Best Roof bike mount?

[buddybikes]

Have a Yakima rack for primarily kayaking, however going on vacation and need to put a good mtn bike on top, or on emergency good road bike. Need just the bike attachment, looking at Yakima Frontloader, opinions on that or better?

thanks

[AngryScientist]

i have used so so many over the years and found that the rocky mounts pitchfork is my favorite to date.

http://www.excelsports.com/image/Rocky%20Mounts%20Pitch%20Fork%20Bike%20Mount.jpg

[leftyfreak]

i have used so so many over the years and found that the rocky mounts pitchfork is my favorite to date.

http://www.excelsports.com/image/Rocky%20Mounts%20Pitch%20Fork%20Bike%20Mount.jpg

Plus it's inexpensive and you can choose from a variety of fancy colors!

When I went looking, I couldn't justify spending more on any of the Thule or Yakima options, though I did stick with the silver...

[carpediemracing]

I've been using an INNO mount for 6 or 7 years now. Locks included, works with lawyer tabs, hard to forget to lock it. Apparently disc brake compatible but I don't have a single with disc brakes, just a tandem, so never tested it. They're on Thule bars right now, they were on Inno bars before, both the euro standard rectangular bar.

http://www.innoracks.com/details/ina381/

disclaimer: I did help them at Interbike for two years (for free although I got to wander around the halls for an hour when I lost my voice) and helped them install the racks on the Jelly Belly team vehicles (for free, although the team gave me some schwag) but I paid for my rack.

[malcolm]

Thule makes one where you lift up the front end and there is a roller wheel that adjusts the tension/tightness and when you close the top it locks down on the fork, can't remember the name but it's been my favorite and I think I've used them all.

Not to contradict the guys above, but my experience with rocky mounts was completely different. Let me say it was several years ago, probably 5 or more, but I was looking for inexpensive options to carry a couple extra bikes to an event and got the rocky mounts and they were crap, basically a wal-mart quick release to secure your fork, used a couple times and relegated to the garage. This was the first time I'd heard of them and it's been awhile so maybe the quality has gone up. I know angry does not appreciate junk so I suspect it has.

[gavingould]

Rocky Mounts pitchfork.

saw their HQ in Boulder when at CX nats, nice people, cool spot. the older models (say 5+ years ago) weren't the greatest, but the more recent Pitchfork has been great for me for a couple years. would not hesitate to buy more.

[oldpotatoe]

Rocky Mounts pitchfork.

I know Bobby Noys and the people at RM..a better group and mount kit isn't made..call 'em.

http://www.rockymounts.com/

tell 'em I sent ya...

[batman1425]

Great product for a good price and outstanding customer service.

I bought my two pitchfork trays from a teammate. When I tried to set them up, I found that it was difficult to spin the lock after closing the skewer, even with no tension in the system. Called them up for tech support to see if I was doing something wrong. They walked me through the procedure, did some troubleshooting by having me lubricate a few key areas. They ascertained that there must be something worn or wrong with my set. Despite me not being the original owner, they sent me out two brand new ones, free of charge, no questions asked.

You don't get better customer service than that. All my future trays and accessories will be purchased from them.

[ceolwulf]

I have the Yakima Forklift and have been quite happy with it.

[azrider]

I've had my roof rack going on 6 years now and in my opinion, it doesn't get much better than the Yakima Front Loader (far right in pic).

I was apprehensive to get it because I just didn't know how safe it'd be to be cruising on highway with an upright bike but its flawless. I got it because i own a lefty and was tired of taking wheel on and off, but i've found myself putting my road bike and mtb bike on the Front loader everytime. It's a little pricer than most but well worth the ducketts.

[shovelhd]

2nd the Inno, but there is no "best".

[blantonator]

There is a best.

http://www.1upusa.com/product-rooftray.html
http://www.1upusa.com/images/products/rooftray1.jpg