bike rack

higgledy · Sep 23, 2014

For a 2014 Golf, any recommendations on a roof rack to carry bikes? Or is the hitch-mounted bike rack the way to go? I already own a nice Thule hitch-mount bike rack, but no hitch on my Golf. I really don't care for the look of a hitch on a Golf.

DerekG · Sep 23, 2014

I have both a hitch rack for my golf and a roof rack for my other car. I prefer the hitch rack for bikes, much easier and quicker to load/unload and less likely to scratch the paint of your roof. You also get the added benefit of less aero drag with the hitch mount. Unless you need a roof rack for a cargo box/kayak or your Thule rack doesn't tilt to allow access to the hatch then I would say hitch mount. I use the Yakima double down and it has the tilt feature so hatch access isn't a problem.

yatzee · Sep 23, 2014

must prefer the hitch rack. I've damaged cars over the years trying get bikes onto the roof and won't do that again.

DRbillZ · Sep 23, 2014

Roof rack. It isn't a matter of if, it's a matter of when you run your bikes into something. Fortunately I stopped using mine before it happened.

oilhammer · Sep 23, 2014

higgledy said:
. I really don't care for the look of a hitch on a Golf.

That's why you install one that you can't see.

For bikes, though, can't help you. I have a Eurovan for that.

yatzee · Sep 23, 2014

oilhammer said:
That's why you install one that you can't see.

For bikes, though, can't help you. I have a Eurovan for that.

slightly OT - i have a strange desire to own a Weekender...

higgledy · Sep 23, 2014

OK. Then I'll order a hitch for my car. I was always nervous about entering the garage with a bike on the rack anyway.

S2000_guy · Sep 23, 2014

Roof rack: harder to load; you're at risk of forgetting they're up there and driving into something with low clearance, like a garage door. Been there, done that.

Hitch rack: easier to load; bikes are in the stream of water and dirt thrown up by the car so they get filthy in the rain; the bikes are toast if you get rear-ended.

You pay your money and take your chances...

84Bruiser · Sep 24, 2014

I just ordered a CURT, plan to install it soon.

I have a 1upUSA rack on my Suburban, and I just bought a second for my JSW.

Tfuce · Sep 25, 2014

I have been folding down the seats and using the hatch on the golf. Not very practical but better for the car's paint and better for the bike.

84Bruiser · Sep 29, 2014

Installed yesterday. I skipped the wiring harness, plan to only carry bikes.

YukonLT · Sep 29, 2014

Roof rack with Yakima Front Loaders!!

kobrian85 · Sep 29, 2014

I have a Yakima Whispbar setup with RockyMount Euro Pitchforks.

S2000_guy hit the nail on the head.

I'm one of those that have already driven my bike into the garage; luckily I didn't damage anything on the bike, car or house, but it's a hard lesson that hopefully is only taught once.

akrievins · Sep 29, 2014

84Bruiser said:
Installed yesterday. I skipped the wiring harness, plan to only carry bikes.

That's a quality looking bike rack. Who makes it?

Cooper · Sep 29, 2014

I've had roof racks for my cars and used two different style Thule carriers: fork mount and sidearm.

Bought a hitch for my wife's car and a hitch carrier: Thule Helium.

I prefer the hitch mount.

Cooper · Sep 29, 2014

kobrian85 said:
... I'm one of those that have already driven my bike into the garage ...

One of the Administrators at VWvortex did that, too.

I've come close to doing it at the house we used to go to on the Outer Banks.

84Bruiser · Sep 29, 2014

akrievins said:
That's a quality looking bike rack. Who makes it?

http://www.1upusa.com/

I have 2 of their racks, one for my Suburban and one for my JSW.

vw_leadfoot · Oct 1, 2014

I vote hitch rack...

higgledy · Oct 4, 2014

Nice hitch install and really cool bike rack. IDK, maybe I am just a perv, but every time I see those Euro hitches I think penis.

Fantasiamon · Oct 4, 2014

WhispBars and RockyMount Euro Fork on my Wagen. Prefer to a hitch. I've seen too many people rear end hitches while not paying attention behind you.

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ksing44 · Oct 5, 2014

Just for fun, here's my old Saris hitch rack with 2 of my bikes. The old rack is steel instead of aluminum, doesn't fold down, and doesn't have the cradles to prevent sway, but I don't use it that often so I haven't upgraded yet. The new lighter hitch racks are nice and they have lots of features too. One of these days I'l have to get one. I'll stay with the hanging bike variety, just the latest, greatest, lightest version.

on Flickr

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