Nissan 370Z Forum  

How to carry a bicycle? bike rack question

any estimate on cost of the rack?

Go Back   Nissan 370Z Forum > Nissan 370Z General Area > Nissan 370Z General Discussions


Like Tree3Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 07-21-2009, 09:16 AM   #1 (permalink)
Enthusiast Member
 
Chupacabra's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Weston, Florida
Posts: 477
Drives: 09 Nissan 370z s M6
Rep Power: 202
Chupacabra has a reputation beyond reputeChupacabra has a reputation beyond reputeChupacabra has a reputation beyond reputeChupacabra has a reputation beyond reputeChupacabra has a reputation beyond reputeChupacabra has a reputation beyond reputeChupacabra has a reputation beyond reputeChupacabra has a reputation beyond reputeChupacabra has a reputation beyond reputeChupacabra has a reputation beyond reputeChupacabra has a reputation beyond repute
Default

any estimate on cost of the rack?
__________________
Where are my aluminum pedals?
Chupacabra is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-21-2009, 10:16 AM   #2 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
xiven's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Atlanta
Age: 45
Posts: 4,128
Drives: Cookie Monster
Rep Power: 296
xiven has a reputation beyond reputexiven has a reputation beyond reputexiven has a reputation beyond reputexiven has a reputation beyond reputexiven has a reputation beyond reputexiven has a reputation beyond reputexiven has a reputation beyond reputexiven has a reputation beyond reputexiven has a reputation beyond reputexiven has a reputation beyond reputexiven has a reputation beyond repute
Default

looks like $195 plus shipping for the rack
and $119 for a Yakima PowderHound 2 Board carrier for me
xiven is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-21-2009, 11:10 AM   #3 (permalink)
dad
Grand Prix of Endurance
 
dad's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 3,476
Drives: Mulsanne Straight
Rep Power: 27
dad has a reputation beyond reputedad has a reputation beyond reputedad has a reputation beyond reputedad has a reputation beyond reputedad has a reputation beyond reputedad has a reputation beyond reputedad has a reputation beyond reputedad has a reputation beyond reputedad has a reputation beyond reputedad has a reputation beyond reputedad has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Bike racks: Tips for choosing the right one for youThe wrong rack could be a safety hazard, scratch your vehicle, or make it easy to steal the bike
The objective is simple. You want to carry your bicycle on your vehicle. But there's a seemingly dizzying selection of bike-rack styles and a wide range of prices from which to choose. In general, this is an advantage, but to get the right bike rack for your needs, you should do some research and compare the different makes and models. The right rack should fit the vehicle properly, securely transport the bikes, and fall within your budget. The wrong rack could be a safety hazard, scratch your vehicle, and possibly lead to a lost, stolen, or damaged bicycle.


Consider your needs

The key to choosing the right bike rack is accurately defining your needs and assessing your current vehicles. Consider the following when choosing a bike rack:


•How often will you use it?
•How many bikes need to be transported?
•Will you need to change vehicles (e.g., switch the rack between husband's and wife's vehicles)?
•Is the vehicle leased or rented?
•How much are you willing to spend?
•How important is security?
•How high can you lift a bicycle by yourself, and hold it in position with one hand?
•Do you have a special bike such as a tandem or one with an odd-shaped frame?
•Does your vehicle already have a tow hitch or roof-mounted utility rack? If so, what is the load capacity?
•Does your vehicle have a rear-mounted spare tire that will interfere with certain types of mounts?
•Do you engage in other sports or activities, which may make one rack type more useful or cost-effective than another?

Types of racks

Bike racks generally fall into three distinct categories: a strap-on trunk rack, a hitch-mount rack, and a roof rack. All types have good and bad points, but not all are available for every vehicle. The strap-on is the least expensive, but the least secure; the roof rack is the most versatile, but the most difficult to use; and the hitch-mount is the most expensive, but easy to operate. There are also specialty racks that are designed specifically for use with pickup trucks or for inside SUVs or vans. Some truck racks can be used above the bed, allowing for storage underneath. Others have specialty mounts that can be attached to rear-mounted spare tires and the rear ladders sometimes found on conversion vans.

