Thule Roof Rack

[Detroit86]

I recently purchased a Thule roof rack for my 2005 Ion 2 sedan. I didn't want the cheap Saturn one. I use it to carry mountain bikes and it is rock solid even on the freeway. If anyone on here is interested or has questions, I can take some pictures this weekend. Let me know.

I have the wind fairing, two fork-mount bicycle carriers, and 50" crossbars.

[2006 ion2]

you might want to sit down, the "cheap saturn" rack IS a thule made rack.

[Detroit86]

You might want to "chill out" buddy. Irregardless of who makes it, that Saturn rack is not nearly as sturdy as the 400Aero rack that I am talking about. I've seen the rack in person that I see you have in your pictures. Aside from that, I think it looks ugly on the car. There is no way I'd put 10 grand worth of mountain bikes on it. You get what you pay for.

[2006 ion2]

if it holds 100LBS of kayak in 40 MPH crosswinds going 60MPH, it will hold 40LB of bike. anyways, the aero rack is a nice one as long as it has the locks, not sure why you would mount bikes by their fork, then you have to stack your probably $1000 rims in your trunk. whether it looks ugly or not is a matter of opinion, I was simply stating both are thule, and both will hold up under use.

[Detroit86]

With the fork mount, the bike sits down lower on the rack so it is more stable (especially on a windy day going up I75). I have locks on my bike carriers that is built in with the ratcheting mechanism on the tray, so it actually locks the bike onto the rack by the fork. Its nice if you want to run into a store or get something to eat while you're traveling. Yes, you do have to throw the front wheels in the trunk but its not too bad.

[2006 ion2]

I have locks on the rack, too, otherwise someone with a buddy can just take the rack of your car, bikes and all.

[Detroit86]

Sorry I guess I wasn't very clear the way I worded that. I have the rack itself locked too. It was a 6 pack of lock cylinders, so they all use the same key (4 on the rack, 1 for each bike tray).

[kevzem]

Hey detroit, this is kinda a year after your post and off topic but what Thule feet did you have or do you still have i have a question about the fit?

[Detroit86]

I have the 400 Aero feet with the Ion "fit kit." They fit the same way as the 400XT feet. Let me know if you have any questions!

[kevzem]

Originally Posted by Detroit86

I have the 400 Aero feet with the Ion "fit kit." They fit the same way as the 400XT feet. Let me know if you have any questions!

This is a late response but thanks! haha. I ended up getting the Aero bars and feet with the "fit kit" and I agree with you after doing my research about a year ago the saturn rack is quite the ugly.

[Werks11]

All roof racks are ugly .... and thats all there is to it. So your roof rack is prettier then his is not a worthy argument.

[2006 ion2]

the aero racks are better for fuel economy and road noise, I can say that from experience, but there are still drawbacks, like finding things that will fit the odd shaped bars.

[MeanGreen]

I didn't have the dough to buy the Thule rack but got an Inno rack with locking latches and it allows the bikes to be attached to the rack with both wheels on and the stand locks to the downtube of the frame, quite handy when heading off to the trails

[IonThree]

I was thinking about getting the Thule rack, but the cost is skyrocketing at retail.

From what I understand, I need:
400XTR Rapid Aero Foot Pack
594XT Sidearm
Kit 2139
And I'm not sure how many locks I need

Something wrong here? This is costing more than the bike.

EDIT: I think I'm missing the cross bar where the sidearms sit. Right?

I've found several options where people sell their racks with the Foot Packs that'll fit the Ion for cheaper. Just want to jump on the deal if it's what I need.

[Detroit86]

I don't know very much about the 400xtr foot pack. I have the 400(xt) foot pack which uses the rectangular bars.

In addition to the 400xt Aero Foot Pack, you need:
2139 Fit Kit
50in load bars with end caps
872xt wind fairing (optional)
locks (I have 6 locks all using the same key...1 for each of the 4 feet and 1 in each bike carrier)

I have the 517 Peloton bike carriers. I see you mentioned the 594xt which leaves the front wheel of the bicycle on. It is totally up to you, but in my opinion the bike seems to be more stable with a fork mounted carrier versus one where the front wheel is left on.

I found a good deal on a brand new set of 400 feet with load bars on eBay. I bought the other components at rackwarehouse.com. They are advertising 10% off Thule at the moment with free shipping over $75. At the time when I bought my rack in 2010, they seemed to have the cheapest prices. I don't know if that is true anymore.

[IonThree]

Originally Posted by Detroit86

I don't know very much about the 400xtr foot pack. I have the 400(xt) foot pack which uses the rectangular bars.

In addition to the 400xt Aero Foot Pack, you need:
2139 Fit Kit
50in load bars with end caps
872xt wind fairing (optional)
locks (I have 6 locks all using the same key...1 for each of the 4 feet and 1 in each bike carrier)

I have the 517 Peloton bike carriers. I see you mentioned the 594xt which leaves the front wheel of the bicycle on. It is totally up to you, but in my opinion the bike seems to be more stable with a fork mounted carrier versus one where the front wheel is left on.

I found a good deal on a brand new set of 400 feet with load bars on eBay. I bought the other components at rackwarehouse.com. They are advertising 10% off Thule at the moment with free shipping over $75. At the time when I bought my rack in 2010, they seemed to have the cheapest prices. I don't know if that is true anymore.

Something like this is what I was looking for. I think the only difference between the 400xt and 400xtr is the aero bar which people seem to like better in regards to wind noise and fuel efficiency. The only reason I mentioned the 594xt was because I'm planning on doing more mountain/trail riding with a bike that has disc brakes. I wasn't sure if the front wheel on MB's with discs are easy to remove like road bikes. Can you replace the locks on the foot packs?

[Detroit86]

My MBs have disc brakes and the front wheel is very easy to remove...just as easy as any other bike. The Peloton bike carriers work well with bikes that have disc brakes.

Yes, you can replace the locks on any of the components. They send you a blank key that inserts into the locking cylinder and you can remove it.