Has anyone had good or bad experiences with specific bike racks on their 5th gen Max? Any suggestions?

 

Search (in the new forum), there were some threads about this. IIRC, the majority said Saris Bones.

 

Get a hidden hitch, and a hitch rack. You'll need to get an extender, or have a hitch shop fabricate one. DON'T put a trunk mounted bike rack on your Max.

 

I have a Thule system on the roof of my car basically since the car was new, great overall experience(can send a PIC if interested in how it looks). This is the best option if you bike a lot. In terms of rear racks can't go wrong with a saris bones. I wouldn't put a hitch on the max if you are performance minded, adds undo weight to the car and your frame has to be drilled to accept the receiver. I work at a bike shop and are knowledgable about most rack systems if you have any other questions.

 

*** uh, no. actually the hidden hitch does NOT require any drilling. i'm not sure what the roof rack weighs, but the hidden hitch weighs about 25 pounds, it is hidden under the car so it is out of sight. any performance loss because of the hitch is offset by the weight AND drag of a roof rack.

***apparently.

 

I'm happy with the Yakima rack on the roof. I have 3 bike attachments installed. I recommend the wind-faring to reduce noise.

 

OK, so the hidden hitch brand does not require drilling, I'll accept that mistake. Most other hitch manufactors do require drilling in anything that does not have pre fabricated holes ie most sedans.My system with two bike trays and fairing does not weigh more then the 30lb receiver(weight according to hiddenhitch.net.)That 30lbs does not include anything to but your bike on. Secondly, my rack can be removed from the car in 15min if need be negating ANY increase in weight or drag. You will always be lugging around 30lbs. In terms of drag or MPG for that matter I see little to no change in my MPG with the rack or any difference between my friends non-racked 2k2 and my 2k1. About your ***apparently comment, I NEVER expressed an expertise in receivers or hitches, I said I was knowledgable about the bike racks.

 

I have been searching for inexpensive lid-mounted bike carrier, like within $50 dollar range..After installing OEM spoiler on my GXE, my old rack does not fit, and I have not been able to find the replacement. Either way, there are three solutions remaining:
a) roof mount if you dont mind lifting your bike, around $130
b) hitch-mounted carrier, need to get a hitch first. The most pricey option, around $250.
c) try to put the bike inside your car. Take the wheels off, be careful not to **** up the interior.



If anyone on .org could start a GD on lid-mounted bike carrier that would fit, please put me on the list!

 

Thule Freeway $59.99 retail www.thuleracks.com you should have no problems fitting on vehicle. There is a Thule dealer by you off of Falls Road called Princeton Sports 410-828-1127. They should have them in stock.

 

My RACK can be removed from my car in about 6 seconds. And are you REALLY going to spend 15 minutes to take your rack off, and another 15 putting it back on? C'mon dude, be serious.

 

Removing the RACK still leaves the 30lb receiver on the car.
If you can crawl under your car and unbolt the receiver in 6 seconds, I'm very impressed. Personally, I see no reason to take the rack off my roof, but if someone was going to the track and was worrying about every fraction of their Drag coeficient then taking 30 total mintues out of their time isn't much at all. And yes I know people you take the rack on and off every time the go somewhere with their bikes, I thinks thats a little ridiculous, but everyone has there way of doing things.

 

I have had both the both the Thule roof top rack and the hidden hitch. In my experience, the hitch is the way to go. My hitch rack can go on in seconds. The roof top rack is a pain to install. With the hitch rack, you hardly know your bikes are on the rack. With the roof top rack,you significantly increase the noise level inside the vehicle and the car doesn't handle as well. At any rate, that's my two cents.

By the way, I sold my Thule rack shortly after getting the hitch installed.

 

Yes, get a hidden hitch. They tuck up nicely under the car and have a black receiver cover. You hardly notice it under the car. I didn't have to do any mods to the hicth or car though. Here's the link
http://www.accessconnect.com/hiddenhitchpassenger.htm

Then you have to look for a hitch type: performancebike.com

 

Thanks! I actually know where it's at

 

I got a removable mondial roof rack and pretty please with it.

Least expensive is the trunk mount.
But most of them are very poor quality. If you want to get one - get Thule or Yakima. Don't get anything other then that. Keep in mind that it's easy to scratch car paint with the bike pedals.

Hitch is the other option. I have no experience with it.

Most expansive is the roof rack, but you have most versatility with it. You can put four bikes on it, or ski, snowboards, surfboards, cargo, etc.
A roofrack setup can run you from $200 - $500.

Good luck.

 

If the wife's Toyota mini-van ever craps out, I'll go with the hitch mounted system. Saris, Thule, Yakima, all have hitch based systems.

No roof mount for me, thanks, I don't want the drag when the bikes are up there. I'll pay for the weight penalty with the weight *I've* lost ;-)

Also, if I have a hitch, and want to take a long camping trip, I can pull a compact utility trailer with lots of gear.

 

I've had them all, honestly my favorite is the hitch mount. If any of you think that 30# on a car make any bit of difference in performance than your on crack. The problem with the trunk mount racks is that it scratches the trunk and dents the bumper and eliminates any use of the trunk when installed. The problem with the roof mount is that it will scratch your paint, deform your weather seals, and you lift that 30# bike above your head after you've ridden 100 miles. Don't drop the bike on the roof either and some can interfere with some moonroofs. The Hidden Hitch is the way to go, all you see is a 1-1/4" hole and it attaches with 7 bolts. The hitch slides in in seconds and out in seconds and doesn't come close to touching the car. My preference on racks is the Graber Saris racks and don't recommend the rust prone Thule, Yakima, Mondial, etc. The Saris is Resin and Aluminum and will never rust and installs in minutes. Also, if anyone is interested, I can get any Graber, Saris, Hollywood racks at competitive pricing, just email me. I'm not flaming anyone, just giving my .02 this is my experience with racks. Chris

 

ive got the hidden hitch on my car and its great . loook at my home page for pictures.