Roof Mounted Bike Rack

beigg · Post by **beigg** » 04 May 2016, 16:03

Looking to do a bike rack for two vehicles with one system and would like to spend as little $ as possible. If it is actually same cost or cheape to buy two, fine I guess. I am willing to go with a setup meant for a 850 wagon that might need some extra items to make one system function for both vehicles.

Any options or ideas?

Vehicle's to ref are:
97' 850 Wagon (with moonroof)
15' vw jetta sedan tsi (no moonroof)

Post by **kranz** » 04 May 2016, 17:36

Install a trailer hitch with a receiver on each car. Then purchase a receiver mount bike rack ( I prefer fork mount units) that you can move between the two cars as needed. There is an almost infinite number of choices of configurations and price points. I've done this with a Volvo V50 and a Pontiac Solstice.

beigg · Post by **beigg** » 04 May 2016, 17:44

Hitch of any sort is not doable.

The wagon does already have the raised rook bars (stock) .

Post by **dyn blin** » 04 May 2016, 17:49

If you're not completely besotted with the roof-rack idea, consider a hitch mount rack. Less than $75, swaps in seconds between cars, and no clumsy lifting onto the roof, nor forgetting about the few thousand bucks about to be creamed on a low overhang.

edit: Ninja'd

Post by **kranz** » 04 May 2016, 17:53

If you have roof rails, then bite the bullet and just buy the cross bars and racks for each car. I don't think you will find anything that is easily portable across vehicles. I have three Volvos; all with Thule/Volvo cross bars and fork-mount racks. If you shop around you can minimize the cost especially if you can find a model that has been discontinued.

beigg · Post by **beigg** » 05 May 2016, 06:36

What I'd like to do is buy the rails for the VW for as little as possible and buy a nice low profile/sleek crossbar set with the upright bike mounts for the Volvo yet also have those crossbars be compatible with the inexpensive VW rails to be bought.

beigg · Post by **beigg** » 05 May 2016, 19:49

Went with a set of thule crossbars and picked up a double set of no name brand affordable upright trays with mounts to go on the wagon. Picking up thule roof adapters for the sedan.
Under $200 shipped for it all.