Looking for bike roof rack

wddung · 10-31-2002, 06:53 PM

I'm looking for a bike roof rack for a 1998 Ford Taurus Sedan to transport two bikes: a fork mount with disc (mtb) and without disc (road). Yakima and Thule seem like the only players in this market with roof rack attachments for bikes. Both companies have models that fit my car. Price is too high to buy direct, so I'm always keeping my eyes peeled for used ones on eBay. Does anyone have recommendations for a particular make/model, and why? Is there any models I should stay away from purchasing?

mudanoman · 10-31-2002, 09:12 PM

How much are you willing to pay for your roof setup? Also does your car have raingutters because you could opt for the Yakima 1A universal rack system. I got mine for like 90 - towers and bars on Ebay. They work great, held two 50lb DH bikes without problems. The 1A could be an alternative. peace. -mm

DLo · 10-31-2002, 09:47 PM

Though Thule uses square bars as opposed to the round bars that Yakima has, I'd go with Thule due to quality. I have their ski racks. IMHO, they're better than Yakima products. Just drive to the nearest REI/Sports Rack, and see what type of setup you can get for both brands. Then, check on ebay for cheap deals.

Remembered one other thing. If you are going to have one bike up there that has a disc brake on the front, you will have issues with the caliper and a fork mounted rack. You have two options: a) buy a bike rack that sits the bike up right and keeps both wheels on (keep in mind that fork mounted racks are considerably more study) or b) buy an adaptor similar to those that will work for 20mm forks. I don't know if their latest models have done something about this yet, but it's somethin to look out for as well.

Tone · 11-03-2002, 09:44 PM

Hey Wddung, i have two upright yakima racks that i used on my explorer but am no longer using. They are the ones that lock onto the frame. They are in great condition and have worked great since i got them, no problems at all. If your interested in buying these off me just let me know through email since i might forget to check here. Email: tonypatane@hotmail.com