Here's a closer look at the strengths and weaknesses of the three main types of bike rack:

Strap-on trunk-mounted carrier
Strap-on trunk mounts are the least expensive bike-carrier option. They typically cost from $40 to $140. Straps attached to the carrier's frame attach to the car's trunk, hatchback, or rear bumper. The bike's frame rests on plastic-coated support arms; better carriers have padded or indented cradles to hold the frame. You need to tightly strap the carrier to the vehicle, and properly orient the carrier frame supports and carrier arms to balance the carrier before installing bikes. You can typically carry one or two, and in some cases, three bikes on a trunk-mounted carrier. While trunk-mounted carriers are inexpensive and can fit many vehicles, they do have a greater chance of damaging the vehicle and the bikes than do other carrier designs.

Advantages
•Good option for a leased or rented vehicle, as they are typically not vehicle-specific
•Easier to lift and secure bikes in place
•Rack can be easily stored--even in trunk
•Starting well under $100, the least expensive of all types
Disadvantages
•Typically, combined weight of bike and rack rests on the vehicle's body panels, which can cause damage to paint or sheet metal
•Straps can come loose, wear out, or snap
•Truck-mounted spoilers can get in the way
•Straps can be cut easily, compromising security of rack
•May be difficult to lock bikes to rack or car
•Bikes may be damaged from backing into an object or being hit by another vehicle
•Often padding needs to be added between the bikes to keep them from banging into each other and scratching
•Trunk cannot be opened with rack installed
•You could get a ticket if the license plate or taillights are obstructed
•Extra attachments may be needed to support odd-framed bikes
•Not recommended for Tandem bikes
•May block driver's view out of rear window
Roof-mounted carrier
Roof-mounted carriers attach either to a vehicle's already existing roof rack and crossbars--found on many SUVs, minivans, and station wagons, or with mounting feet and clips that attach to a vehicle's upper door frame or rain gutters. The total cost is reduced if your vehicle is already equipped with a roof rack or crossbars that will support the bike mount. Basic carriers start for less than $50 per bike, but the more popular bike carriers start around $100. If you need to buy the basic roof rack and crossbars, add about $125 to $200 to the total cost. If you select a roof rack, you have to decide on the method of mounting the bikes. Some racks use a fork-mount carrier that clamps onto the bike's front-wheel fork. The downside is that the front wheel must be removed and stored elsewhere, but the upsides are that the bike is easier to manage up on the roof and unique frame shapes can be accommodated. Upright mounts hold the bike by the frame or pedal crank. You don't need to remove the front wheel, but you need to reach up higher to put the bike on, and some unusual frame shapes won't fit.

Advantages
•Modular setup allows additional cargo storage with an additional storage case
•The rack can be used for different activities, such as skiing and canoeing if you buy different accessories or carriers, or for transporting other objects like building materials
•Racks can be adapted to existing factory hardware or mounted with the rack manufacturer's nonpermanent footing
•Lockable mounting available
•A sedan may hold four bikes, a large van as many as seven
•Can support tandem and odd-framed bikes, depending on the carrier "tray" design used
Disadvantages

