The FrontLoader uses a universal front claw design that fits around almost any factory bar without modification (also seen on Yakima's awesome new EvenKeel kayak rack). The back clamp has three heights with a wingnut for fine tuning (borrowed from the excellent ForkLift). Even tough vehicles with super wide fixed-mount crossbars are no problem. This is a million times faster than Yakima snap-around mounts, and doesn't have the same tendency to pull a carriage bolt right through the metal tray that past racks like the King Cobra suffered from (thank god for Yakima's lifetime warranty).
 |
| Tension handle close-up |
The lock system on the FrontLoader is a little different than past upright, wheel-grasping designs. The cable on the wheel clamp is thinner, and makes a complete loop around the frame, instead of being anchored into the clamp and locking back on to a sliding peg. On the older King Cobra and HighRoller designs, you used to have to use the locking cable to lock the rack back down to the crossbars when not in use. On the FrontLoader, the slick front mounting hardware T-handle locks down with its own lock core.
I've put this rack on many customer's vehicles already. No more having to buy the HighRoller or King Cobra along with the Universal Mighty Mounts (or worse, the awkward Thule 594XT Sidearm). This rack goes on in less than a minute in most cases. The only downside of the FrontLoader is that it doesn't have the big, bulky, robust construction of the HighRoller. The rack weighs only 12.5 lbs, and it only has a 30-40 lb weight limit per bike as a result (see the PDF instructions for more information). By comparison the High Roller can take a 50 lb bike, so it is still probably the natural choice for people with hardcore downhill bikes on aftermarket bar systems.If you have a Yakima or Thule rack, the HighRoller is still the most solid choice. But for anyone with a factory rack who doesn't feel like spending big money on a superior aftermarket crossbar rack, the FrontLoader offers the best of both worlds. I will be buying this rack for myself this summer (on Thule bars no less!).
Update May 19, 2016:
I'm still using and loving my own Yakima FrontLoaders, and they are still head and shoulders better than the Thule 594XT Sidearm, which badly needs a redesign. The only other rack I would personally consider for people looking for upright bike racks on factory bars would be the RockyMounts BrassKnuckles, which also works for fat bikes and has a super low profile look when sitting flat.
4 comments:
Nice review. You mention that aftermarket racks are superior to factory ones - care to elaborate?
I recently bought a Thule 480R - Rapid Traverse Foot for my 2005 Mazda 3 Hatchback. Was this a good buy? Also, is the Yakima frontloader compatible with a Thule? The racks where you can leave the wheel on, are they suitable for long car rides? Secure? The racks where you hook the fork in worry me that I will scratch my paint. Did I make the wrong buy? Thanks!!
Thanks for your info. Can you tell me which rack either the High Roller or Thule Sidearm will fit better to my aftermarket "proRack" WhispBar's?! Thxs!
Paul - The 480R Rapid Traverse is a great rack for use on the Mazda 3. The Yakima FrontLoader will work on just about any Thule bar (or factory bar), whether a rectangular load bar, oval shaped Aero bar, or airplane wing shaped AeroBlade bar. Bike racks where the wheels are left on are just fine for long car rides. You will notice slightly more movement of the bike compared to using a fork mounted rack, but this is normal any time you are increasing the overall height of the system. Fork mounted racks are typically harder to load and unload, and you are right that having the forks hit the vehicle roof is not good for the paint! Many bicycles don't use 9mm quick release front forks anymore, so wheels on is a safe bet for most people.
Angus - A modern Thule 594XT Sidearm will include hardware that works around square ProRack bars or aerodynamic Whispbar bars. However, the hardware consists of metal plates, carriage bolts, and plastic wingnuts that hang below the bar and work best when you have good clearance to get your hands underneath. Because Whispbar fits are usually quite low profile, the 594XT Sidearm would be an absolute pain in the ass on the average Whispbar setup! Better to use the Yakima HighRoller with their 32H MightyMount made specifically for the the Whispbar. Four of the 32H MightyMounts come in a box, and you will need three to outfit one HighRoller.
Post a Comment