Hi

I apologize if this is not the right forum for this topic. I have seen a number of threads on Thule vs Yakima bike racks etc. But I have a slightly different question.

We are going on a cross country trip from Boston to San Jose in my 2009 Fit Sport, on Rt 90 via Yellowstone. I have a Thule roof rack and a Thule trunk carrier that I had used in the past with my 94 Civic (but never on the Fit). I guess I can get "fit kit" for the Fit if I wanted to use the roof rack. I assume the trunk carrier should work out of the box.

What I am not sure is whether it is a good idea to carry a bike on the roof or trunk on long trips like this where I would probably be driving between 60 and 80 mph. Wind drag, reduced mileage, safety concerns ?

Would appreciate some experiences and opinions on this topic.

Thanks much

 

If you can spare the room and it's just one bike you can easily fit it inside with the front wheel removed.

As far as mounting top or rear you'll get some drag and reduced mileage but not much. No safety concerns so long as it is mounted securely. There is a recent thread concerning trunk mount and the rear spoiler...you may want to do a search and see if you will have a similar situation.

EDIT: here ya go... https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/2nd-...r-spoiler.html

 

I cobbled a rack together similar to this for my 09:

https://www.fitfreak.net/gallery/dis...lbum=383&pos=0

Can fit 2 bikes (one road/one mb) and have lots of room for gear (cooler, misc camping gear, chairs, clothes bag etc). Works great for me, and doesn't require an outside rack.

Good luck...

 

how about a tow hitch bike carrier, you can get a trailer receiver that is bolt on(I actually have a new one I may not use if you want to buy it)? there was also some posts about rear seat removal, that will give you more truck space and lower your MPG's...as for a roof rack, I think studies have shown that a roof rack will make you lose about 5 MPG at least, so fuel wise its not the ideal way, but if a rack is installed correctly I can't imagine it being a safety issue.

 

Looks cool.

Unfortunately we will have stuff in the car. So can't put the bike inside.

 

I have a Yakima roof rack with Q towers. It has fit the last 3 vehicles I owned,and is now on the Fit. The Q towers swivel to match body styles,and all that is needed is changable clips to attach to door openings. Measurements are given to adjust the rack & towers to fit the Fit with the clips when purchased. I carry 2 canoes,or 2 bikes on top. Mileage hauling the canoes drops an average of 4-6mpg. Hauling the bikes drops 2mpg. I suspect loaded with travel gear even more. Put anything in the airstream,and drag is result,so you can expect a drop in mpg. Hauling extra weight of a trailer will too. If you can haul everything inside would be perfect,but the Fit does have some limitations. Have fun on your trip.

PaFitter

 

I use this rack and I really like it. Swagman Bike Racks When I used trunk or roof racks, I always worried about my bike. With the platform rack you forget it's there. I just came back from a 1200 km trip and I could not feel the bike on the rack and I didn't notice any increase in fuel use. The swagman cost about half what Thules cost and it works well. Their customer service is outstanding. My bike was too tall to use the short support arm and another long arm was sent no charge, and I was told to keep the shorter ones as a spare.

Link to pictures on an previous post. https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/2nd-...bike-rack.html

 

Thanks for the Swagman info. What are my options of getting a hitch installed without breaking the bank ?

thanks

 

You can install it yourself pretty easily.

Stormtrooper is selling his for $120+Shipping, that would be your best bet.