•Can be somewhat complicated to install
•Vehicle can't go into parking garages or under any overhead structure with low clearance, including drive-through fast food restaurants.
•Increases wind resistance reducing gas mileage more than other types; also produces more apparent wind noise
•It can be hard to lift a bike onto a tall vehicle, which could cause scratches to the car's roof or sides.
•May not fit properly on curved-roof vehicles or convertibles--check manufacturer's fit guides for your vehicle.
•Touches the vehicle's body; if installed when vehicle is dirty, may scratch paint
•Must take care not to exceed the vehicle or rack manufacturer's rooftop weight allowance.
•Consumer Reports does not recommend carrying heavy rooftop loads on an SUV, as the higher center of gravity can compromise emergency handling, leading to a rollover accident.
Hitch-mounted carrier
Hitch-mount racks come in different sizes to match the class of hitch on the vehicle. Class I hitches with 1.25-inch openings are designed for most cars and small car-based SUVs. Class III hitches with 2-inch openings are usually found on pickups and truck-based SUVs. Your choice will depend on the number of bikes to be transported (racks for Class I hitches rarely carry more than three bikes) and your vehicle (Class III hitches cannot be adapted to most cars). Generic brand, single-bike hitch mounts can be found for under $100, but popular brands start for $125 and swing-away models can go for as much as $400. Some hitch-mount racks secure the bikes in mounting "trays," much like the ones used with roof-mounted models. Others require you to strap the bikes securely to the carrier; you need to take care to keep the bikes from scratching each other.

Advantages
•Easy to install--just slide it into the hitch
•Typically, no need to remove front wheels to mount bikes
•Easier to lift and secure bikes in place
•Much less chance of scratching vehicle's paint when mounting bikes
Disadvantages

•Added expense of trailer hitch, if the vehicle doesn't have one
•Some hitches may require drilling holes in vehicle's chassis or cutting rear fascia
•Some small cars are not rated for towing, and mounting a tow hitch can affect the warranty or cause problems when the vehicle is being serviced
•Some models don't allow access to vehicle's rear liftgate. Swing-away models that do are more expensive
•Often padding needs to be added between the bikes to keep them from banging into each other and scratching
•Bikes may be damaged either from backing into something or getting hit from behind
•If license plate or taillights are obstructed, you could get a ticket
•May need extra attachments to support odd-framed bikes
•Not recommended for tandem bikes
•May block driver's view out of rear window
•May be difficult to lock bikes to rack
Talking to experts and experienced bikers will help you narrow your choices. Also, check Internet chat rooms for personal opinions. Research and careful shopping will help you arrive at the best rack for your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Among the best review Web sites are:

Mountain bike product reviews forums classifieds trails
CarREVIEW.com - car reviews, car cudio and electronics reviews, performance parts, insurance ratings, and car videos
epinions.com
Bikes and Bicycle Shops - Mountain Biking Online
__________________

We can do without any article of luxury we have never had; but once obtained, it is not in human nature to surrender it voluntary.
dad is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-21-2009, 11:17 AM   #4 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Jenks, OK
Posts: 2,281
Drives: 370z Touring/Sport
Rep Power: 269
kannibul has a reputation beyond reputekannibul has a reputation beyond reputekannibul has a reputation beyond reputekannibul has a reputation beyond reputekannibul has a reputation beyond reputekannibul has a reputation beyond reputekannibul has a reputation beyond reputekannibul has a reputation beyond reputekannibul has a reputation beyond reputekannibul has a reputation beyond reputekannibul has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by FlashBazbo View Post
I'm a newbie on the forum. Please be kind. I couldn't find this topic anywhere in the search feature:

I'm probably about the pull the trigger on a 370Z purchase. One question remains: I need the ability to carry a bicycle from time to time. What are the options for carrying a bike on/in a 370Z?

I have a roof-mounted carrier on my Accord, but I don't want to do that with a Z. My dealer says a Class 1 hitch is available for the Z, but I don't see it in any of Nissan's materials. (A dealer sales guy wouldn't lie, would he?)

Does anyone have a Class 1 hitch on their Z? Or a bike hauler of some sort?

Thanks in advance.
It states in the manual, do not tow anything with your Z.
kannibul is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-04-2010, 01:33 AM   #5 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
90 ST's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Calgary
Posts: 1,861
Drives: 90 and 15 GMC Sierra
Rep Power: 423
90 ST has a reputation beyond repute90 ST has a reputation beyond repute90 ST has a reputation beyond repute90 ST has a reputation beyond repute90 ST has a reputation beyond repute90 ST has a reputation beyond repute90 ST has a reputation beyond repute90 ST has a reputation beyond repute90 ST has a reputation beyond repute90 ST has a reputation beyond repute90 ST has a reputation beyond repute
Default

I've seen a hitch on a 350 in Moab last year, but never got a chance to ask where he got it, what kind...now i wish i had.
90 ST is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-05-2010, 07:07 AM   #6 (permalink)
Base Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: FL
Posts: 84
Drives: 05 Honda, 08 SRT8
Rep Power: 16
rha600 is on a distinguished road
Default

Bones3

it will fit ANY car and easily clear the spoiler. I've used it on 3 different cars now and it fits great, doesn't scratch (you can always put a soft towel under the rubber mounts as well) and holds the bikes great.

