Roof rack or no roof rack, that's my question
#1
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!
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!
#2
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!
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!
#9
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.
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.
#10
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.
Last edited by Chainsaw; 06-03-2008 at 09:59 AM.
#11
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.
#13
[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
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
#17
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.
#19
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