Bike rack for '95 Legacy Outback

[Hallraker]

I'm thinking about getting a bike rack for my '95 Outback, preferably the
roof type that mounts to the factory rack, as I don't have a trailer hitch
and the hatch/trunk mount ones don't exactly look safe and secure with their
foam bumpers and nylon straps. (Maybe I'm just paranoid.) Anyway, my
Outback still has the factory rack and factory crossbars, it's the older
type with the really wide crossbars. I'd like to be able to carry at least
two older mountain bikes as cheaply as possible. Currently I just throw the
bikes into the back but that's kind of getting old.

Another, less important consideration is that the rack system be able to be
used or at least adapted to use on a '99 Forester. There's a chance that I
might take mom's old Forester in a couple years when she gets a turbo
Forester or perhaps a WRX.

I've looked at some websites (yakima, thule) but I'm interested in other's
opinions/experiences and other brand options as well.

Thanks,

-Matt

 

[A7N8X-X]

I've got a Thule hitch mount that I swear by. I'm curious is this a nice
bike(s)?

 

[tonyrama]

I'm thinking about getting a bike rack for my '95 Outback, preferably the
roof type that mounts to the factory rack, as I don't have a trailer hitch
and the hatch/trunk mount ones don't exactly look safe and secure with their
foam bumpers and nylon straps. (Maybe I'm just paranoid.) Anyway, my
Outback still has the factory rack and factory crossbars, it's the older
type with the really wide crossbars. I'd like to be able to carry at least
two older mountain bikes as cheaply as possible. Currently I just throw the
bikes into the back but that's kind of getting old.

Another, less important consideration is that the rack system be able to be
used or at least adapted to use on a '99 Forester. There's a chance that I
might take mom's old Forester in a couple years when she gets a turbo
Forester or perhaps a WRX.

I've looked at some websites (yakima, thule) but I'm interested in other's
opinions/experiences and other brand options as well.

Thanks,

-Matt

I have the Thule on my '95 Outback. I went with Thule over Yakima because
Yakima uses round cross bars and (I heard) their fixtures tend to swivel
around the bar, where Thule bars are square. Less of a problem on a bike
tray which would span both bars, but I had intended to get the canoe or
kayak attachments, which only mount to one bar. OTOH, I've seen people with
the Yakima setup that put in regular pipe if they need longer crossbars,
which could mean they're easily replaceable. Neither of these are cheap,
though. I know the setup I have for mine won't fit a regular Outback (i.e.,
one with the raised roofline, as they have a different rack). I'm not sure
about the Forester, but Thule has a fit guide on their website.

As far as other brands, the others I saw were, IIRC, really cheap looking,
and not much less expensive.

Tonyrama
'95 Outback

 

[Don.]

I'm thinking about getting a bike rack for my '95 Outback, preferably the
roof type that mounts to the factory rack, as I don't have a trailer hitch
and the hatch/trunk mount ones don't exactly look safe and secure with their
foam bumpers and nylon straps. (Maybe I'm just paranoid.) Anyway, my
Outback still has the factory rack and factory crossbars, it's the older
type with the really wide crossbars. I'd like to be able to carry at least
two older mountain bikes as cheaply as possible. Currently I just throw the
bikes into the back but that's kind of getting old.

Another, less important consideration is that the rack system be able to be
used or at least adapted to use on a '99 Forester. There's a chance that I
might take mom's old Forester in a couple years when she gets a turbo
Forester or perhaps a WRX.

I've looked at some websites (yakima, thule) but I'm interested in other's
opinions/experiences and other brand options as well.

Thanks,

-Matt

We have an 04 OB and got a trailer hitch with it for $350 or so. I got a
Hollywood carrier that fits into the hitch and works well with 3-bikes.
Only problem encountered was that the receiver bolt finally stripped its
threads after a year. Dealer pleaded dumb, which fit! So I went to Napa
and got a lug knut without the acorn top, and use JB Weld to put it in the
Hollywood unit. Now I can torque things together with up to 60 ft-lbs with
no problem. It's hard to really secure something with that much suspended
weight at the top of a 4' post with only a 1 1/4" receiver. But, this sure
worked for $0.50!! I prefer this to the top mount becasue my wife could
never manage to load if with her daughter plus it really cuts down on the
drag on the freeways.

 

[jimuntch]

Hi Matt: I once priced a bike rack from Subaru, for one of my past Subaurs,
but I don't remember the details...have you tried ebay?...just a
thought...jim

 

[Hallraker]

I've got a Thule hitch mount that I swear by. I'm curious is this a nice

Nice bike? I know people with $10 bikes that would want to answer yes
to that quiestion. I might occasionally transport my sister's bike, which
is an ungodly heavy full suspension mountain bike Huffy-type thing, but I
can lift it. The other two bikes are an older Bianchi (mine) and a new Gary
Fisher. (friend's) Both are mountain bikes.

 

[Hallraker]

Hi Matt: I once priced a bike rack from Subaru, for one of my past Subaurs,
but I don't remember the details...have you tried ebay?...just a
thought...jim

Haven't checked out eBay. I'll take a look.

-Matt

 

[Hallraker]

I have the Thule on my '95 Outback. I went with Thule over Yakima because

Yakima uses round cross bars and (I heard) their fixtures tend to swivel
around the bar, where Thule bars are square. Less of a problem on a bike
tray which would span both bars, but I had intended to get the canoe or
kayak attachments, which only mount to one bar. OTOH, I've seen people with
the Yakima setup that put in regular pipe if they need longer crossbars,
which could mean they're easily replaceable. Neither of these are cheap,
though. I know the setup I have for mine won't fit a regular Outback (i.e.,
one with the raised roofline, as they have a different rack). I'm not sure
about the Forester, but Thule has a fit guide on their website.

As far as other brands, the others I saw were, IIRC, really cheap looking,
and not much less expensive.

Yeah I figured that our Outbacks would be different, due to the unique rack
design. I'll have to take a look at the fit guide and see what (if any)
parts are compatible.

-Matt