Bike rack recommendations for an '09 G37 sedan???

[new2009_G37owner]

Ok, before you all flame me and call me stupid for even suggesting much less considering a bike rack on a new Infiniti, let me say two things:

1) Not everybody has an extra car to use for toting their bikes, or is willing/able to shell out the extra $$ for a car JUST to tote their bikes2) I'm an avid cyclist and where I ride is not right from my doorstep, so I have to have a way of transporting it. Therefore, my G37 sedan is my only option.

Now if you can get past the above, is someone able to so kindly recommend particular models and brands (Thule, Yakima, etc.) that they know works well and mitigates any chance of damage paint-finish-wise or otherwise to my car?

Thanks in advance!!

[pfarmer]

Ok, before you all flame me and call me stupid for even suggesting much less considering a bike rack on a new Infiniti, let me say two things:

1) Not everybody has an extra car to use for toting their bikes, or is willing/able to shell out the extra $$ for a car JUST to tote their bikes2) I'm an avid cyclist and where I ride is not right from my doorstep, so I have to have a way of transporting it. Therefore, my G37 sedan is my only option.

Now if you can get past the above, is someone able to so kindly recommend particular models and brands (Thule, Yakima, etc.) that they know works well and mitigates any chance of damage paint-finish-wise or otherwise to my car?

Thanks in advance!!

It seems to me that it is possible to mount a receiver type of trailer hitch on the Infiniti. One example is this, but I think you can also get one from an Infiniti dealer:

http://www.trailerhitches.com/...h.cfm

I liked using a receiver mounted hitch on one of my older rigs since it kept the bikes away from the vehicle and was very easy to remove. Another benefit is on the rare occasion that I needed a little bit more space for hauling something bulky I had another small platform that mounted into the receiver. I would never tow a trailer with a 'G' but for bikes this is how I would haul them. Many of these are bolt on as well so can be removed during the off season.

Perry

[C-Kwik]

I concur with using a hitch mount if possible. There are plenty of decent trunk mounted versions, but that can run the risk of scratching the finish.

Not sure if you've shopped for bike transports before, but make sure you consider the design of your bike. Namely the frame design. I have a hitch mounted carrier that I bought years ago, but with any bikes that don't have a straight top tube, they can be a bit of a pain to put on the rack. Especially if clerance between the top tube and bottom tube is small. Full suspensions can also pose a problem depending on where the shock/spring is located. There are clip on bars tou can buy that connect to the head tube and seat post to use, but even then, clearance can be tight. This type of carrier is what you might be most familiar with as I've seen them used for years. It essentially has 2 arms that protrude out which you hang your bike on:



If you decide to go with this type of rack, you might want to seek one out that has a way to prevent the frame from swaying back and forth. Mine has a way to strap the seat tube post to it which restricts such movements. This could be more important in using it with a car that has painted bumpers. Do keep in mind that such a provision might make it harder to get the mounting arms through the bike frame though.

I've been noticing a lot of people using hitch mounted racks are using tray-style racks. Basically, the wheels sit in some sort of a cradle or tray and an arm locks down on the frame or front wheel. They are a bit pricier, but likely much easier to load and secure (not sure if versions that clamp down on the wheel are very secure against theft; it would seem to me if you use quick release skewer, it wouldn't be hard for someone to lift the bike off and get away with everything but your front wheel).



I prefer the versions that would lock down on the frame somehow.

Here's my rig. Its not a hitch mount, but it provides fast, easy loading/unloading and clamps down on the frame not too dissimilarly from the tray-style hitch mount:

[pfarmer]

Ok, before you all flame me and call me stupid for even suggesting much less considering a bike rack on a new Infiniti, let me say two things:

1) Not everybody has an extra car to use for toting their bikes, or is willing/able to shell out the extra $$ for a car JUST to tote their bikes2) I'm an avid cyclist and where I ride is not right from my doorstep, so I have to have a way of transporting it. Therefore, my G37 sedan is my only option.

Now if you can get past the above, is someone able to so kindly recommend particular models and brands (Thule, Yakima, etc.) that they know works well and mitigates any chance of damage paint-finish-wise or otherwise to my car?

Thanks in advance!!

This is not my bike rack (which is a separate rack), but this is my cargo carrier. As you can see if you have a cargo carrier you can add a bike rack to it. This makes it similar in function to a tray type which can work better in some ways for those who would find a top tube type to be a problem and gives you a cargo carrier for those times that you need one.

http://www.bikerackshops.com/MBHBRS.html

Perry

[new2009_G37owner]

Thanks all, for the recommendations so far. I will look into these suggestions more.

[G_whizz]

Thanks all, for the recommendations so far. I will look into these suggestions more.

The flaming on this forum is WELL under control...

Welcome to NICO!

[pfarmer]

Thanks all, for the recommendations so far. I will look into these suggestions more.

Let us know which direction you go and if you have them include some links to pictures. I would really like to know exactly what it would take to add this to mine for example, as I am getting more in the mood to haul the bikes out of the garage. All of my racks are 2" so I would have to replace them most likely if I put a receiver on my Infiniti.

Perry

[Road Ruler]

Our 03 G is a multi purpose vehicle. Tows our TT, gets groceries, and carries our bikes to the many races we participate in.

The custom receiver does the job well.

[IMG] http://img.photobucket.com/alb...7.jpg [/IMG]

[IMG] http://img.photobucket.com/alb...1.jpg [/IMG]