Roof Bike Rack Recommendation for a 2017 Subaru Outback with Factory Roof Rack

Question:

I have been doing some research on etrailer since I am hoping to purchase a roof bike rack for my wife and I. I have narrowed it down to the Rhino-Rack MountainTrail Rooftop Bike Carrier - Fork Mount, the Yakima Fork Mount and the Yakima Frontloader. My wife is 56inch and I am 58. I like the idea of the Frontloader but I am concerned that it may be difficult to put the bikes on and off because of the height issue. Im also concerned because some reviewers say the tall clamp that goes over the tire does not do a great job of securing the bike in place without rattling. The fork mounts seem like they may be sturdier in how the bike attaches and they maybe easier to reach when putting the bikes on. I like the Yakima but I would need to purchase the lock devices. The Rhino is a plus in that it already comes with the locks. I would appreciate any suggestions from you. Keeping in mind these are going on the factory rack of the 2017 Subaru Outback which should I choose? We will mostly use the bikes when we will be camping and pulling our tear camper. Your site is amazing and has been so helpful.

asked by: Irwin

Expert Reply:

Based on your concerns and the height issue the bike rack I would go with is the Rhino-Rack MountainTrail Rooftop Bike Carrier - Fork Mount Item # RBC035 because it is versatile and being a fork mount means that it will be more stable like you said.

Something else you may be interested in that will make loading and unloading the bikes easier is the Telesteps folding step stool # TE97FR.

expert reply by: Michael H