# 1
Yakima FrontLoader Wheel Mount Bike Carrier - Roof Mount
Great rack! Many improvement over the current yakima product. Easy to install, easy to mount bike, everything quick to turn by hand-no tools necessary. May have to get another one.
Great product! Exactly what I hoped the rack would be, but be sure your order locks! They are not included by Yakama.
# 2
Rhino-Rack MountainTrail Rooftop Bike Carrier - Fork Mount
I've had this bike roof rack for 1 year and I'm happy to say that it was the right product to purchase. I've had no problems at all with the racks. I bought a pair for my Subaru Outback and had my bicycle repair guy install it for me. I feel secure in that it locks the bikes in place and keeps them sturdy on the roof. I'm glad I got the one where you remove the front tire of the bike. The other style would make it much to hard to remove the bikes from the roof. I usually put the bikes up and remove them with my wife and the aid of a small step stool. It's been really great riding with our bikes to our favorite bike trails. Would highly recommend Rhino for making such a great product.
I mounted this on my 2011 Subaru Outback in about one hour. The instructions were in error as in Step 1 it has you put on the end-cap first. But then you have to take the end-cap off in order to thread on the Wheel Strap. I mounted the bike (29 inch hard-tail) and it seems sturdy and secure. So far so good. Will it keep the bike on in Wyoming cross winds? This remains to be seen.
# 3
Yakima ForkLift Roof Mounted Bike Carrier - Fork Mount
The clamps fit factory oval cross bars. No adapters necessary. Setup on my 04 Outback took 20 minutes.
Once I figured out that my factory crossbars *could be moved* everything worked (2009 Subaru Outback). If you happen to have fixed position crossbars, and your bike's wheelbase just happens to place the rear wheel exactly in the middle of the rear clamp, then it won't work (even if you get the free fix). The rear tire ratcheting tie down (wheel tray) can't be placed suitably close to the rear wheel for buckling. Also, the clamps don't *exactly* match the shape of my crossbars, so the gripping force is not spread out. I need a notch between the upper and middle notches, or a rubbery, compressible surface.
# 4
Swagman Fork Down Roof Mounted Bike Carrier - Fork Mount
Goes together quickly, appears that it will fit my needs in terms of being cross-compatible on a variety of vehicles. Fit on a Subaru Outback factory crossbar and transported bike locally with no issues when I got it out to set up and test (not quite warm enough to ride much yet where I live). Instructions are not super, but the assembly is pretty straightforward so that is not a problem. At the price point, if this rack indeed holds up to swapping onto multiple vehicles and lasts me a few years, I'll be thrilled with the purchase.
The rack was pretty much as should be expected at this price point. It works, but not great quality. For one, the paint easily chips off. Another, the rails are a bit flimsy and twist when you tighten the rear wheel firmly. The directions don't explain a number of small items (which make for a better installation) such as make sure the lever is positioned on the outside for easier installation of the bike, why is there one different bolt, whether the bikes should be mounted forward, backward or it doesn't matter, the rails have a right (and less right) way of going together, the strap for the rear tire "will" fall off of the rack if you forget to reinsert it after taking the bike off of the car. Despite these shortcomings, the rack works well at an inexpensive price...I think a pretty good value
What our customers are saying:
"Sent out an e-mail to you earlier this week asking which hitch woudld be the best choice for installing on a 2000 Venture van for hauling a bike rack with two bikes. You suggested the one that would be easiest to install..received in a matter of days..installation went great ..very well thought out instructions. Everything went smooothly and the hitch is up nice and snug..doesn't stick out..looks great."