Bones 3-Bike
rha600 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-05-2010, 07:37 AM   #7 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
LunaZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Vagabond
Posts: 6,704
Drives: Project: a white one
Rep Power: 514
LunaZ has a reputation beyond reputeLunaZ has a reputation beyond reputeLunaZ has a reputation beyond reputeLunaZ has a reputation beyond reputeLunaZ has a reputation beyond reputeLunaZ has a reputation beyond reputeLunaZ has a reputation beyond reputeLunaZ has a reputation beyond reputeLunaZ has a reputation beyond reputeLunaZ has a reputation beyond reputeLunaZ has a reputation beyond repute
Default

I personally wouldn't use a strap-on rack on the Z. I don't feel that the rear fascia is a good mounting point for the kind of weight and pressure a strap-on type of trunk rack would produce.
I used this type of rack on my 2nd Gen Eclipse and I didn't like what it did to the rear.

The RoofSquire looks like a sound design, and I'm a fan of Yakima as I've used their racks on my cars for the last 20 or so years.
It even looks like you'd still be able to open the hatch with the rack installed... an area where strap-on racks are a disadvantage.
__________________

2009 370Z Sport/Touring/Navigation | see my journal for mods
facebook: Be my friend... or not.
LunaZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-06-2010, 06:18 AM   #8 (permalink)
Base Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: FL
Posts: 84
Drives: 05 Honda, 08 SRT8
Rep Power: 16
rha600 is on a distinguished road
Default

I guess it depends on the bike as well. Mine only weighs 18 pounds and the rack itself is only about 5 maybe.

but anyway, I've never had a problem. I've had it on an eclipse, honda civic and a nissian altima.
rha600 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-06-2010, 06:54 AM   #9 (permalink)
Xan
A True Z Fanatic
 
Xan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: MA Posts:99999999999999
Posts: 3,301
Drives: 370Z 40th Aniversary
Rep Power: 26
Xan has a reputation beyond reputeXan has a reputation beyond reputeXan has a reputation beyond reputeXan has a reputation beyond reputeXan has a reputation beyond reputeXan has a reputation beyond reputeXan has a reputation beyond reputeXan has a reputation beyond reputeXan has a reputation beyond reputeXan has a reputation beyond reputeXan has a reputation beyond repute
Default

They recommend this one: Guardian 2-Bike

I bought if for my 350, used it once, I think it dented my trunk, never used it again....

I just put them in the back of the suv now... much better solution...
__________________
Xan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-06-2010, 07:00 AM   #10 (permalink)
Track Member
 
BeachZTT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Colorado
Posts: 746
Drives: '10 BC ZR T/S/Nav
Rep Power: 18
BeachZTT is a jewel in the roughBeachZTT is a jewel in the roughBeachZTT is a jewel in the roughBeachZTT is a jewel in the rough
Default

If you can do this, why couldn't you do a receiver type rack? I have a swing away for the Xterra that never gets near the paint and easily swings away from the hatch to allow access while fully loaded.




