Anyone into cycling?

JCL · #11 08-23-2010, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZX54.4

I want to start a new/old topic that I know has already been discussed. I am looking for a new alternative to hauling the bikes around with the X. Obviously there are two options. Roof rack or hitch mount. I do not have a hitch so if I went that way that would be an additional expense. My friend has a yakima swing daddy hitch mount. It works very well. I am not sure if I want the bike on the roof because of how high they will be. I am not worried about reach to get them up there. I like the hitch idea because they are in the slipstream of the car but are probably going to get dirtier if there is any rain. If they went on the roof I would most likely get covers for the front of the bikes. If I went for the roof mount I could get dual use out of the roof rack for when I go snowboarding in the winter.

Well, fire away and let me know what your thoughts are on the topic of how to transport your bikes with the X.

Lots of threads going on bike racks. If I was to get a hitch rack, it would be one that contacted only the wheels, like the Thule T2. Nom3rcy had a good post here:

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...bike-rack.html

My set up is post #7 in that thread, here:

http://www.xoutpost.com/723674-post7.html

If I had mountain bikes, and never wanted to tow anything at the same time, I would have a rear rack since the bikes are already dirty most of the time anyway. I like road bikes on the roof, out of the grit and low pressure area behind the vehicle. I have used roof racks for years, so I am not bothered by the overheight issue, but some worry about clearance. I don't have a fabric protector for the fronts of the bikes, but plan to get a couple for a road trip in September (mainly for bugs). Something like these:

Universal Cycles -- > Auto Racks & Parts > Roof Rack Bike Bras

If you don't want to buy a hitch, but want the bikes rear-mounted, here is the BMW solution that attaches to the tow eyes in the bumper.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...rack-pics.html

And despite having all the gear, if I am just taking one bike I just throw it in the back of the X.