eagan@druxp.UUCP (EaganMS) (10/09/84)
Below is a copy of the responses I received from people in reference to ski racks. Also, one person down the hall recommended the BIC rack. If you are interested in purchasing a rack, pay attention to the last comment in the list. Thanks everyone. I use the THULE system 1050 on my Toyota Tercel wagon. You buy the basic roof rack mount (a pair of parallel bars with normal gutter clamps). I then purchased an excellent bicycle rack that attaches to these bars as well as a first rate ski rack. There are other options avaiable. BTW, you can purchase locks for the basic rack, the bicycle part, etc. I found mine in a bicycle store but I have seen them in SKI stores, SAILBOARD stores (another adapter to add to the basic bars), and some general sporting goods stores. I have been very pleased with the product since it is very high quality construction and seems to hold my bikes quite well. _________________________ Last year, I bought a Thule ski rack. It was very expensive; however, I love it. The Thule is actually a rack system. The basic components are two bars plus pieces to attach them to the car. The system is completely modular, so that if your two cars are not compatible, you could get just the attachment parts to fit each. In addition to the basic components mentioned above, you will probably want little lock pieces that allow the rack to be locked to the car to prevent theft. Then, there are various systems that thread onto the bars that allow for the attachment of skis. The ones I have also lock, so I feel safe leaving the rack with the skis on the car. Besides the various ski attachments, they also sell two kinds of attachments for carrying bicycles -- one carries them upright (preferred and more expensive), and one carries them upside-down. The bikes can also be locked to the rack. Then there are the attachments for carrying anything else you can imagine: boats, sailboards, and even one of those plastic boxes for all-purpose roof carrying of luggage and such. All of their parts seem to be extremely well made, and I expect them to last longer than my car. But, because of their modularity, I won't have too much trouble or cost adapting them for my next car. The only problem is the price, and it is HIGH. I think I paid around $120 for an outfit that will carry and lock five pairs of skis. On the other hand, I know of no other rack that will fit five pairs on top of a Mazda GLC. You could get two racks for the price of one Thule, but I would rather have my Thule. (The bike attachments cost another $40 a piece. They are recognized as the best and safest bike carriers.) Anyhow, if you never want to get another rack again, get this one. I really love it. ___________________________ I would recommend buying a Thule rack if you are looking for a versatile rack that is excellently built and will last. You can buy attachments for skis, bikes, windsurfers, etc. It is not a cheap rack though---so if price is a limiting factor you may need to look elsewhere. ____________________ I have a '76 Corolla wagon and I use the type that clips on the rain gutters. My wagon has 120K miles and so I don't care that much about the looks. The ski rack ruined the plastic *chrome* which covers the rain gutters. If you care about the cosmetics, beware of gutter mounts.
marsano@fortune.UUCP (Derek Marsano) (10/10/84)
I use a Barrecrafters rack, which mounts on the trunk lid of my Honda Prelude. It holds 4 pair of skis plus poles, and cost about $65 last January. It seems well-made, but it does sway laterally (esp. when making turns, etc.). This doesn't appear to be a problem. Oh yes, the choice of a Barrecrafters was made in part because the Prelude has no (external) rain gutters, so a traditional rack would not be appropriate.