I Got a Thing! New Rack!

"TheRealBicycleBuck" (therealbicyclebuck)
09/04/2015 at 15:19 • Filed to: Bikolopnik

The WRX is slowly being outfitted to perform many of the functions of my truck. After hauling the bike in the back, I decided to outfit the WRX properly for bike-carrying duties. Technically, it was a gift, but the choice was mine. I wanted something that would clamp onto the OEM bars.

This one is relatively inexpensive, is lockable, and fits the aerobars well.

When closed (above), the lock prevents access to the quick-releases for the fork and the rack main clamp.

It took about five minutes to put the OEM bars back on the WRX and another five to figure out mounting and adjusting the new rack. Now that I know how it’s done, it should take only a couple of minutes to remove or reinstall the rack.

Bicycles are held on with the front fork quick release and a tie-down strap for the rear wheel. A big issue for hatchbacks is having enough clearance for the hatch to open. This rack is short enough to prevent interference.

Without a bike on board, there is little noise, even at freeway speeds. The bars are aerodynamic, so the only noise is coming from the new tray. Most of the edges are rounded, so overall, it is pretty quiet.

The only problem I see is a bit of flex in the front crossbar. I’m looking to either shore it up a bit with some reinforcement or perhaps replace it with a sturdier aftermarket bar.

I’m pretty happy with everything so far. I’ll report back if anything goes wrong!

DISCUSSION (10)

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > TheRealBicycleBuck
09/04/2015 at 15:33

One of the kayak racks we have for my grandfather’s truck whistles when there’s no boats on them. It’s an annoying thing, but alas, we have 3 boats so we need that rack when we go camping.