I used to drive a truck so i know nothing about car bike racks!

All i do know is that i really want one for the TOP of my Fit and was wondering if anyone would be willing to inform me on good brands/models and tips.

FYI: I ride mountain bikes when i dont feel like trail running and like to go to different mountains all the time so I guess something secure would the best.

Thanks for your help if you respond!

 

Yakima and Thule are both good brands. I've had Yakimas in the past and they've caused no problems. Check on the Yakima website to see which Q-clips fit your year/model. I believe the clips are the Q99 ones, but double check by using the Yakima "Fit Your Car" guide. The rack is removable so you don't have to leave it on all the time. It's also lockable. Roof racks are expensive, so if you don't have the money you can often find parts on craigslist that are still in good shape. All you'll need to buy then will be the Q clips.
The most secure bike rack (which fits on the crossbars of the roof rack) is one where you remove the front wheel and attach the bike by the fork. They do have good ones, though, that allow you to keep the wheel on. They're all very secure if you make sure you've tightened and cinched properly. An advantage to attaching by the fork and the rear wheel is that it lessens wind resistance when compared to having the front wheel remain on the bike. Yakima › Shop › Bike › Top I've used the Viper and it worked perfectly.
Have fun shopping and riding!!

 

Also look into a hitch.

The only reason I have a roof rack is because I've had it on all my other cars and just keep purchasing new feet to fit the new cars. If I could go back I'd have a hitch.

The roof rack takes a couple of MPG's with the bikes on the roof. The hitch is a better overall and cheaper option.

 

i appreciate the input! i really want to go with the roof mounted type though pearl... i just like the looks, i know the MPG will go down and what not but i can always take it off if i need.

Littleblack, thanks for the link and all! i will probably get one to remove the front tire to use.. thats what i had with my pickup!

yall have any idea of mudflaps for the fit"? the only ones i can find are for base models...

 

Glad to help, TeeZeeMee! I'm going to put my rack on in the spring, when I get a new kayak to replace the one I had to sell. That poor little Fit will really have a hard time going uphill with a kayak on top!
I have a base with the standard mudflaps, which really aren't flaps at all. I don't know of anything else, but then I haven't looked.
I'm getting door visors put on tomorrow---yay!

 

haha sweet! yea i may do visors? maybe, im not digging the look just yet but we will see. Yea the factory ones are kinda non-existant. haha i used your tips and made a package through the Yakima website! looks like a deal

 

I know you are pretty set for a roof rack, but I will chime in with a hitch option. I had a reese hitch attached to the car for a rear bike rack. I use the Thule Parkway rack, it is hinged to fold down for full access to open back hatch door. I am vertically challenged, so roof racks are out of the question.

 

Yeah, the visors aren't that cool, but I like the idea of keeping windows cracked on rainy days. Especially when my dogs are in the car! I'm just not into a hitch rack, though I can see the appeal. A roof rack, however, does offer the advantage of the crossbars. You can carry a kayak or a table or...???

 

Yeah, the visors aren't that cool, but I like the idea of keeping windows cracked on rainy days. Especially when my dogs are in the car! I'm just not into a hitch rack, though I can see the appeal. A roof rack, however, does offer the advantage of the crossbars. You can carry a kayak or a table or...???

 

thanks for the opinion Kat!!! really

i am in no way vertically challenged being 6,1, and idk what it is about rear bike racks... maybe the idea of someone rear ending me and destroying my bike THEN possibly my car... or just the looks... but i appreciate your opinion!

The mugen visors are the only ones ive seen and i think the looks would grow on me but i totally agree with the idea of being able to crack my windows! haha i always drive with my windows down even in winter months, haha i just got them tinted so this 4 day wait is going to killllllll me XP

 

ive got mugen visors and a yakima roof rack.

my setup is q clips, fairing, frontloader and king cobra for my two mtn bikes.

ive been using this setup for about 7 months now and have had no problem with bike-on-rack security while in motion. i usually take the frontloader off after i take the bikes down because it is so easy to put on and remove from the crossbars.

you will notice a 15%-20% drop in mpg with the fairing on and about 10%-15% with the crossbars naked.

thule and yakima are both reputable brands that have great support for all their products and are cross compatible with attachment so you cant go wrong with either one.

 

I went with the Thule since all my accessories are Thule, my Fit fit kitarrives tomorrow so I haven't had a chance to try it out yet (just got my car 6 weeks ago). I've been using Thule for over 20 years now and never had an issue. Both the yakima and thule racks will work just fine. I just wish Honda had put mounting points in the rain gutters. My last two cars (1995 VW Jetta GLX and 2006 Mazda 3) had mounting points in the rain gutters. A much better setup if you ask me, the rack just bolts to the car.

 

yea that does sound awesome! let me know how u like it!

 

I recommend Thule over Yakima on the GE Fit. I have used both for extensive periods on my Fit with various types of loads. The reason I like Thule more is that you get a much better grip on the roof as well as more structural support beneath the feet. Because of the lack of support under the Yakima feet, the roof is more prone to damage from the rack.

It's pretty easy to find the older towers and bars on craigslist and just buy a new pack of the rubber feet.

 

get a hitch and rack. it'd be stupid to get a roof rack. it creates wind noise, decreases mpg and it's harder to load

 

Thule Roof racks on my fit

 

I have an Inno roof rack for my kayak and have no gripes with it. If I wanted to carry bikes, I would probably go with a hitch mount (already have a Curt hitch installed). But I know what you mean about rear bike racks. Roof rack = "man on a mission to tame that mountain"; rear rack = "family guy, kiddie bike with pink wheels, mom's bike with big basket, etc.".