question about the bmw bicycle lift. - Page 2

k80jr · #11 03-02-2009, 12:02 AM

We just use a Yakima hitch mount rack that will hold 4 bikes. This rack works very well and is easy to place your bike on. We used it on the vehicle we replaced ('96 Yukon). I works great on an X5 provided you have a hitch installed.

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JCL · #12 03-02-2009, 12:37 AM

A hitch mount is convenient (until you want to access the luggage compartment) but I have always found that the bikes get dirty as they are in a low-pressure zone. If I had mountain bikes, it would be my first choice. For high end road or race bikes, though, I prefer the roof mount. And if it is only one road bike, I find that it is always easier to put it inside where it is clean and secure.

apw2607 · #13 03-02-2009, 01:38 AM

I've got heavy ass downhill bikes. No way am i lifting those on the roof. It would kill your back for sure !!! The rack attached the hitch is the way to go.

k80jr · #14 03-02-2009, 10:51 AM

We just have mountain bikes and only take them to local trails. Yes, they are heavy! We could have bought a van and put them all inside, but then we would have had to drive a VAN.

golfer4life · #15 03-02-2009, 12:07 PM

I have 3 mountain bikes and use Yakima roof racks to transport my bikes. I'om only 5' 7" but never had any problems mounting my bikes. As long as I do it in a flat surface. It's pretty easy to do it on Yakima mounts and I'm even using the old mounts with wheel trays.

Roadster · #16 03-02-2009, 12:25 PM

I carry both my bikes (top end TREK road bike and Fully Mountain bike) on a hitch attached rack from Thule.
No hassle and very stable, even at high speed and easy on the back (very important as I have a bad back...)

ChesterX5 · #17 03-03-2009, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCL

I have never had trouble lifting two bikes onto an X5 (OK, I am 6'4"). They aren't mountain bikes, but one is a full race tandem. I mount two front wheels in the centre of the rack, and if I can't reach them easily I step on the door sill with the door open (no running boards). Note: take your cycling shoes and cleats off before stepping on the door sill.

This bike lift is such a BMW solution. Overengineered. They charge a fortune for it. It doesn't hold the bike as securely as a fork mount. It creates more wind noise, and puts more weight up on the roof.

The better solution is a Thule or Yakima fork mount, and if necessary, a Rubbermaid step stool for $16, as Chester noted above. Just my $0.02.

LOL at the stool, the EXACT one I use...daughters is pink though

World the same over

JCL · #18 03-03-2009, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChesterX5

LOL at the stool, the EXACT one I use...daughters is pink though

World the same over

LOL, ours is blue (but I don't use it for the bikes). We even took it with us when we moved to the UK, and then brought it back to Canada. Yes, the world is the same everywhere

X5 Meister · #19 03-05-2009, 09:51 PM

I looked into this and yep, I was wrong above and dms was right. From the installation instructions
"The heart of the bicycle life is a gas spring which is located inside the kinematic unit."

Quote:

Originally Posted by dms

Using the bike lift pictured, the bike weight is offset by SPRINGS in the lift, and you simply guide the bike up or down. It locks at either the top or bottom of travel.

How do I know? My wife has them from a previous car. Anyone else have them?

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