Hello All:

I own a '96 SE and I'm also an avid cyclist. Has anyone ever installed Yakima roof racks on top of the their car? I know that Yakima recomends against over tightening the roof mounts to prevent indentions on the roof. Has anyone ever encountered this? Or, does one opt for a trailer mounted hitch rack? If so, what kind and what method to install?

Thanks

 

I use one on my maxima all the time. I do a lot of riding so it's on and off of my car a lot. I have used it on all of my past cars and tighten it down pretty tight. Havent had any problems for the the rack yet.

 

I've seen quite a few 4th gens running around with roof mounted racks by Yakima and Thule. Never saw a trunk mounted one on the Max. Wouldn't suggest it anyway because of the spoiler.

There may be special padding you can use to reduce marring of the painted surfaces. But most of the vendors will outline steps you can take to keep your car scratch free.

If you find a good rack, post and let us know. I'll do the same if I beat you to it. I'm looking for one that will lock into place but also be easy to remove (I've heard of some roof racks being left on for long periods of time causing uneven fading of paint).

 

I think both Thule and Yakima are good. I have Thule on my 96SE and my brother has Yakima on his 97SE. They are both good for carrying our bikes, skis, snowboards, etc. One time my brother forgot to take the bike off the rack and drove into the garage. The bike and roofrack came off un-damaged.. but the damage to the car was close to $2000..

 

well, I don't know about all of you, but I find all these racks annoying as hell. so this is what I do

now I haven't done this with maxima, because I got it in january and it's been too cold to bike and tones of hw, but this is what I've done w/ my mazda 626, I take the front tire off and put the bike w/out the tire behind the front seats, so, the back seat and put the tire somewhere there too, (not on the seats), before I do that of course I put nice and big towel so the car doesn't get dirty. 626 is smaller then mazda and the bike fit fine, so I have no doubt that any bike will fit

another benefit of this is that you don't have to mount and unmount the one in the trunk or the one on the roof. just put it inside the car and you're done, no wind noise, perfect

 

I have a 99 SE and I use a Thule rack I don't keep the rack on all of the time because the black rubber padding that touches the roof will cause black 4x6 inch stains on the roof. If your car is black you should have no problem. I have the rack set up so I can take it on and off in 5 mins. I tighten it down pretty well.

 

I don't leave the rack on the car all the time either. After the rack is set-up, it only takes about 5 minutes to remove it or re-install it.

As for putting the bike in the backseat, I fount it more of a hassel than putting it on the roof-rack. And I don't want to jeoperdize scartching or tear my leather seats.

 

I got a Saris upright roofrack and I never take it off. Except for when I wash my ride. Saris also makes a trunk rack called "Bones" it is specially made for cars with spoilers. I personally haven't had any dent problems but the rubber mounts have to be cleaned to avoid stains.

 

Here's my other ride where I provide the "horsepower"!

 

That's a sweet ride.I got an Agressor, Nothing special but I got some crossrides on it.

 

Although I don't use a rack with my Max, I've used Thule racks on a number of vehicles over the years and been very pleased. Thule seems to really pay attention to creating a secure mount, and their rack modules work well.

Also, have you considered a hitch mounted rack? They are very quick to install/remove and keep the bike well away from the vehicle. You might find that you can get a Hidden Hitch that will be virtually out-of-sight when the rack is not on the car.