I want to buy a bike rack system that works seamlessly with the factory roof rails on my wagon. How do yakima/thule systems stack up vs the subaru factory bike rack. It seems like the after market systems have a much bulkier fit to them than the factory system. Or should I get the factory cross bars and use an after market bike rack. Also, I know I've seen a couple systems for sale on here. But I think those have been for sedans (without factory rails) and it seems like I wouldn't want those. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. I'd like to go on some bike rides this spring/summer.
Before I go the factory route, I wanted other peoples opinions on factory vs after market. If I go factory, I'll definitely be hitting up Brian on it.
I always thought they were the same...except the factory ones get restamped as Subaru but it is really Yakima or thule, no?
I'd go factory bars and then mount Thule or Yakima bits on it. I have a sedan so I can't speak from experience but it seems like a much better option. Then you don't need to deal with towers and what not. That said, I have a Yakima rack and love it. Worked great this winter and will be using it for my bike this summer.
Had a wagon with the stock crossbars...worked great. I did also have a full Yakima system, which I also thought was the cats meow. Cheaper than the subaru version as well...but with the discount, maybe not such a bad deal.
