Interior bike rack versus roof rack

[sunc]

We're trying to decide which way we should go in terms of carrying our bikes in or on the X3. I'm tempted to go with the interior one because it protects the bike in the X3, no hit on gas mileage, and is a pretty specific thing to the X3. The roof rack makes more sense in terms of flexibility with other accessories (skis etc...) and I save on space inside the X3. Any thing else I should think about?

Another thing, I'd hate to be forced to take the bike rails on and off of the X3 if we went with the interior option (since you need to fold the rear seats down). Can I slide it through the ski slot (we have the winter package)?

Finally, does anyone know if the roof rack is similar to Yakima or Thule? Is it round or elipical (meaning I can use another brand's bike rails)? And does it make wind noise if left on the roof?

Thanks!

[Juanted]

I can't specifically help you with your question, sunc. I just wanted to welcome you to the board. I hope you become a regular. I am certain that you will get an answer to your question.

In my opinion, though, I'd do the exterior rack, if for no other reason than to save room inside the car. Good luck, and keep us updated. You should post pics of your ride, by the way.

Juan

[RealShakaZulu]

IMO... an exterior rack is the way to go. The interior of an X5 or X3 is not going to be ble to swallow two bikes without the rear seats down. If you ride often, you will quickly get tired of dragging the bikes in and out of your car, folding and unfolding the seats and (if mountain biking) cleaning the grime from you carpeted interior. If gas mileage and protecting you bikes from flying debris is a concern, get a rear trunk carrier. I personally use Thule 450 Crossbars with the factory rails as they are less expensive that OEM bars and are made to fit my other Thule systems for my canoe, bikes, snowboards and luggage bag. As to Thule vs Yakima... the choice is a matter of preference and often religious... SQUARE RULES... sorry, if came over me all of a sudden.

[sunc]

Originally Posted by Kaefer

I can't specifically help you with your question, sunc. I just wanted to welcome you to the board. I hope you become a regular. I am certain that you will get an answer to your question.

In my opinion, though, I'd do the exterior rack, if for no other reason than to save room inside the car. Good luck, and keep us updated. You should post pics of your ride, by the way.

Juan

Juan, thanks for the greeting. I've spent quite a bit of time looking at the forums and reading up - these types of sites are a great resource that has helped us greatly deciding upon the X3, negotiating our price, and getting the right package. I'll take pictures soon - got Black Saphire with Biege interior. Looks great right now. Hopefully we can keep it looking that way!

In terms of the exterior bike rack, I'm tempted to go that route except I hate the wind noise that comes with an external rack. A hitch rack might work, but I wouldn't want to keep it there all the time. Taking that on and off will be a pain too (I had one before and was always paranoid about hitting something as I back up). Costs are also playing into this as the interior rack is pretty cheap, but the roof rack could come in handy...

Need to think about this some more. Thanks for the input!

SC

[sunc]

Originally Posted by RealShakaZulu

I personally use Thule 450 Crossbars with the factory rails as they are less expensive that OEM bars and are made to fit my other Thule systems for my canoe, bikes, snowboards and luggage bag. As to Thule vs Yakima... the choice is a matter of preference and often religious... SQUARE RULES... sorry, if came over me all of a sudden.

Do you find you have to get a wind fairing or is the wind noise not that bad? I looked on the Yakima site and they don't have anything for the X3 yet... I guess Thule would be the way to go. Although a certain dealer in souther California has reasonable prices on the OEM stuff. And ebay...

[RealShakaZulu]

Originally Posted by sunc

Do you find you have to get a wind fairing or is the wind noise not that bad? I looked on the Yakima site and they don't have anything for the X3 yet... I guess Thule would be the way to go. Although a certain dealer in southern California has reasonable prices on the OEM stuff. And ebay...

You will need a fairing,. for the wind noise is noticeable (I use a loud stereo to offset this problem). If you are looking for a deal on the Thule stuff, check Craig's List.

[pseto]

I think you should get a hitch installed and get a Thule hitch-mounted bike carrier. I used to put the bikes inside the X, but that became a pain having to manuevering them to fit correctly. Removing/installing the hitch isn't that bad, plus I rather have the room inside to store bags and stuff when I take the bikes on trips. I ride regularly, and speak from experience.