I made a Bike Rack for my Subaru Baja - it won't work for your Outbacks
but I figure I'd post it anyway -

http://www.scoobytruck.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=218

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jabario (AT) backpacker (DOT) com writes:
I disagree on the avoid hitch advice. I have both. Bikes don't sway
or come close to rubbing on my Sportworks rack, though it's supporting
them by the tires rather than the frames like most other hitch racks.

Roof racks are the best bang for the buck--you can get a good secure
fit for a reasonable price. But...you have to get them up there which
can be traumatic for some. And dear god don't forget about em when ya
pull into the garage. :-)

The main problem with the hitch racks is price--A good
wheel-supporting hitch rack (Saris or Thule/Sportworks) will run in
the $300's new plus $140 for the hitch.

Best Regards,
--
Todd H.
2001 Legacy Outback Wagon, 2.5L H-4
Chicago, Illinois USA

Todd H. wrote:
I disagree as well. I have the rack below (supports bike by wheels) and
it works very well. The bikes don't move at all. Plus, it holds bikes
of all frame configurations equally well.

http://www.etrailer.com/Merchant2/me...gory_Code=BR2B

Todd H. wrote:
unload much faster and easier than roof racks.
As to price, The last roof system I bought was about ten years ago and
it cost me ~$300 for the whole thing (Thule) Recently I bought a
Sportworks hitch rack for just a bit more, so I figure iwth ten years
inflation it may even be cheaper.
These things (good racks) last a long time. Ten years is not
unreasonable so even at $300+ you are looking at less than a buck a
month. Not much to my mind.

jabario (AT) backpacker (DOT) com writes:
Correct.

It is.

Very true.

So long as you include cost as part of your definition of "best," tis
true. Can't go too wrong either way really.

The interesting test for me is to find out how often I opt to put on
the Sportworks rack in lieu of hoisting the bikes up to my
"permanently installed for the summer "upright roof rack. That'll be
the convenience test.... And for highway travel of any distance, I
know I'll be gravitating to the sportworks as it's more solid.

More good news on the Sportworks rack on the Hidden Hitch: the hatch
of the Outback does still clear even if both bikes are mounted on it.

--
Todd H.
2001 Legacy Outback Wagon, 2.5L H-4
Chicago, Illinois USA

NONE of the hitch racks that clamp the top tube load/unload faster than
an upright roo rack when you take into account the locking and numerous
bungee cords that go along with them. The sportworks may be different
but at $300 plus hitch theyre quite steep compared to a $177 roof rack
.. If you can lift your bike to the roof a roof rack is the best by
far!!!!! I couldnt drive through the drive through at McD's on Sat
with mine and my gf's bike on top. I had to go inside (which was
quicker anyway).

jaba... (AT) backpacker (DOT) com wrote:
OK. but I specifically referenced the Sportworks which you admit is
much faster than any roof rack. (at least any that I know of)
It all comes down to what you prefer. There is no one answer for
everyone.But for myself- and using the figures that youprovide and my
estimate of ten years for a rack's life- the $133 comes out to a
difference of $0.37 per month. So, for each of us we just need to
decide if that difference is worth it to us.
I have nothing against roof racks and used one happily for a decade.
But now having tried the Sportworks hitch rack-I like it better and
find it worth the price. The nice thing about this is that you can
reach the opposite conclusion and we can both be right. I love win/wins!

I know it says in won't hold recumbents - but I wonder what the max
wheelbase is it WILL hold when adjusted to max lenght?

Carl


Rich wrote:

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to reply, change ( .not) to ( .net)

Many roof racks have skewers for the front - so you must consider
disconnecting the brake cable and dismounting the front tire.

Still, they both work and most roof systems are cheaper and probably
more 'adaptable' to other uses.

personal choice. As a recumbent rider, I may not need to also remove the
seat using a hitch rack - so I definitely have a bias.

Carl


jabario (AT) backpacker (DOT) com wrote:

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to reply, change ( .not) to ( .net)