Roof Rack question

[TripleThreat]

Edvig from MTBR sent me here..great site.

 

Wondering if anyone has experience using the stock cross bars to attach their bike rack.

 

Yakima has Mighty Mounts that will attach their rack to the stock cross bars, I thought I could save some dough using those instead of the bars/feet.

 

Thanks in advance

 

05 Outback XT, 5sp, 4days old

[StringFellow]

Edvig from MTBR sent me here..great site.

 

Wondering if anyone has experience using the stock cross bars to attach their bike rack.

 

Yakima has Mighty Mounts that will attach their rack to the stock cross bars, I thought I could save some dough using those instead of the bars/feet.

 

Thanks in advance

 

05 Outback XT, 5sp, 4days old

 

Did you mean to post a URL reference in your post??? I don't see one if you did.

 

-S

[santacruzblur]

Using the stock cross bars is IMO silly. The feet and mounts from Yakima and Thule are rated for much higher loads and there are all kinds of attachments. You will be limited to the accessories available for the factory cross bars.

 

I pulled my cross bars the first day of ownership (Sitting in my closet if anybody needs a set) and installed the Thule bars and feet. I carry 3 bikes routinely. In the summer, I add a Kayak rack and swap out for a roof box. Highly recommend the Thule setup. Painless and by adding the spoiler it is quiet.

[kristian]

Edvig from MTBR sent me here..great site.

 

Wondering if anyone has experience using the stock cross bars to attach their bike rack.

 

Yakima has Mighty Mounts that will attach their rack to the stock cross bars, I thought I could save some dough using those instead of the bars/feet.

 

Thanks in advance

 

05 Outback XT, 5sp, 4days old

 

I'm not all that up on my Yakima product names, but I'm assuming that Mighty Mounts replace the round bar clips with eliptical clips for use on the stock cross bars right? If so, that isn't the best solution. Because of the thick part at the end of the cross bars, you will only be able to put 2 (maybe 3) trays on. You would not be able to put a ski mount and a bike mount on the factory cross bars at the same time. Also, I think the weight limit on the factory cross bars is lower than on Yakima bars (which is only an issue if you ride FR/DH bikes).

 

I bought a set of Low Riders which allowed me to use my existing Yakima cross bars on the factory rails. With 48" bars, I can put up to 4 bikes on (or one bike and six skis). I plan on getting wider bars so I can have 2 bikes (outside the feet)and the ski rack (between the feet) on.

 

Kristian (also from MTBR)

 

Edit: Also, if you use the Yakima or Thule bars, you can borrow bike trays from friends if you're doing a road trip which isn't an option if you use the factory cross bars.

[scans007]

Yes the mighty mounts should be all you need. +bars and such. I just got the whole kit and kaboodle for my Sedan : http://www.pimpmyauto.com/pic_bikeracks.htm