chollaball

I have a new TSX, debating to put a Yakima roof rack on the car. I would use it 1-2x a week, so would leave it on the car. Anyone have any estimates of what such a rack has done for your mpg? My previous car went from about 34 to 31 mpg with the rack. Trying to decide if the $500 rack is worth the hit to my mileage, vs. driving my pickup truck when I need to transport my bike. thank you.

leftride

iTrader: (1)

i had my thule rack with a faring for a while and didnt really notice and changes in MPG. however if i were in your shoes i would use your trunk, just to keep the tsx nice and clean...i moved my rack over to my g/f mazda 3 for that reason

waterrockets

I think mine yanks about 10%, or 2.5mpg. I've got a 65 mph highway commute though, so the effect is maximum for me. Lately I've been trunking my bike, which sucks. I have a 62cm road frame and have to pull the saddle out to get it in the trunk.

I'll be going with a hitch system in the next few months. I'm going to weld my own hitch rack to hold my Yakima steel heads.

cmd

I had a roof rack on my last SUV and couldn't believe how quite it seemed AFTER I took it off. I didn't notice MPG variations -- an astounding 17-18 either way. I was planning on getting a hitch for the TSX, but can't find one. Trunk racks scare me. I detail the car weekly. So I'm now without a way to tow the bikes.

waterrockets -- build one and you may have a few interested in buying one, I for one! You know, Labor Day would be a good time to give it a try!