roof rack vs hitch rack

[ANIMAL]

This has probably already been discussed, but im torn.

I have an rsx, and I need a rack.

Im leaning towards the roof rack with a fairing for looks/more aerodynamic, but not if its gonna kill my gas mileage. Anyone prefer one over the other?

After getting a hitch theyre both about the same price too.

[DISCO]

Car=roof rack, truck buy a ladder or go hitch/spare tire.

[singlespeedrider]

If you get a roof rack remember not to pull into the garage, I have heard many horror stories.

[Pup-n-taco]

One of my buddies wrecked a bike and TWO cars with a roof rack (it fell on the truck behind him) when he forgot he had it up there. I've also wondered how the roof racks hold up in severe winds (going up to Mammoth?). I vote hitch!

[noweyout]

+1 for Hitch Rack. Don't want to lift the bike over your head if it's heavy.

[jefbystereo]

I love pulling into my garage and not having to worry about taking bikes off the top. I actually bought my hitch reciever just for my bike rack.

[Revalimage]

+1 hitch

[Shu]

I too vote hitch....
Not a fan for roof racks....btw mine is on a Jeep Patroit so I went w/ the 1 1/4" receiver to cut out on the excessive weight of the 2" receiver and the much heavier rack....

[jeff^d]

Another vote for hitch rack. I've owned both and a roof rack basically turns your car into a giant sail on the road. Fairings help but my MPG with a roof rack was still down 20-30% when hauling bikes, not to mention the power loss.

For what it's worth, though, I've driven across the country twice with a Yakima roof rack, multiple bikes, a kayak, and boxes, on top of a Ford Escort. Never once did I lose or damage items and I drove in some windy, nasty weather. Those things are solid.

[b3rnard]

I vote hitch mounted rack. I am one of those who wrecked a bike with a roof rack .

But, if I had an RSX I would not put a hitch on it

[bikeadict]

I vote hitch.

I bought a hitch for my new Matrix just so I could run a hitch rack.... Even though I already had a perfectly good roof rack.

there are lots of benefits:
-Easier to remove entire rack
-bikes go on and off easier
-Better Gas mileage with bikes on or off
-Don't have to worry about damaging the bikes / car by running into things
-Less chance damaging your car while putting the bikes on or taking them off

If you don't like the looks you could just take if off if you aren't going to be riding for a few days. I know mine comes off in about a minute.

[mealsonwheels]

I had a Yakima roof rack for 5+ years and have had a hitch rack for 4+ years and I wouldn't go back to a roof rack. It was noisy, a pain lifting heavy bikes onto the roof and reduced gas mileage. My biggest complaint was the noise from the rack.

[KonaDawgDeluxe]

I have two Yakima Sprocket Rockets roof racks on my VW Bunny. I don't have a problem lifting any of my three bikes (MTB, CX, Road bike). I always check to make sure the base rack is nice and secure when I gas up. My only issue is my mileage per gallon has dropped about 3% without any bikes on top and up to 7% with bikes on top with the fairing installed. No wind noise with the fairing and mimimal wind noise without the fairing. I've been told you get better gas mileage without the fairing installed because the wind/air passes right through between the cross bars and top of your roof. I like the fact that I can add accessories to my base rack like baskets, brackets for kayaks/surfboards, and storage boxes. I considered a hitch for my Bunny but I didn't want any plastic cut at the rear spoiler to accomodate the installation. I guess garages or anything low can be catastrophic just like a hitch getting rear ended.

[ptfmb71]

I've had both and would never use a Roof rack unless I had to. Hitch is sooooo much easier and you can see your bike in the mirror. I also don't have to remove the wheel....just put my bike on and go.

The only drawback is that I have it folded up when there is no bike on it, so I have to fold it back down if I open the rear door.

[27tat27]

if its on the roof it wont get fed up in a rear end crash...at least you will have a bike to ride to work when the car is getting fixed...!!!

[chevrolegs]

I've had a roof rack for the past year and I've been losing about 40 miles per tank (I've been getting around 300-310) when I used to get about 350.

Roof racks definitely look cooler, but if you mind losing the gas mileage then I'd say go hitch rack imo.

[timber725]

After I crashed and got shuttled to the emergency room on an ambulance, my buddy followed with my scion. He drove right into the parking structure like any normal people would. He only forgot that there were two bikes up on top. (was on top).

The bikes stayed on the rack, but the rack tore my roof pillars apart. The repair for the damage cost more than bike rack.

I'll still keep using the bike rack. It looks better, reduce gas mileage, and won't slam the driveway like a hitch rack would.

[BIO]

Originally Posted by ANIMAL

This has probably already been discussed, but im torn.

I have an rsx, and I need a rack.

Im leaning towards the roof rack with a fairing for looks/more aerodynamic, but not if its gonna kill my gas mileage. Anyone prefer one over the other?

After getting a hitch theyre both about the same price too.

roof looks more sportier on a 2 door but....

after 3 months of use one i decided to go with the hitch rack, it is easier to load & unload the bike (after a long ride it really matters), easier to take it off and it wont attract the attention of rats waitting to snnape it off your car.

[Jeryang]

Hitch!

Animal: I've got an Accord with the Raxter Rack hitch rack... best hitch rack ever. So easy, fast, secure. I love it.

I was running a roof rack before... sucked. Putting it on, taking it off, having to lift it above the car every time, just a pain. The hitch is SO much easier.

Make sure to get a hitch rack that doesn't touch the frame. Another hitch rack I had, used the upside down J-hook that goes over the frame (like this). After a long drive to Sea Otter, paint on the top tube was rubbed off by the hook.

Get the hitch (I've gotten 4 cars done at u-haul) + raxter rack, and you're all set. My raxter is 3.5 years and running. It's still in REALLY good shape. Been to Colorado and nor-cal multiple times.


RL & the Raxter at Sea Otter... yeah, he likes it too.

[rwmagnus]

No way would I put a hitch on an rsx. Just get a high quailty roof rack. Gas milage is what it is don't worry about it. Hitches are for trucks and SUVs.