| twosomeca |
I am trying to configure a new MDX for us. Looking at the bike racks. Had a few questions, so any answers are appreciated.
First, can you put two bikes on the roof rack WITH the short box?
Second, is the roof rack bike attachment pretty easy to work with and do you like it?
I am also thinking of getting the interior bike attachments when I want to just ride around town. I was thinking that it might be easier to do that than to put it on the roof for short trips. Any thoughts? BTW, I can live with having both bike attachments, just want opinions on the interior and rooftop attachments. Thanks for the help. :) |
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| ostrowc |
| I have always used Thule components on my previous car and current. No problems whatsoever. As far as fitting two bikes + short box, I don't think it will work, although I did not try it. maybe playing around with different carriers will solve your dilemma. |
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| bikelord |
I built an interior bike rack for my 2003 MDX. Rather straight forward. You could probably fit three bikes across. Mine is set up to fit two bike behind the driver and leave the rear passenger side seat in a usable position.
First, purchase a couple (or three) fork mounts. You can get them from places like performance (http://www.performancebike.com/shop...le.cfm?SKU=3702) They are on sale for $9.98 each!
Then, measure the rear cover (where you would store the third row head rests). It's about 15" x 42". I cut out a piece of 3/4" birch plywood and fitted over the cover. Attached the two bike mounts on the board, cut a few hand holds in it. When attaching the mounts, make sure you try closing the rear hatch with the bike in place. I put the bike on the mounts, closed the hatch and then marked where I can get them as close to the glass as possible.
Works great and total cost was about $30. |
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| bikelord |
Forgot to mention, I also have a hitch mounted rack. Easier to get the bikes on and off (I'm 6'3" but throwing bikes on a roof is never easy). Plus the "pull into the garage with the bikes on the roof" tragedy can't happen.
We road and mountain bike so I do occasionally drag four bikes around. With the two inside, still plenty of room for gear. |
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| twosomeca |
| Good info, thanks! :) |
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| xcel |
Hi Twosomeca:
___Just do not pick up the Acura OEM internal bike mounts. TheyCallMe Bruce gave a scathing review of the darned things and actually gave them away after just a few uses!
___I am considering the Hitchmate myself.
___Good Luck
___Wayne R. Gerdes
___Hunt Club Farms Landscaping Ltd.
___Waynegerdes@earthlink.net |
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| bikelord |
twosomeca writes:
>Looking for an SUV/SAV! It's coming down to X5
For what it's worth, I came down to the same pairing. Loved the handling and styling on the X5. Couldn't seem to justify the additional cost (similiarly equipped) for a smaller, less powerful car.
As it relates to bikes, a hitch is a hitch is a hitch attachment, same for roof racks.
But there is no way you are going to fit a couple of bikes upright in an X5. Tried it with my neighbors X5. They'll fit lie down, so if you have multiple bikes, piling them on top of each other. But after the bikes there is precious little space left for all the crap I seem to haul around when we cycle.
Good luck which ever way it goes. |
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| twosomeca |
| Thanks for the info, guys. I did confirm through this board and the dealer that I cannot carry bikes and luggage carrier on the roof at the same time. I'll probably end up with a rear-hitch arrangement because the time will come when I need to carry more than two bikes. Since the roof only allows for two, etc., it's probably best to go with something I can grow into. Thanks again. |
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