# 1
Thule UpRide Roof Bike Rack - Wheel Mount - Clamp On or Channel Mount - Aluminum
Very easy to use (once you do it a couple of times). I have ebikes and they handled the weight (48lbs each). The biggest issue I have with this racking system is wishing there was a left and right models of it...unless I didn't see one when ordering.
Basically, bolt it to your rack and you're ready to go. Easy to use once you do it a few times. My only complaint is for $200 they could throw in a lock core. Also, this etrailer response is incorrect, it is actually pretty simple to swap the operation of the rack to work on the driver's side (without having your bike face the wrong direction). Two plastic locks hold the main assembly together, unlock, take the hook out and put in the other way. The loop thing at the front is held in by one allen bolt on the bottom; take it out, swap the direction. Finally, the rear tire strap slides out the back; reverse it and slide it on. It takes longer to put the carrier on /off your rack than to swap the direction (not more than 10 minutes).
# 2
Thule ProRide XT Roof Bike Rack - Frame Mount - Clamp On or Channel Mount - Aluminum
We now have 4 of these bike racks and love them. etrailer did an awesome job processing our order quickly and when 2 of them arrived with missing end caps, they quickly rectified the situation and sent the replacement parts quickly so we were able to make our trip as scheduled. Great customer service.
Thule never disappoints! I’ve had my Thule Roof Rack for over 10 years and final added the Thule Proride Xt Roof Bike Rack. Best investment for my ‘09 Mini Cooper
# 3
Inno Tire Hold II Roof Bike Rack - Wheel Mount - Clamp On - Aluminum
So close! This rack is great, with a few caveats... First, it's almost too small for an XL (21" frame, 29" tires) mountain bike. I had to completely remove the adjustable wheel holder thingy on the rear arm (brace? lever? support?) to be able to properly fit my bike. Not a deal breaker, but not really working as intended, I think. Second, the front mounting bracket is... middling. It doesn't have a lever like the rear, and so tightness is purely dependent on how hard you can twist the little knob. Also, there's only one in the front, unlike the double setup in the rear. The brackets, themselves, aren't designed particularly well. I'm not sure what crossbars they were using as a baseline, but the angles just don't make sense. (at least to me...what do I know) What I do know, is that they don't grip the factory Outback crossbars very well, and I found myself constantly adjusting and tightening them to where I wouldn't get any sliding left to right on the crossbar. (I did finally get it to where I was satisfied, but it took some doing, and I imagine it would be like that every time if you wanted to take the rack off occasionally.) TL,DR: Does the rack do what I need it to do? Yes. Is the fitment a bit frustrating? Kinda. Are there other similar options out there? Not many, and none that I could find at this price point. Would I recommend, or buy again? Yes and Yes.
The bike rack worked well until the ratcheting teeth on the track became worn. Now I can't tighten the tire hold levers. I contacted customer service in March, and they said they would contact me when the replacement part came in. It's now November, and I'm still without a working bike rack. Definitely inhibited my mountain biking this summer, which was a huge bummer.
What our customers are saying:
"great experience!!! I've been looking for a hitch. With the experience I just had with the bike rack, I;kk definitely come back and order the hitch when I have a little more $$$. delivery was quick! the product was awesome!!! Frank"