Dear fellow bikers, as the title suggests, I would like to know the pros and cons of both systems. As I'm finally thinking of keeping the mess out of my car after the rides, I'm hoping experienced users of bike rack systems can help. I noticed most of you use the roof mounties. Thanks in anticipation.

-- Calvin (calvinch@hotmail.com), July 10, 2003

Answers

I've used both types. I LOVED the Thule Raider, which mounted onto the spare wheel of my old 4wd. The only thing that I'd complain about was that the knobs for fixing the arms of the carrier came off the bolt. Not a big problem, just use a 10mm spanner to tighten the bolt.

The other thing about the design was that there was a little abrasion were the rubber touched the frame. Scuffed my bike's frame a bit, which was a small price to pay for the advantages, which were:

• NO MORE WORRIES ABOUT LOW CLEARANCE. Whew. What a relief.
• I could drive at 140km/h without worrying about blasting the grease out of my headset ;-)

It was as just as secure as the various roof rack mounts I've used. I've since sold the Land Rover and bought a pick-up, so not using the Raider anymore. Interested? Cheep cheep.

Joe

-- Joe (joeadnan@yahoo.com), July 10, 2003.

Hey Joe, does the Raider suit hatchback and saloon cars? I'm looking for a rack that carries 3 bikes or at least have that kind of option. Scuffing the bike is one thing but does reardoor mounties cause scuff marks at the points where it touches the car?

-- Calvin (calvinch@yahoo.com), July 10, 2003.

Nope, the Raider fits onto the spare wheel mounted on the rear door of 4wds. When you wrote "reardoor mounted", I assumed that that's what you meant.

I've got no personal experience with boot-mounted systems, although a friend once lost his bike on the Karak highway using one. When he and his friends realised the bike had parted company with the rack, they had gone past the toll, and so had to go all the way to Genting Sempah before they could turn around. By the time they got back, there was no trace of his Giant. An old man was reported to have seen riding a high-end Giant in Gombak some time later...

-- Joe (joeadnan@yahoo.com), July 15, 2003.

He he he! funny one, Joe. Sorry about the term used. Anybody else with anymore bike rack horror stories, boot-mounted or roof-mounted?

-- Calvin (calvinch@yahoo.com), July 15, 2003.

I don't have any experience yet the racks but been doing some homework to get one for myself. A friend been using reardoor mounted rack for his 4WD & has no complaint. On top of that he had driven 140km/h on highway with his bike on it & his bike still attached. But, he's been keeping the rack at home since he find it difficult while driving & worrying about the clearance between his bike's wheel potruding at the sides of his car & the incoming vehicles.

Another occuring happened with the roof mounted rack to a friend when she entered Jaya Jusco carpack. Her bike with the rack came out hitting the low carpark tob beam. She came out bursting with tears when she saw her bike lying there helplessly but still attached to the rack.

To my conclusion at the moment, I'll just maintain the effort transporting my bike inside my 4WD which I find it more secured & less worries.

-- Amir (wcr1414@yahoo.co.uk), July 15, 2003.

I had a nasty accident on the highway not too long ago. My car somehow ended up doing a tango with the divider resulting in deep gashes all along the right side of the car. Luckily the two bikes are mounted on the roof n not on the rear. Otherwise u can imagine the extent of the damage :o(

-- judogurl (judogurl2148@yahoo.com), July 22, 2003.

Looks like roof mounted is the way to go. Presently deciding between Thule Tour 510 or Thule VeloVise 511. Would appreciate fellow bikers to advise which is better (less wind noise, secure, practical, etc) Much thanks!

-- Jason (jet_603@yahoo.com), July 22, 2003.

But wait! Here's another horror story: one Saturday afternoon a long long time ago, I hopped into the truck to go my parents house, forgetting that I had the bike on the roof. I swung the truck out of the flat's car park, and heard the torturous screech of metal against metal. I had driven under an awning, and the bike rack was torn off the roof. The damage? A few thousand dollars to repair the roof on the car, and 3 busted racks. The bike? A scratch on the headtube decal.

Sometimes a little mud in the car is not so bad after all.

-- Joe (joeadnan@yahoo.com), July 23, 2003.

There you go. As I said earlier, with a little mud & aroma in your car, you can still drive & transport your bike safely with no worries of exposing your bike to external hazards. Good luck.

-- Amir (wcr1414@yahoo.co.uk), July 23, 2003.

But the car can only carry one bike inside unless its a MPV, SUV or big 4WD. A mountainbiking outing with 3 friends would mean a 3 car motorcade.

-- KC (kchiah@hotmail.com), July 25, 2003.

Roof mount is more safe from the hit. To avoid shock and shiver, check it out new carrier at www.wildtop.com

-- jason kim (skibox@hotmail.com), October 06, 2003.

Totally agree that a roof rack is the way to go. Owned a Rhode Gear that can carry 3 bikes (and still do... any takers? Going cheap!!!). I find that it gets lose and I have to constantly check. Especially with the potholes in Malaysian roads. With my roofrack now, I am grinning from ear to ear!!! The con? Had to pay much, much more for a roof rack!!!

-- Alvin (ac3@lycos.com), December 10, 2003.

Everyone hauls their bike outside the car? I like the idea of keeping my bike inside. I'm looking for a vehicle and I want it to be easy and safe to tote the bike.

I'm looking at minivans - not cool but cheap and effective. The Honda Element is cool - although low HP. I was hoping there were others who have had good luck with minivans.

Anyone?

-- carneyvore Trek OCLV Pro Issue

-- carneyvore (foo@bar.com), February 29, 2004.