That doesn't look fun, getting a tandem/recumbent bike up high on the roof. A hitch mounted rack would be easier to load and possibly get better mpg with most of the bike out of the airstream?
It's not as bad as it looks. The Thule rack has a pivot where you can hookup the front end of the bike first then all you do is lift and swing the bike up on the track. It's actually easier than my truck bed rack that I had on the Honda Ridgeline. Not too concerned on impact on gas mileage. It will be used for very short trips to local bike club meet points.
I have been thinking about getting something like this instead of my clamp-on set. How much did it run you and where did you get it installed?
Hi all, The bike shop where I help out (Amlingscycle.com) can get these Thule parts for you: Amlings Cycle - Recumbent Bike Shop However, there are also at least two other solutions to the same problem that we also sell: 1) We have an extra-wide "Gordo" bike rack to mount on the back of the Prius. Here's a link to my story about using that on my 2002 Prius to carry the same bike pictured above (an Easy Racers LWB recumbent) both alone and together with another recumbent: Hollywood Gordo G2: Light and stable at Amlings Cycle 2) For those who like me have added a trailer hitch to their Prius (I see Curtis offers a similar one for the V), we also sell trailer hitch mounted bike racks. These are particularly useful for recumbent trikes (bikes with 3 wheels.) The ones we stock are by Hollywood, and available in versions for both 2 and 3 wheels. Both of these alternatives avoid the need to life the bike up to the roof. One other caution: we'd suggest removing the fairing from the above bike before taking it on the highway. I always remove mine before driving above 40 MPH with the bike on board. And for those who wonder just how far one can go with this, I've also successfully carried our 10' long tandem trike on the roof of our 2002 Prius, by simply strapping the two front wheels to the trunk and spoiler, then strapping the back wheel to a suction cup and strap-mounted roof bar just behind the windshield on the roof. That bike also has a BionX electric assist. You can read about that bike here: The Electric TerraTrike Rover Tandem at Amlings Cycle If you have any questions, such as how to carry both a trike and a recumbent, or even two trikes on a trailer mount rack, my shop Email is: jim at amlingscycle
My main question is not so much the parts, but how to find a reputable installer (do you go to a body shop, an REI-type place, dealer), and how much to expect in terms of cost? My old Bike-E should fit in the trunk just fine with the front wheel off and maybe one of the seats pushed forward or folded...I use the roof rack for the kayak
I had mine done by RackNRoad. I believe they are mainly in the Western States. It cost a little over $1000 including installation. Strasma - I would be concerned to have so much of the bike overhanging the car width. I would be afraid of clipping something.
I carry my recumbent on a Hollywood hitch rack on my Prius but the most popular rack in our recumbent club is the 1usa. I think the website is 1usa.com. It's got amazing engineering and design. I wish I had purchased one instead of my Hollywood. I've carried three Bachetta recumbents on my Prius. Two on the Hollywood and one inside with the front wheel off. I have a photo somewhere that I I'll share when I find it.
Rbrown3rd Looked up 1up USA. Is this the one you're talking about? How do you get the recumbent up on the roof? The reason why I got the Thule is that I would have a hard time lifting the bike up without risking scratching the car. I like the bike holding part which looks very rigid. That is one concern that I do have with the Thule. It just have the fork clamps and a Velcro strap for the back.
Wasn't sure if it was clear on how this bike rack works so I took some pics on the process of getting my bike onto the roof. 1) Tilt bike up and fit front fork onto quick release wheel skewer (handlebars are kept stable with straps) 2) Closer pic of bike locked in quick release 3) Once front is connected then it's a matter of lifting the back wheel of the bike and swinging it up onto the rack trough. Secure rear wheel with Velco strap Works well. One problem is you need to have the bike side of the car clear so you can swing the bike up and down.