__________________
'10 ZR Black Cherry Sport/Touring/Nav, Swift Springs, Stillen G3s, 15mm-F 20mm-R Spacers, SPC, Spoiler Solutions Rear Wing, Stubby Antenna

Last edited by BeachZTT; 08-06-2010 at 09:52 AM. Reason: grammar :)
BeachZTT is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-06-2010, 07:23 AM   #11 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
LunaZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Vagabond
Posts: 6,704
Drives: Project: a white one
Rep Power: 514
LunaZ has a reputation beyond reputeLunaZ has a reputation beyond reputeLunaZ has a reputation beyond reputeLunaZ has a reputation beyond reputeLunaZ has a reputation beyond reputeLunaZ has a reputation beyond reputeLunaZ has a reputation beyond reputeLunaZ has a reputation beyond reputeLunaZ has a reputation beyond reputeLunaZ has a reputation beyond reputeLunaZ has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by BeachZTT View Post
If you can do this, why couldn't you do a receiver type rack? I have a swings away for the Xterra that never gets near the paint and easily swing away from the hatch to allow access while fully loaded.

Holy crap!
That's way nicer than the Harbor Freight trailer I pulled behind my Miata back in my solo days!
__________________

2009 370Z Sport/Touring/Navigation | see my journal for mods
facebook: Be my friend... or not.
LunaZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-08-2010, 09:41 PM   #12 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
90 ST's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Calgary
Posts: 1,861
Drives: 90 and 15 GMC Sierra
Rep Power: 423
90 ST has a reputation beyond repute90 ST has a reputation beyond repute90 ST has a reputation beyond repute90 ST has a reputation beyond repute90 ST has a reputation beyond repute90 ST has a reputation beyond repute90 ST has a reputation beyond repute90 ST has a reputation beyond repute90 ST has a reputation beyond repute90 ST has a reputation beyond repute90 ST has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by BeachZTT View Post
If you can do this, why couldn't you do a receiver type rack? I have a swing away for the Xterra that never gets near the paint and easily swings away from the hatch to allow access while fully loaded.




Where did you get the hitch, what brand is it?
Thanks
90 ST is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-09-2010, 07:32 AM   #13 (permalink)
Track Member
 
BeachZTT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Colorado
Posts: 746
Drives: '10 BC ZR T/S/Nav
Rep Power: 18
BeachZTT is a jewel in the roughBeachZTT is a jewel in the roughBeachZTT is a jewel in the roughBeachZTT is a jewel in the rough
Default

Hey guys, that is not my car or my hitch. I borrowed (linked) to Mike's album. Maybe he coule shed some light on the setup.

On a side note, my wife and I were in the Xterra on the interstate yesterday and I saw a Black 370 with some type of similar off the tail carrier. I had my wife (who is a great sport by the way) haning out of the window to snap a few shots. I am pretty sure we freaked the driver out a little. If your out there, beautiful car and wheels!

I haven't had time to look at the pics yet but I will post them as soon as I do. It looked like a good set up.
__________________
'10 ZR Black Cherry Sport/Touring/Nav, Swift Springs, Stillen G3s, 15mm-F 20mm-R Spacers, SPC, Spoiler Solutions Rear Wing, Stubby Antenna
BeachZTT is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-09-2010, 07:33 AM   #14 (permalink)
Base Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: FL
Posts: 84
Drives: 05 Honda, 08 SRT8
Rep Power: 16
rha600 is on a distinguished road
Default

that's really sweet!
rha600 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-09-2010, 03:13 PM   #15 (permalink)
Base Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Mid-Michigan
Posts: 39
Drives: 10 370Z/11 STI
Rep Power: 17
drivin blind is on a distinguished road
Default

That's exactly what I'm looking for! RP
drivin blind is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Crazy NYC Bike Messengers Racing Through Manhattan Traffic AK370Z Other Vehicles 8 05-23-2009 02:02 AM
Question??? Xavier Raymond Nissan 370Z General Discussions 1 03-31-2009 10:01 AM
7AT Question sbkim Engine & Drivetrain 5 03-06-2009 02:22 PM
anyone know how much gross/profit these 370's carry? g35300mm Nissan 370Z Pricing / Ordering Discussions 4 02-06-2009 09:10 AM
Kid Plays Guitar Hero with Bike AK370Z The Lounge (Off Topic) 3 11-21-2008 10:00 PM


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:44 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2026, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2