justwright03
Coaster Brake
Posts:15
Registered Users
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| 03/17/2008 10:34 AM |
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I've been looking at Subaru's and will probably buy one in the near future. The model I'm planning to buy...the Impreza Outback Sport...includes a pretty burly roof rack with cross bars. Naturally, Subaru also offers fork-mount bike rack attachments.
So I'm weighing whether to go with the Subaru parts...which look pretty solid but potentially noisy...or swap over my trusty Thule rack from my current Mazda. Anyone have any experience with the stock Subaru racks?
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russell g
Big Ring
Posts:350
Registered Users
Louisville, KY
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| 03/17/2008 4:56 PM |
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| I have a Forester and mounted a RockyMounts set up to the aerobars and it works great. It was the only set up I could find that did not force me to use different crossbars I can't speak for the Subaru set up. Although the rear hitch rack set up looks pretty sweet. |
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Duane
Big Ring
Posts:334
Registered Users
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| 03/17/2008 5:55 PM |
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| We used to have a Subaru Outback; I took off the stock crossbars and put on Yakima low-rider attachments and round crossbars. This was primarily because I already had the Yakima attachments and seemed to be the best setup. When we got rid of the Outback we just pulled the rack off and put it on the new car, which also had a similar factory rack setup. |
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fasterdulin
Little Ring
Posts:92
Registered Users
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| 03/17/2008 10:13 PM |
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| I've got to say, this weekend we road tripped with bikes on top and my gas mileage was cut almost in half (first car I've ever had with "instantaneous" gas mileage readout). The tow hitch seems like a better way to go. |
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E-Ski-Wee-Ski
Granny Gear
Posts:29
Registered Users
PRP
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| 03/17/2008 10:25 PM |
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I had the same experience with my roof rack. From now on, the bike is going in the trunk/backseat (folded down seat).
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justwright03
Coaster Brake
Posts:15
Registered Users
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| 03/18/2008 10:58 AM |
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The stock roof rack/crossbar assembly on the Impreza Outback Sport is a more tubular style (think original Xterra) and rides kinda high with no faring. But intrigued me because it was really, really solid and accomodated modular (read: simple) attachments for a basket, kayak rack, "rocket" box, etc.
However, I found a user review online this morning..."This thing is only for 'as needed' use. It's far too noisy to leave on the car when not in use."
So that settles it. I'm using the Thule and selling the Subaru rack on eBay! |
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pat_collins
Granny Gear
Posts:42
Registered Users
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| 03/18/2008 11:17 AM |
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| sell the thule and subaru rack and buy a hidden hitch receiver and a hitch rack of your choice, better mileage, no dirt/grime/bugs on the fork and bars, much quieter, doesn't damage car, etc. etc. etc. I'll never go back, i even rigged up a way to carry my whitewater kayak on my hitch rack. Unless you are looking for a rack then please buy my yakima qtowers, etc they are the best solution all other solutions suck, ha ha |
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Steve Bland
Granny Gear
Posts:32
Registered Users
Shepherdsville,KY
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| 03/18/2008 2:03 PM |
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I can only think of two reasons why anyone would prefer a roof rack over hitch mount. (assuming your vehicle has enough clearance for a hitch)
1. Some sort of fear of having the bikes smashed from a rear-end accident. (which would be insured)
2. Rough/steep terrain leading to trailhead that hitch rack could drag on (not much of that in KY)
OK. I guess there are 3 reasons.
3. If you are full-blown adventure junkie and you must have a kayak/ski/box/bike rack
I would reccomend the hitch mount as well, coming from a guy who has both. Number one reason being gas, number two being the lazy side of me that wants to only lift my bike to my knees vs. my shoulders. ;-) |
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"The tragedy of life doesn't lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach." - Benjamin Mays |
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Jason
Granny Gear
Posts:30
Registered Users
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| 03/18/2008 2:28 PM |
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Yeah, I took off the roof rack for travelling with bikes and went from 14.7 mpg to 29mpg. I can't put a hitch on my car so I got a Saris Bones RS
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justwright03
Coaster Brake
Posts:15
Registered Users
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| 03/18/2008 2:30 PM |
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@ Steve - You forgot reason #4 to choose a roof rack. Gotta rock the stickers on the faring, dude!
;-)
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The Yeti
Granny Gear
Posts:42
Registered Users
Lafayette, IN
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| 03/18/2008 2:42 PM |
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| I have roof and hitch racks. I quit using the roof rack last year and started using the hitch rack full time due to fuel mileage. I do still use the roof rack for the rocket box or when I need alot of bike capacity. I can carry a total of 6 people, their bikes and their gear to a trail head near you with the roof and hitch rack together. I'm sayin' use the hitch rack. Your pocket will thank you down the road. |
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I love long walks up mountains next to my bike... |
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Jason
Granny Gear
Posts:30
Registered Users
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| 03/18/2008 8:43 PM |
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| So, it sounds like you're the new DD for bike trips.:) |
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justwright03
Coaster Brake
Posts:15
Registered Users
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| 03/18/2008 10:12 PM |
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As of this coming Saturday, unless I run into some credit report surprises. ;-)
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Jason
Granny Gear
Posts:30
Registered Users
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| 03/18/2008 11:47 PM |
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Oh, like that time you left your Visa at the shop?
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Rod
Little Ring
Posts:82
Registered Users
Morehead
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| 03/19/2008 12:26 AM |
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| I just wanted to say thanks for all the roof rack info. Since I'm a newbie I haven't tried a roof rack and it looks like I never will with the price of gas increasing. Cutting gas mileage in half is crazy. |
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The Yeti
Granny Gear
Posts:42
Registered Users
Lafayette, IN
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| 03/19/2008 10:03 AM |
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| In half is not what I experienced. I lost about three miles per gallon. It wasn't a huge hit. I enjoy not scraping bugs from my grips, brake & shift levers, and fork legs. :) |
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I love long walks up mountains next to my bike... |
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pat_collins
Granny Gear
Posts:42
Registered Users
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| 03/19/2008 11:49 AM |
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| Yeah I would say half is the exception to the rule. Another good reason is that I had to replace seals and rebuild a Fox Vanilla because dried bugs on my uppers damaged my seals, I was riding Pisgah and the fork was puking oil. |
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RIC0
Big Ring
Posts:294
Registered Users
sumwaresin, KY
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| 03/19/2008 1:50 PM |
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| I've been looking into a roof rack but this thread has changed my mind, thanks fellas. |
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Rod
Little Ring
Posts:82
Registered Users
Morehead
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| 03/19/2008 1:56 PM |
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| Thanks for clarifying the gas mileage for me. I'm still going to avoid it though. Someday I should install a hitch on my car. |
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Tonybob
Big Ring
Posts:283
Registered Users
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| 03/19/2008 2:53 PM |
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Even though I usually just fold the rear seat down and chuck the bike in...I just ordered the 3 bike one of these for the Legacy...
http://www.saris.com/p-298-thelma.aspx
And Rusty, remember to take the bike off before the garage...d'oh!
I'll have a 4 bike Saris Rack (1 1/4 receiver) for sale, well, now. Will take picks and post it later. |
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