to be sure not to lose it on the highway.

Please chime in with any recommendations please. I have yet to check out a cycle shop since they seem to only stay open until 6.

Thanks

 

[pcslookout]

It won't fit in your car ?

 

[michaels]

I swear I thought of making a thread complaining about all the posers who just get bike racks because they seem to be trendy. Every turd around with a Jetta or basically any 4door thinks they need a bike rack.

 

[Lonyo]

Argh, I did post a thread about this at some stage, but I can't find it.
There was one which kept being recommended though.
I *THINK* it was the Saris Sentinel. Can't be 100% sure though, but that's what I think was recommended.

 

[pcslookout]

Sometimes they don't want to scratch such a huge investment.

 

[imported_nerve]

What if i preferred not to put it in my trunk?
What if I have things in my trunk?
What if I usually have 2 bikes with me?
What if I didnt want to scratch the paint because my friggin bike hangs out?

how am i some kind of poser? I want to travel with my bike on a trip.

+1 to your post count congrats

 

[michaels]

Originally posted by: nerve
What if i preferred not to put it in my trunk?
What if I have things in my trunk?
What if I usually have 2 bikes with me?
What if I didnt want to scratch the paint because my friggin bike hangs out?

how am i some kind of poser? I want to travel with my bike on a trip.

+1 to your post count congrats

I wasn't referring to you, the thread topic made me think of all the posers who do it to be trendy.

 

[imported_nerve]

Originally posted by: michaels

Originally posted by: nerve
What if i preferred not to put it in my trunk?
What if I have things in my trunk?
What if I usually have 2 bikes with me?
What if I didnt want to scratch the paint because my friggin bike hangs out?

how am i some kind of poser? I want to travel with my bike on a trip.

+1 to your post count congrats

I wasn't referring to you, the thread topic made me think of all the posers who do it to be trendy.

Go ahead and make a thread about posers. I just wanted to know what is a viable option.

Thanks to the ones who actually provide input on topic

 

[michaels]

mr. serious pants mountain biker

 

[RKS]

I had a Yakima on my 95 Max, just switched the Q-Towers to put in on my wife's 98 Passat. Now we have a large SUV and the rack along with 2 bike holders in just rusting in the garage.

I liked the Yakima items intially but everything seemed to rust. I am not sure about Thule but I wonder if there are any stainless or rust-resistent components.

 

[imported_nerve]

Originally posted by: michaels
mr. serious pants mountain biker

you know you want to see me in spandex

 

[pcslookout]

Originally posted by: nerve

Originally posted by: michaels
mr. serious pants mountain biker

you know you want to see me in spandex

What is the stuff even for ? I never could tell.

 

[imported_nerve]

I think its to prevent chaffing (sp?)

 

[Dirigible]

I've got a Yakima roof rack and quite like it. Agee's is a good place to order new over the internet (although their packaging is pretty ugly). Use Craigslist for the best prices. If you have a garage you drive into, better be sure you'll remember when there's a bike on top. More than one person I know has driven home after a ride, only to hear sickening noises from up above as they go into their garage - screwed up bike, rack and/or car roof. Thule makes essentially the same sort of roof rack as Yakima. No significant difference that I'm aware of.

You could also get a hitch for your car. If you go that route, the Thule T2 is quite good (I think they bought out Sportsworks or something). No low clearance problems, no additional wind resistance when you're driving, but having the rack on the back can be a little bit of a pain.

 

[Dirigible]

Originally posted by: nerve
I think its to prevent chaffing (sp?)

Yup. When I first really started riding I thought the bike shorts were dumb. Pretty quickly I realized their purpose and got a few pairs.

 

[Brutuskend]

Saris makes the best out there as far as I'm concerned!!

look here as well

 

[Bacstar]

I've used Yakima racks on my car for almost 15 years. Each time i get a new car, all I have to do is buy the mounting gear for whatever car I get. I've driven cross country several times with bikes at various speeds with never any problems.

As far as attachments go for mounting bikes. I can't remember the names but I have one that has an arm that locks on to a pedal crank arm, and I have another that holds the entire front tire, each style has ratcheting wheel binders and some keyed locking cable or mechanism.

Pricey but worth the money. Thule makes good racks too.

 

[Kelemvor]

I have a Yakima Backswing. Got it a couple years ago for Christmas but jsut used it for the first time a few weeks ago. Works great.

http://www.yakima.com/Product.aspx?id=31