07-24-2020, 07:44 AM | #1 |
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How Much a Pain in the ___ are Crossbars?
Trying to decide between getting a hitch or getting crossbars(F97). I don't have a trailer, but would use the receiver for mounting bike racks or storage racks, etc. Stealthitch seems to be the popular choice, but I not sure if I want the expense and effort(5hr install) if I'm not going to trailer anything.
Similarly, I could go the crossbar route, but I've never had them or used them. I've seen some of you have crossbars so please provide your experience. Is it a pain to get your bikes and stuff up there? Do you regret it, etc? Also, what/ where did you purchase them? I seen bmw has the bike mounts but not the crossbars. TIA |
07-24-2020, 08:03 AM | #2 |
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For bike rack, roof mounting can be annoying. For one, the X3 roof is pretty high and getting the bike up there may be quite difficult. If you mountain bike then you'll get dirt on your roof and also need a very sturdy setup to avoid significant sway. Remembering that there are tall bikes on the roof can be a problem too.
Hitch rack is so much easier to use but is more costly. I've had both options and would not go back to roof rack for bikes. |
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evo-mike695.50 |
07-24-2020, 11:11 AM | #5 |
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Dude, go grab a Sea Sucker set! A buddy of mine has them and they are GREAT! Very easy to use and versatile!
https://www.seasucker.com/collection...products/talon |
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07-24-2020, 11:15 AM | #6 | |
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07-24-2020, 12:26 PM | #7 | |
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I am going to buy the Ski Rack for next season! |
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07-24-2020, 01:37 PM | #8 |
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$300 for a single bike and $500 for a double bike on those suction cups? Definitely rather have a Stealth Hitch. No way I'm going to pay nearly the same price and have to hike my bike up on top of my vehicle every time or my bike dropping mud all over the top of my roof. Plus I'd probably drive into my garage with my bike still up there but that's on me. =]
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07-24-2020, 01:52 PM | #9 | |
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07-24-2020, 02:50 PM | #10 | |
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07-24-2020, 03:37 PM | #11 | ||
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07-24-2020, 03:43 PM | #13 |
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I have both and the crossbars (roof racks) are good in so far as the car still fits in "normal" parking spaces. It is harder getting bikes up there especially if you dont like standing on the sills.
the towbar mounted ones are easier to fit bikes too, but make sure you get one that the boot (trunk) can still open with when the bikes are on. Overall, itis a more expensive way to go. It is also something you cant just leave in place - unlike the roof bar option. |
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07-24-2020, 03:46 PM | #14 |
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Yeah, the mechanics aren't the issue. I'm pretty handy with a full garage. I do all the work on my evo and hmmwv. I do like having a car that I don't have to work on (service included) if I don't have to and was just hoping to not have to disassemble the rear end of this thing with 200mi or so on the odo.
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07-24-2020, 06:12 PM | #16 | |
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