Bike Rack Solution

[dablodger]

I have a new - used 2010 Nissan Rogue SL. It had the side roof rails, but no crossbars. My wife and I are cyclists and so needed a new bike rack system. Our goals were ---

- Bike rack system for two bikes
- Silver color to match the side rails
- Locking crossbars to side rails
- Locking bike racks to crossbar
- Locking fork scewers
- Inexpensive

My first approach was to buy the Nissan factory crossbars. Big mistake. I should have read this forum first. They are for decoration and nothing else. Aside from the fact that they are not adjustable, there is a design flaw and the front crossbar is substantially taller than rear. Two guys from a local "rack store" took one look and immediately said they were on backwards. They weren't, they just are designed wrong.

Next came the bike rack and the only ones that I could find that are silver and will lock to the crossbars were the Rocky Mount TieRod. They looked good and have great reviews, but when installed on the factory crossbars, I couldn't open the hatch. I could have turned the bike racks around, but I didn't feel good about compromising because Nissan's design team screwed up. So I took the crossbars back to the dealer.

So now I have two silver Rocky Mount TieRods, but still need a funtional silver and locking crossbars that would look good with the side rails of the Rogue. And the only ones I could find were the new Yakima Whispbar S54 crossbars. These crossbars are really new and I couldn't find any reviews, but first my impression is they do it all and are perfect for what we need.

So the job is done Rocky Mount TieRods on top of Yakima Whispbar S54 crossbars. We accomplished everyone of our goals except for the last one, but when you have specific requirements like we did, I guess you have to pay.

Thanks to all who wrote with their ideas, I wish I had found this site first. And to all who are considering the factory crossbars......don't. Look elsewhere.

Don

[Qashqai]

Check this topic: post6087237.html?hilit=roof%20rack#p6087237

Forum member Casper mentioned "Whispbar" It is silver (at least the bar is).

By the way, I don't think the cross bar has a design flaw. Mine looks normal.

[godenginger26]

I bought THULE system

THULE 598 Criterium for bikes
THULE 450R Rapid Crossroad
THULE RB47 Rapid Areo Load Bar
THULE 588 Core Lock


Looks perfect.
Price almost around 500$

below pisc you can see rack
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir? ... feat=email

[rayjgold]

ever thought about installing the tow hook and getting a bike rack attachment? I've been thinking about this myself....would be a lot easier than lifting a bike over the car every time i wanted to use it. and the tow can be used for other things as well.

[trance34]

Thats what we did

[kerrton]

I also added the hitch, paid $100 for it and installed it myself in one hour, it just bolts to factory holes, very easy. I really like the hitch mounted Thule racks, very easy to get the bikes on and off, you can load up to 4 adult bikes and they are very secure.