Spalj

I am looking for an all purpose rack system to haul everything from bikes to ladders to a cargo box. Anyone have any strong feelings about a particular rack system. The factory fit guides suggest the Thule 751 Rapid Rail system or the Yakima low rider double cross.

Nebuchadnezzar

I used to have a Thule on my VW, but I've since realized that Yakima racks are just built better. The ball and socket system it uses just seems superior. People on this board seem to like the Thule Aero bars, but outside of them being silver, I'm not sure what's so great about them.

Anyhow, I'll post a pic soon with the Yakima LowRiders on my allroad. I just use the racks for my bikes. Maybe I'll get a storage box once I need the space. I wonder if REI rents storage boxes?

Nebuchadnezzar

<img src="http://www.threeib.com/aryakima.jpg">

<img src="http://www.threeib.com/aryakima1.jpg">

<img src="http://www.threeib.com/aryakima2.jpg">

<img src="http://www.threeib.com/aryakima3.jpg">


<B>Yakima 48" bars, LowRider system, Viper bike mounts (due to bike's disc brakes), and 38" fairing.</B>


For those that care... my MTB is a Santa Cruz Bullit (6" of travel) with a Marzocchi Z1 MCR front fork (5" of travel). All XTR and Race Face components, and Hayes hydraulic disc brakes.

Spalj

Thanks so much for the info and the pictures.

Dutch8griffin

too lazy to take apart my bike. =) I like to beable to unhook and go...

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/20161/bikes_on_rack.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/20161/image3.jpg">

MarkFank

I am using 48" bars w/ the Double Cross towers, 38" fairing, & the Anklebiter bike mounts. The Anklebiters clamp onto the crank arms so you don't have to remove the front wheel. (Hopefully Santa will bring some Race Face cranks for Christmas!)

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/752/Yakimarack2.jpg">
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/752/Yakimarack3.jpg">
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/752/Yakimarack4.jpg">

Nebuchadnezzar

a) I can get in and out of my apartment garage (and most others) with my bikes on top using the fork mounts. Of course in the allroads lowest setting with the seat post lowered a couple inches.

b) It just looks so much better using a forkmount vs. upright.

The uprights are definitely more convenient, but the fork mounts seem more stable as they don't budge as much.

Different strokes for different folks I guess.

Dutch8griffin

...I was going into a garage and ripped my bike right off my rack... Luckily I had the upright bikeholder types and it only broke the straps holding the wheels in place... If I had your kinda system, well, I woulda done ALOT more damage, including my car... thats why I do something like this... =) just piece of mind for me...
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/20161/front_view.....bikes_on_rack_sign.jpg">

Dutch8griffin

BTW... check out the new Nokian extreme 296 studded tires (wish I could get them for my AR) 8^0

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/20161/bikebrake_picture.jpg">

Nebuchadnezzar

by copying you. I have a label that says "BIKES ON RACK" too.