Has anyone mounted a bike rack on their TL? If so what kind did you use. I have heard that trunk mounted bike racks will dent the trunk. Some have suggested trailer hitch type racks. Thanks.

 

i have a trailer hitch style. highly recomended!

 

I have the same thing and love it....can carry about 3 bikes and all the while nothing is touching the paint

 

Which Hitch and Bike rack are you guys using? I was thinking of going that way. I've got a Saris Bones rack now but would like to get something that gets it off of the paint makes it easier to get into the trunk without removing the rack.

 

hidden hitch and (saris hitch style i think?) got them both from toys for trucks

 

Thanks for the replies. I found this site (http://www.hiddenhitch.com/Products/...?HitchID=60913) with no prices. I did find this one with prices (http://www.accessconnect.com/hiddenhitchpassenger.htm). Now, any recommendations on bike rack?

 

I just went to my local bike shopr (Brands) and picked one up for about $125.

 

Thanks. Can't see anything wrong with that combo.

 

I checked out the hidden hitch at the accessconnect.com site. It only listed the part for a 1999-2000 TL. Any reason why it wouldnt fit a 2002, or is it just they never bothered to update the product description? Also, I have the OEM body kit. Anybody here used the hidden hitch with a body kit? The kit doesnt come down too far in the rear so i dont imagine clearance will be a problem, but i was just checking to see if anyone has this combo (hitch and body kit)?

 

i think the hidden hitch was designed for the body kit. i dont have the body kit yet but there is enough room for the kit and the reciever on my 00'

 

Deffinitely don't go with a trunk mount. I have a Thule roof rack and although it hasn't marred the finish, it just doesn't look right.

 

I just found a new hitch other than the Hide-Away. From what I read the Hide-Away's rear bar is visible from under the car so I found another one that claims to be less visible. Problem with this one is that it requires two holes to be drilled through the spare tire pan. Should I be concerned about the holes rusting? Is there anything I should do to prevent the holes from rusting?

Here is the link for the hitch...
http://www.hitch-web.com/proDescrip....e=258682&OID=8

 

I used to have a Thule roof rack and loved it!

 

I used the trunk mount to take my bike in for repairs, while it didn't dent the trunk (i only had my light frame bike on there) it did scratch a little of my spoiler. So definately don't go with the trunk mounts (even if you don't have a spoiler)

 

Forget the bike rack bit fellas. I've looked at this dilemma long and hard. First, any bike rack whether roof, trunk or trailer hitch will ruin the TL/CL's sexy silhouette. Even with the custom roof footers from Yakima or Thule, you run the risk of marring your car's finish not to mention little accidents with the bike forks when loading/unloading. Roof racks also create wind noise.

I'm an avid cyclist and used to have a roof rack on my previous car ('91 Mits Galant). It was OK with that car bec the car's overall look/finish didn't matter much to me. I ride a $3K road bike and if need to transport it, I simply take the wheels off and fit it in the trunk covered in an old comforter to prevent rubbing and contain the grease from the drivetrain. Call me selfish but too bad for my cycling buddies but my bike transporting days are over. They and their bikes can catch a ride with our other buds who drive SUVs.

 

I was thinking about a Thule roof rack, but realized I have a sunroof visor which might get in the way. Trunk racks are out. So I guess I'll be bumming my friend's truck everytime we ride.

 

go with the trailer hitch style. wont scratch the body, the hitch is barley visible(with factory rear ground effect) not bad looking if you dont have the ground effects, and the bike rack comes off easy just pull the pin and off it comes (id recomend getting the locking pin) easy to store, fits in the trunk, and holds up to 4 bikes depending what modle you go with. cant fit more than 1 bike in the trunk with out majoe disasmbly.

 

How much is it to get the hitch, then how much is it to buy the hitch bike rack? I seen a couple of these before (all on SUVS), but its like 200 something for the towing hitch and couple of hundred for the rack.....right. I haven't been able to take my bike anywhere since I lost my only access to a SUV and is consdering something.

 

the hitch was hitch was under 200 and the bike rack i picked out was under 200 and it carrys 3 bikes

 

There should be no reason for concern, I've it it goin on 3 years now and no problems whatsoever.

 

Here is a pic of the Thule rack. This is the only pic I have with the rack on my former car.

http://www.89accord.com/tcts144s.jpg