my mechanic told me it's no longer cost effective to fix my jetta and that even after the repair he did, it wasn't much better than when i brought it in. he said he could repair everything but it will take a lot of time and money.

so i started looking for a used/new car. haven't bought one yet though.

this time i want a hitch rack for better gas mileage

looking at this one

anyone have this and like/hate it? or have anything similar? my question is how easy is it to get the bike on the inside slot around the vertical post?

otherwise for those of you with the type that clamps down over the top of the front tire, how solidly does it hold the bikes? do they sway much? it's nice that it doesn't touch the frame, but i would think that the type with the vertical post that clamps down on the top tube would be more stable.

anyone have the saris thelma? they look cool and also do not touch the frame, but i think the ratcheting clamp over the front tire would be quicker than the straps on the saris. also i don't think the saris tilts down for trunk access.

anyone want to buy a locking thule 444 roof rack for '93-99 jettas only? three locking bike trays, two front wheel holders, and also have brand new kayak holder still in box and brand new ratcheting straps for the roof rack.

I'm curious to hear what people say about the hitch racks.  I'd be interested in getting one for my car.  AG, which one to you have?  Ray?  The frame clamp seems like a good idea.  How does it work in practice?

Sorry don't have experience with hitch racks.  

However when you say that yourroof rack is only for VW that applies just to the feet, right?  Wouldn't the cross bars, locks, and accessories all be standard to the rest of Thule's equipment?  If that is the case what is the length of the cross bars you have?

Thanks, Eric

Ray-Ray and Rage both have the XPORT (or one very similar to it).  The center bar drops down for easy loading of the inside bike.

AG has this rack (maybe the older style).

The upside to the Saris of course is the arm doesn't touch the frame.  For the money, I think I would go with the XPORT and spend the rest on beer.  I intend on picking one up one of these days...

ew_perry said :

Sorry don't have experience with hitch racks.  

However when you say that yourroof rack is only for VW that applies just to the feet, right?  Wouldn't the cross bars, locks, and accessories all be standard to the rest of Thule's equipment?  If that is the case what is the length of the cross bars you have?

Thanks, Eric

I have a Hollywood, spittin' image of the xport - center drops rearward, sides fold up when not carrying a bike. I think I bought it from Pricepoint for ~$130 and spent the money I saved on beer. I have no regrets, would buy it again.

Having said that... it would be nice if I could drop the entire rack rearward when I have bikes on it so I can open the hatch. I'm thinking I might do a little shade-tree modifications to make this happen. Some day. Some of the higher end racks allow you to do this, but at well over twice the $. Not worth it to me.

The Hollywood seems a little light weight, but I have hauled two Bullits to Colorado and back - each bike over 42lb - and had no problems at all. Right now it has my Rip9 and roadbike, pointed towards the Rockies once again.

Buy it.

Rg.

ew_perry said :

Sorry don't have experience with hitch racks.  

However when you say that yourroof rack is only for VW that applies just to the feet, right?  Wouldn't the cross bars, locks, and accessories all be standard to the rest of Thule's equipment?  If that is the case what is the length of the cross bars you have?

Thanks, Eric