Lets talk racks..

[Canuck]

So.. I'm looking primarily for a rack to carry my mountain bike on my ZX2. There's 2 ways I can go:

1) Roof rack
*Carries bikes, skis, gear basket (handy for camping/backpacking trips)
*It's noted that the rack shouldn't be left on the car when not being used, so it's potentially a PITA (I would think) to put on/remove all the time. Plus, I'm worried it may do long term damage to the car, notably the rubber door seals.
*Everything locks so no worries about theft of bike/rack
*Expensive $$$

2) Buy a hitch and hitch rack
*Bike carrier, but have to find other solutions for other gear.
*Hopefully the hitch isn't going to interfere with bumper/exhaust?
*Have to come up with solution to prevent bike/carrier from being stolen
*About half the price of roof rack

** I won't consider a trunk mount rack. They are not very sturdy and make it a PITA to access the trunk.

I'm hoping some people here have used one or the other (or perhaps both) and can provide feedback. Thanks.

[zx2vt]

I really think you should consider a trunk mounted rack...
IMO, the trunk mount rack is the way to go. My Thule Speedway 2 works great. It takes about 5 minutes to put it on the car, and even less to remove. It holds my bike very secure, and it's affordable at about $120. Actually, it's on my car right now. If you're interested, I could take a picture of it.
Which trunk mount systems have you looked at?

[DOUGIESTYL]

So.. I'm looking primarily for a rack to carry my mountain bike on my ZX2. There's 2 ways I can go:

1) Roof rack
*Carries bikes, skis, gear basket (handy for camping/backpacking trips)
*It's noted that the rack shouldn't be left on the car when not being used, so it's potentially a PITA (I would think) to put on/remove all the time. Plus, I'm worried it may do long term damage to the car, notably the rubber door seals.
*Everything locks so no worries about theft of bike/rack
*Expensive $$$

2) Buy a hitch and hitch rack
*Bike carrier, but have to find other solutions for other gear.
*Hopefully the hitch isn't going to interfere with bumper/exhaust?
*Have to come up with solution to prevent bike/carrier from being stolen
*About half the price of roof rack

** I won't consider a trunk mount rack. They are not very sturdy and make it a PITA to access the trunk.

I'm hoping some people here have used one or the other (or perhaps both) and can provide feedback. Thanks.

You can buy a lock that prevents the hitch from being removed from the receiver. It's just like the pin that keeps the receiver hitch connected, but has a lock on the end instead of a cotter key.

[kunar]

You can buy a lock that prevents the hitch from being removed from the receiver. It's just like the pin that keeps the receiver hitch connected, but has a lock on the end instead of a cotter key.

yeah, and you can use just a standard cable style bike lock to lock your bike to the rack. i wouldnt recommend leaving any rack on a car for any longer than it is needed. its just gonna be more drag to pull your fuel mileage down.