Great if Pulling a Trailer or Not Able to Use a Hitch Rack

Since we now tow a utility trailer with us to build our cabin, towing our road bikes on these weekends became an issue.

With the roof rack, although I was VERY hesitant (working in insurance, I've seen way too many things that have flung off the roof of vehicles). But the Thule name gave me confidence with this acquisition.

It installed easily on the roof racks we already had on our Kia Sportage, and slides right into the grooves on our racks, and although there are locks to secure the bikes in place, it lacks the locks (sold separately) to keep the bikes locked up if we decided to leave them in a parking lot while picking up supplies, or similar situations.

The bikes easily stay in place with the simple ratchet system - laying at an angle for further holding power;and the tube jaw, which is made of rubber and has not scratched or dented our lightweight frames.

To release, it's easy enough for myself or Husband to do - just click the wheel straps free and hit the quick release - and tilt the bike towards you. Our bikes are light, so it's not so daunting - those with heavier bikes may have to work our their arms a bit to take your bikes off from overhead.

Overall, it is useful for our current purpose, but I still prefer our hitch rack, as it is SO much easier to take the bikes on and off from - I certainly wouldn't put our mountain bikes on the roof just due to their weight and lack of arm strength.