I'm contemplating putting some roof mounted bike racks on my little hatchback.  Am wondering for those that have them: are there any tips or tricks you've employed to avoid low-clearance "incidents"?

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Is the pose value worth the risk?

Only you can decide.

I don't have one of these racks.

If you are traveling at speed in the county how do aerodynamics affect the performance/handling of the car?

After a big day is it a long way to lift the bike?

How do you get that they are "pose value"

"Pose value"? Really thats a long straw isnt it? And yes it does affect aerodydnamics and fuel economy. If you are a poser you will have the correct bike light enough to not make it a problem getting it on the roof. More important thing to consider would be parking with the car on a slope or cross winds when putting the bike on the roof.

there would be people who would argue that if the bike is really used for pose value then it will never be removed from the car and so the ease of putting it in the roof is not relevant :-)

Anybody want to put a cargo bike on the roof?

...really used for pose value then it will never be removed from the car...

Like surf boards bolted to the roof bars?

'pose value'?  Much greater risk of having some one rear end you and crush all your bikes with them tow bar mounted behind. And a lot of bikes can't be top tube clamped anymore.

Would you prefer we all drove or is that 'posed' around in SUV's or vans around just so we can carry three bikes like on those TV ads??

Small car for me.  Only have to lift a <7kg bike to chest height on my car.

that made me cringe !

Darren, I dont know what to tell you other than if you decide to go this way, leave your gloves on; or something that reminds you that you have the bike with you. Helmet may be acceptable in some circumstances, especially frustratingly boring boardroom meetings. Cleats make it kinda hard to forget...

Just avoid the central markets, and you should be ok.

I watched in horror one Saturday morning as a young lady drove her hatch into the Gouger street entrance with her boyf's Giant TCR Carbon on the roof.

I felt like I'd been kicked below the belt, it was a sound I will never forget.

sort of ssscrruuuunchchchchcheeech.

*shudder*

Ex boyf ??

Been using Rola roof systems since the 90s and never had an accident. Have had them on three dif corollas and they are the expensive but pay for themselsves in conveniece and ease of use. The last lot i bought I got the traps etc for $50 second hand of the'bay. If you have your beloved on the roof you tend to be careful. When I get around to getting a carbon bike it will def go on the roof. Stone chips on back of car carriers are an issue to consider.

drive the Nissan X Trail & every time a low tree /carport think to my self is the bike there. I dont have bike on much so its still a novelty. Driving interstate at 115kph no appreciable effect on performance. luggage, 4 bikes & 3 extra people increased fuel use by 10%

Most mistakes happen when tired or on auto pilot & just forget.  I like the idea of putting down the visor or a glove on the dash.  i still use the drill of check vehicle height before parking.

Need to be tall to use on a 4WD.

Mine has a lock & also a bar holding downtube so can keep front wheel on bike.  Most dont seem to use that sysytem & take front wheel off.  Dont place front wheel in front/behind car & drive over it because you forgot to put it in the car.

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