|
I have used a Thule with Crossroad 450 load bars on three vehicles now. I can mount it in less than 5 minutes if I am not changing the carriers themselves. I don't have an issue with the height, but I am 6"4". I would carry a Rubbermaid step stool if I needed more height. I often step on the door sill (always remembering to take the cleats off first) to reach the wheels which are usually mounted on the vehicle centreline and where I have to reach up to the the hub to attach them. Pictures below on the 2003 X5, and the current X3. I have a fork-mount carrier (Thule) for the Trek carbon road bike, three Thule tray-mount carriers with a swing up arm on each for other bikes, and an ATOC tandem topper, fork mount, convertible for either a single bike or a tandem. The ATOC is now sold by Thule. I have had various combinations of three bikes mounted, often with wheels in separate holders, and could mount four bikes if I wanted (I don't have four bikes to carry at the moment, but I am working on fixing that). I don't think I could fit four bikes in fork-mount carriers with separate wheel holders, so look for tray mount models if you want four bikes up there.
I personally like the roof mount since the bikes stay cleaner IMO, and mine are high-end road bikes. I like having clear access to the rear hatch. I have used lots of roof attachments, and have never forgotten them and driven under a low clearance. You do need to remember they are there, but the sunroof helps (and you can see if the bikes are moving around while driving). I have had a hitch on most of my vehicles, and would likely use a hitch carrier if I was carrying mountain bikes (heavier to lift, often dirty after riding).
If I got a hitch carrier, it would only a design that has the bikes sitting in a wheel tray vs the ones that the bikes hang on; they are available for four bikes but I would worry about the size of the carrier. Two bike models are more convenient.
I would not buy any rack that hangs off the rear hatch, they are not in the same league.
I like Thule products, and have used them for about 20 years, but feel that Yakima are just as good. My regular supplier is Rack Attack, and since they carry all different brands they seem unbiased in their recommendations.
Thule and others have good web sites where you can build your rack, exploring the different options.
Let me know if you have any specific questions. Good luck.
__________________
2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White
Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue
|