Roadies/Cyclists

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by CleanIsFast

I don't recommend the tow hitch mounted bike racks. I know the access is easier because of the height but they're more likely to damage your car contrary to popular belief. Everyone is afraid to ruin their roof when mounting stuff. The x5 has the roof rails already so a bar mount system from Thule isn't expensive because its universal. Thule makes the BMW branded racks and hardware. Also, tow hitch bike racks put stress on the bike frame because they don't mount by the wheels or the fork.

Not True!

I use a hitch rack and roof racks for the family bikes.

For the hitch rack, I have a Saris ride on rack. It holds two bikes and the great thing about it is that the bike is held onto the rack by the wheels, so if you have a Carbon frame you don't have to worry about any damages to the frame. I have a Cervelo and Felt road bike and a Motobecane Cyclocross bike.





For the roof racks I have Thule Bigmouth racks. They are used for my kids bikes since they are a lot smaller and easier to lift up. I still carry a stoop with me to get the bikes onto the roof.

I'm thinking of buying a small trailer and mounting either Yakima or Thule roof racks so I don't have to lift the bike onto the roof.