Car racks for the bike

Can't go wrong with Yakima. I've had 2 different roof racks over 15 years and ZERO issues, including off-roading with MTBs on top.

Decide how you want to mount it: roof, hitch or trunk.  Each will have their benefits and drawbacks.  Roof racks risk bike damage from parking garages, drive thrus, etc.  Hitch racks can block trunk access.  Trunk racks can be less stable and often can't be secured to the car.  Roof racks are great if you want to transport other sporting equipment.

Once you figure out how you want it mounted, I doubt that you could go wrong with any of the larger manufacturers.  Saris, Thule, Yakima all make great bike racks.  I'm partial to Saris for a number of reasons, but the big manufacturers do make some great products.

ETA: just saw the line about cross bars.  If you're sold on a roof rack, I think that Thule and Yakima make the best products and you can't go wrong with either. 

Edited by FeS 2010-04-19 3:21 PM

I did a set of Rocky Mounts on our car's roof, http://www.rockymounts.com

They've been great and no issues. Half the price of Thule and Yakima. Their Q/R system works like an over sized quick release, very simple. I also got the locking cores. When I installed mine I put a little Phil's grease on the Q/R threads and cam, they have been smooth for 3 years now with out any additional cleaning or grease.

I have a 15-year old Yakima roof rack and it still works wonderfully.  Love it.

I run a bike rental/delivery business so I spend more time than most carting bikes around and putting them on cars, and I've used roof and hitch mount racks over the years.  Currently use the Thule T2 with the 2 bike extension (so I can carry 4 bikes total) and love it.   I can't imagine going back to a roof rack.  The only major down side I've ever seen with hitch mount is the possibility of rear-end collision detroying the bike, but I've heard of 10 times more bad parking garage interactions with roof racks.   The trunk access thing can be a hassle dependign on car model.  Just make sure you look at the tray style that supports the bike by the wheels, not the frame tubes, those are horrible (been there, done that one too - worst of all options).   

I'll second the Rocky Mounts suggestion. I've had one for two years, totalled a car with it on top, switched to a different kind of crossbar, requiring an adaptor from the company and have had zero problems. Both my slicks and my dad's giant mountain bike tires fit well on it.

can't go wrong with yakima...imo

I've got a Yakima roof rack setup and I love it.  I have bike, ski/snowboard, and kayak carriers for the rack - so for me one rack system does everything I need.  Everything can be locked down with one key, the rack sits securely, and with the wind fairing the noise isn't bad either. 

I love my Yakima rack.

I love my yakima roof rack!  It's great!

But for the actual bike holders I recommend a company called ROCKY MOUNTS.  They are based out of Colorado...their product is simpler, cheaper, and easier to use!

Another vote for the Thule T2. It doesn't wobble, it tightens into the hitch and it folds up when not in use. If my T2 is ever wrecked I'm going with a Kuat. Spendy but they look to be well worth the money.