Bike carrier for Suzuki Vitara 2015

Lartfin on 31/08/2020 - 11:32

Hi all. First discussion, so take it easy on me lol.

Started to take my cycling/mountain biking hobby more seriously and am looking for a good way to carry my bike around when driving.

Would like to have more opinions related to rear hitch bike carriers vs Roof rack carriers.

Any models my fellow cyclists recommend? And why?

I have a Suzuki Vitara 2015 - and have never seen another Vitara carrying bikes with hitch mounts before - mostly roof racks. Although, if I look up online the hitch mounts are on sale…. Would be great to have an opinion from a Vitara owner.

Automotive

Comments

  • k-rokfm on 31/08/2020 - 11:42
    +1

    Do you have a towball / hitch on the back of your car?

    I cant comment re: hitch vs roof, however I do have a roof rack on my car (subaru impreza). I definitely like it, the roof racks that I have allow me to lift and place the bike on the carrier and then let go which is super handy as it then doesnt become a balancing act.

    From my very quick google it looks like the vitara roof height is 1610mm - might be dependant on year etc (my subaru impreza is 1490mm). You would definitely want to take into consideration whether you would be comfortable to lift something to that height - noting that you will also have the extra height of the roof racks ontop of that

    • artfin on 31/08/2020 - 11:47

      Don't have a towball / hitch installed yet. This extra cost is actually worth considering…

      I think I'd be fine lifting the bike, it weighs only about 12kgs and I'm 182cm tall, my partner wouldn't have such a good time then lol

      • trongy on 31/08/2020 - 20:03
        +1

        I had a tow hitch fitted to my car and bought a hitch rack. On the plus side, I don't have to worry about height clearance, and lifting the bike up. Also, I've heard that aerodynamics are better to there's less of a hit to fuel economy compared to a roof rack.

        On the down side, the tow hitch was expensive. I had to get a number plate for the rack. Indicator lights may also be required. My rack is heavy and bulky. When it's not in use, it needs to be stored somewhere and it takes up a fair bit of space. Some tow bar racks are lighter and fold up better for storage.

        If I was as tall as you I might have gotten a root rack.

  • Muzeeb on 31/08/2020 - 11:51
    +2

    Our resident ex Suzuki salesman and keen cyclist will respond to your query soon.

    Over to you spackbace.

    • jayboi on 31/08/2020 - 14:46
      +2

      spackbace left the chat

  • GG57 on 31/08/2020 - 12:07
    +2

    This will sound really silly and obvious, until it happens.
    Having a roof rack solution adds to the complexity of transporting your bikes. Apart from lifting your bikes onto and from the racks, you will suddenly have a much reduced overhead clearance when driving. Things like trees, hedges, signs, etc., will all become much more of a concern to you, for the duration of your trip.
    When you arrive home, you will also have to do all of your unpacking outside of any garage / carport that you may have, in whatever weather is happening at that time.

    I know someone who has managed to drive into their garage twice with bikes still on the car roof racks. Sounds silly, but they claim it was a long drive back, they were tired, weren't concentrating, etc.

    • k-rokfm on 31/08/2020 - 13:03
      +1

      Yeah 100% that its very easy to crash your bike into the roof of the garage!! its a very common occurance sadly haha.

      Luckily most of my trips are close by where I havent forgotten yet, but to remind myself - each time I have it on the roof I make sure that the garage door remote is in the glove box to make sure that I realise when I pull into the driveway. A very handy tip is just that - Make something regularly done and common is different when youve got the bike on the roof like moving where the remote is etc

    • brotherfranciz on 31/08/2020 - 13:28
      +2

      Yes, this was my first thought too about roof racks. It's very easy to forget, especially when you are heading somewhere other than your garage. Clearances are the last thing on your mind when you are out and about in the car.

      I've read lots of stories about expensive carbon road bikes getting irreparably damaged this way.

  • Euphemistic on 31/08/2020 - 19:14
    +2

    Do you have a tow bar? How many bikes/passengers?

    I’ve used roof mount, beak style rack (bike hangs) and a platform rack (wheels in hoops). Also put the bike inside plenty of times (wheels off depending on space available). Now I’ve got a ute and they go in the tray mostly.

    Swings and roundabouts for all options.

    If you are remotely forgetful DO NOT get a roof mount you will regret it.

    If you are worried about security store IN the car.

    • Euphemistic on 31/08/2020 - 19:21
      +1

      Roof mount: out of the way, doesn’t block the tailgate. High risk of damage, harder to lift into place, bugs plastered onto the bike, potential theft.

      Towbar mount: easier to lift onto, carry multiple with one rack. Requires towbar, good ones aren’t cheap, potential theft, potential damage from rear ender, potentially hang low and catch on steep driveway, potential for exhaust to heat/damage bike parts.

      Inside: secure. mud inside, less room for passengers if seats down, wheels off can be a pain, may need brake blocks for hydraulic disc brakes.

  • [Deactivated] on 31/08/2020 - 23:12

    Tow hitch.

    I watched a CCTV footage of my mate's wife totalling $15k worth of bicycle frames because she forgot the bikes were on the roof.

    Carbon fibre exploding is very fun to watch.

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