Opinions on SUV TV roof-mount bike carriers

[geotex1]

Folks,

Looking for advice/opinions/reviews of roof-mounted bike carriers. Our 2004 Yukon XL 2500 has factory roof rack and crossbars, and I'd prefer to use them. Will only be carrying two bikes. I have a 29" wheel model and my wife a 26". Prefer a rack where we don't have to pull the front tire. Have looked at Thule and Yakima, any tertiary brands to consider? We're not hardcore, knowledgeable cyclists, just enjoy riding light trails, bike paths, rail trail type stuff.

Thanks!

[geotex1]

Wow, I thought for sure some folks would have experience here.

Our mind may have been made up with a pair of like new Thule racks that went up on Craigslist last night for the price of one new one. Going to check them out tomorrow.

[bikendan]

You really can't go wrong with either.
I tend to go with Yakima, since they are a US company and Thule is not.
but both are the best, at what they do, especially roof racks.

[WrongWayRandall]

I've used Yakima racks on various vehicles for around 25 years now and have never had any issues with them. I carry bikes and a canoe at various times (sometimes at the same time) and would not consider another brand. Your mileage may vary

- Randy

[MtnGuy]

Yakima racks here, also. I have used both the front fork mount style, and those that don't require the wheel to be removed, and much prefer the front fork mount system. I borrowed a older style Yakima rack system that both wheels were left in place, and every time we stopped, I would have to re-position the bikes, as they would be leaning. Maybe the newer styles do a better job of supporting the bike....don't know. I am now using the Yakima CopperHeads that I used as a roof mount on my Blazer on my truck.



Another advantage of the front fork mount system, is that it rides lower than the wheel on version. Drop the seat down, and you can probably have about a foot less height. I know that doesn't matter while pulling a conventional camper, but it would while pulling a fold down camper or not pulling a camper at all.

[flugelboneman]

Quite a significant drop in fuel economy with all these roof type racks. Up to 3 MPG in some vehicles.

[geotex1]

Thanks for the insights all! I think if the Thule ones don't measure up, I'll go with the Yakima carriers. Reason for going with front wheel on carrier is largely due to the fact that when we camp the cargo area of the Yukon is packed with our clean clothes and consumables. DW isn't big on tossing dirty wheels in back... I don't, however, like the idea of constantly needing to adjust them. DW also doesn't like messing with the wheel... Hmmmm....

Originally Posted by flugelboneman

Quite a significant drop in fuel economy with all these roof type racks. Up to 3 MPG in some vehicles.

I could make your eyeballs spin with a discussion of aerodynamics and drag, induced eddies and turbulence! However, makes no difference whatsoever with our setup as we're rolling 12'-3" road to top of A/C. So there's already significant frontal area, though profiled, lending resistance, and it would be only a minor variation over hauling our two kayaks on their J-racks. With the 8.1L, it 10.3 mpg average no matter what.

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by geotex1

I think if the Thule ones don't measure up, I'll go with the Yakima carriers. Reason for going with front wheel on carrier is largely due to the fact that when we camp the cargo area of the Yukon is packed with our clean clothes and consumables. DW isn't big on tossing dirty wheels in back...

Yakima Wheel Fork

[geotex1]

Originally Posted by MtnGuy

Yakima Wheel Fork

Nice. Had no idea...