Originally Posted by cali_fitted (Post 580918)

thanks. but i prefer the roof rack...i like the look better, as noobish as that sounded...

Originally Posted by Sugarphreak

here is a few disadvantages to roof racks to consider;

1) loading - The fit doesn't have side steps and is more difficult than a rear loading rack
2) Ferry Sur-charges - With bikes on the roof you can end up paying way more as an over-height vehicle.
3) MPG - A roof mounted bike will cause more wind resistance than a rear mounted bike causing you to have reduced mileage.
4) Clearance - Simply said, if you forget about your bike on the roof and enter a low clearance parkade... well it isn't pretty. Been there, done that, got the bill :( It also limits your parking options in city environments.
5) Versatility - A hitch mounted rack means you also have a hitch, great for toys like snow mobiles, jet ski's, motor bikes or small trailers. I don't have any immediate plans for mine, but is nice to know if I go buy a quad I can tow it around behind my Fit :p

Big factors for me are #2 & #4, I am always going in and out of low clearance parkades and need to take my bike for summer road trips which often involve ferries.

As an example the current rate for BC-Ferries is 43$ & 4.15$ fuel charge for the Fit... if you have a bike rack on the roof you then go into an over-height vehicle category (over 7') which costs 69$ & 10.40$ fuel charge. Not an easy bill for a one way trip, keep in mind you also need to pay 14.25$ for the driver and 14.25$ per passenger. To sum up;

(Round Trip) Rear/Hitch Rack on car w/ 2 passengers: $151.40 (no taxes)
(Round Trip) Roof Rack on car w/ 2 passengers: $215.80 (no taxes)

Basically for me, between the couple extra MPG and ferry costs I can save myself around 80$ pretty easily.