Roof rack or no roof rack, that's my question
 

I just bought an '08 Fit sport this past week. I love to mountain bike and kayak. Here's the kicker, i drive about 60 miles (1 way) to work. I have a complete yakima roof rack from my old car which would only need new clips (found them for $36 for the whole car) to fit them on the Fit. I'm reluctant to put it on because of the gas mileage hit. I'm weighing the option to sell the yakima and get something to put on the back or just suck it up and put the roof rack on.

My question, anyone have these on and how much of a mpg hit do you get? Also if you have pics, I'd be curious to see a Fit with a rack.

Thanks again guys!

If you use the "search" button, you will find your answers and your pictures- many threads/posts.

id give a left nut to find a roof rack... lol i couldnt find one

I am using a Hidden Hitch 1 1/4" reciever with a Thule 917 2-bike carrier. Not much if any mileage decrease since it is mounted on the back. But that doesn't solve your kayak issue.

I haven't noticed a huge decrease in fuel mileage with my Yakima roof rack.

Really!? Even for highway? That may be all i need to hear.

i don't think he knows how to count :P.

I'd get a rear hitch b4 I'd put one on my roof... even if it didn't hurt mileage (which it will) it will make the most anoying wind noise!!!

Reason I'm so curious is because i'm coming from a '99 saturn sl1. Before i put the rack on, i was getting 38mpg and after it was around 32-33mpg. I would be happy with 35-36mpg with it on the fit.

Also I haven't heard much,if any, wind noise from my rack with it on the saturn. It was pretty much silent unless a strap from the kayak was loose and vibrating.

The bikes aren't to much of a problem. I know Saris makes a few "trunk" style bike racks and the hitch mount is always an option. As long as they don't go in the car because my bikes are ALWAYS dirty. I know my kayak will fit in the Fit but i don't really want to get it all wet inside either. So i'd either put the rack on and bit the mpg decrease or have to bring a tarp every time i bring a kayak.

I think i'm going to order the clips and see how it is first hand. If i don't like it, i can always sell it.

sure the mileage drops. but it's not drastic. Besides, the utility of having the rack on top outweighs the cumbersome back rack that hideously hangs from the hatch. seriously...get the roof. I've had a roof rack on every car I have owned starting with a 2000 civic ex coupe. I would never have the ugly trunk mounted. the wind noise is not horrible either.

I think i will. What do you put on yours? Also do you mind posting/emailing me a pic of your Fit? Mine would look pretty much exactly like yours so I'm very curious.

the image on my signature shows my rack, but it's not really clear. i'll try to take a better picture.

[quote=Slovenian6474;328202]I just bought an '08 Fit sport this past week. I love to mountain bike and kayak. Here's the kicker, i drive about 60 miles (1 way) to work. I have a complete yakima roof rack from my old car which would only need new clips (found them for $36 for the whole car) to fit them on the Fit. I'm reluctant to put it on because of the gas mileage hit. I'm weighing the option to sell the yakima and get something to put on the back or just suck it up and put the roof rack on.

My question, anyone have these on and how much of a mpg hit do you get? Also if you have pics, I'd be curious to see a Fit with a rack.

Get one of the strap-on temporary ones (like Sears)so you don't cost yourself low mpg when not used

yah, mount it on sat morning, take it off sun evening.

and it will last you about a week.

I was thinking of doing that. Saris makes probably the best one out there (Bones 3) but it doesn't work on hatches :(

sorry...I don't mean to sound so abrasive, but i am just partial to the roof racks. for my needs, they are just more practical. If you get a roof rack, you will not want a rear mounted one. But i guess it all depends on your individual needs.

I'll give my .02 I own a yakima rack for my fit i haul my mtn bike and skis on it and i'm ready to sell it and just haul everything inside my car because the gas mileage takes such a huge hit

i got the hitch mount. i don't know about you, but i don't want to lift a bike up on top of my car after riding. i have a bad back, and i don't want to risk damaging the paint if i slip and drop it. im 6'7ish, so i don't think SHORT drivers would be able to even do it lol

hey,
LOZA has a roof rack
maybe we can get him in here to see a pic,
i can't remember what thread it's in