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(More customer reviews)I purchased this roof bike rack from a retailer, so the price on Amazon is about $20 less (each)... so you get a better deal on Amazon.I'm not a bike specialist and this is my first bike roof rack.I also had this rack installed onto the base rack onto my car by the retailer.The process took a little less than an hour.
I would have preferred a hitch rack installed on the rear of my car but I learned my car (MINI Clubman) is a bit difficult to install a hitch.You would have to take the rear bumper off and the two rear tire fenders... install the hitch and put everything back together.I wasn't in the mood to chance it since my car is new and installation of a hitch + bike rack and all its accessories would've got me in the $1,000 range.The hitch would've come in handy though.Here's why:
If you're short like me, having a bike rack on the roof of your car is a bit of a chore.It's certainly possible, but imagine yourself lifting your bike over your head and having to fit it on the rack without dropping it.No room for error on this or else it crashes on top of your car and perhaps does damage on your sunroof.In addition, you'll have to balance the bike (while you're holding from the side of the car) and strap your bike in (using one hand) while your other hand is holding onto the bike frame or pedal.So for me, it's a two-person job.
Onto the bike rack itself...
I was told it's a new model from Yakima.It's a little heavier than a single bike tray since it has two enforcements for the front bike tire.It's made out of aluminum, so it doesn't rust much with a black powder coat.The overall look is nice on my car, since I have a black top.With everything installed, including a wind deflector I purchased separately... my car looks like a pseudo-military vehicle.The wind deflector is necessary because with the bars I have (and this rack), I was told it's not aerodynamic so you hear a little whistling.The wind deflector, which I got for $60, works great.
Before you put the bike on your roof (and onto the rack), you need to pre-determine the measurements of the two enforcements that will squeeze the front tire on the rack.This is determined by the size of your front bike tire.You need to do this before you pick up the bike and place it on the rack the first time - trust me on this.
Once you've got the front fitted and the front tire is firmly in place... there is a simple strap for the rear bike tire, which is strong.So it's important that you get the right fitting in the front and force it tightly so it fits correctly with your front tire size.
All in all, it's not an exact science.It's only as good as you configure your bike into the rack.There's no "snap", "crackle", and "pop" to tell you that it's secure and everything will be OK.You need to put your bikes in tight enough so when you try to wiggle the bike in the rack, there's only a little bit of "give".
There's a bike lock on the rack so you can tie it around your bike frame - but it's only a wire lock.This won't keep your bike secure on the road... only secure it from someone trying to steal your bike when you're parked.
Last, but not least, there's also a lock, sold separately, for the rack - that attaches to your base rack... so people can't steal your rack while it's parked.
My configuration as follows:
- I already had factory installed roof rails on my car.
- I had to purchase a roof base... these are the two bars that run sideways on top of the factory roof rails.These are fastened onto the roof rails.
- I purchased the Yakima Front Loader (2) for two bikes.
- I also purchased the wind deflector separately.This is installed in the front of the rack on top of your car.
- Purchased the locks that fit the bars and racks separately.
I've had this rack for about two weeks now.It's pretty cool looking, only as secure as you want it, but takes your bikes anywhere you want to go.This rack is slightly less expensive than other Yakima racks with a similar design... but more expensive than most racks like it on the market.
One quick note on price... I had a little sticker shock when I came up with the total for the whole bike rack.With labor, it cost me a little less than $850 for two Yakima bike racks, the base racks (2 bars), and the locks for the base rack and Yakima racks, and the wind deflector.Perhaps I got hosed???Aside from that, I'm pretty happy with it.
I'll post updates as I use this rack more in the near future.So far, so good.I hope this helps you.
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Yakima Frontloader Rooftop Bike CarrierProduct Description: Easily transport your bike whether you're driving across the country or simply heading to the trail with the Yakima Frontloader rooftop bike carrier. Yakima's most versatile rooftop bike mount, the Frontloader fits most crossbar types--including round, square, or factory crossbars--right out of the box.
The Frontloader's front wheel clamp fixes your bike to the roof of your car. No need to mess with frustrating tools or poorly designed clamps. More importantly, the Frontloader is a breeze to use. Just place your bike's front wheel in the jaws of the front clamp and lock it, and then tighten the rear clamp on the back wheel. The bike stays vertical throughout the process, so all you have to do is roll it up and latch it down. In addition, the rack includes an adjustable sliding wheel tray that accommodates frames and wheels of all sizes, from 20-inch kids' wheels all the way up to 29-inch mountain and 700c road wheels (with the exception of tandems and recumbents). Got a funky suspension system or a pesky thru axle? Not a problem with the Frontloader.
Finally, the Frontloader comes equipped with a tough security system that locks your bike to the bike mount and the bike mount to your car rack, so you can head into the restaurant without fearing for your bike's safety (SKS lock cores are sold separately). The Frontloader--which folds flat when not in use--measures 56 by 7.5 by 7 inches (W x H x D) and weighs 13 pounds.
About Yakima Yakima has been dedicated to eradicating "rack envy" for more than 30 years. The company employs a ton of cyclists, campers, skiers, snowboarders, climbers, hikers, and kayakers, all of whom load up their car racks and take to the forests, slopes, and waterways every chance they get. This dedication helps Yakima come up with new ideas and inspirations each year. Ideas like, "Hey, let's make a snow mount you can operate with gloves on so we don't get a debilitating case of popsicle finder." Or, "Let's put padding and nets in our cargo boxes so gear doesn't rattle around like it's in a giant maraca." And, "Let's put integrated bottle openers on hitch-mount bike racks, since you can't carry one around while you're wearing spandex fancy pants." Boasting a legacy of innovation and quality, Yakima is headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon.
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