I ride on a women’s specific Specialized saddle and according to every MAN who chats with me at the bike shop, its SUPPOSE to be comfortable because it’s the best.

Well, sorry man-folk…’tis not the case.

Things were hunky dory until I added the aerobars a few weeks ago. Now, since I’m bent over the entire ride, the nose of the seat is bruising the ever-living hell outta me. We’ve adjusted it numerous times and nada!

But you know…it really SHOULD be comfortable. WTF ever!

I am just now healed up enough from Sunday, to even contemplate riding again….not totally there, but at least willing to think about it. That’s just freakin’ ridiculous and totally unacceptable.

Sooooo, if anyone out there can help a girl out, it would much appreciated.

Let me know what you’re riding on and in particular, if you can ride in the drops and still wear pants the following week.

Many Thanks!

Train Happy, My Friends!

My friend Nan, who’s a much better cyclist than I am, somehow talked me into it. I was reluctant, but one day last week, in a moment of wine-induced weakness, I clicked the “Register Now!” button. Clearly, I need a breathalyzer attached to my computer to prevent me from signing up for events under the influence because, let’s face it, this has become a bad habit of mine. If anyone wants to start working on that technology, let me know. I have friends who could use it too (they know who they are) (Desiree).

As usual, I had my pre-race “What have I gotten myself into?” feeling. I knew I’d be out of my league. I never ride fast, unless I’m late for something, like dinner. I don’t have the fancy-schmancy equipment. No time-trial bike, no aero bars, no skinsuit, no pointy helmet. I toyed with the idea of taping a paper cone to the back of my helmet to make it pointy, but I couldn’t find one big enough. I resigned myself to riding with my normal, blunt helmet.

And so I found myself, once again, getting up early on a Sunday morning. But instead of putting on my Sauconys and my race belt, I grabbed my bike shoes and my embarrassingly unpointy helmet. I loaded my stuff into the car, taking my tri bags from last season, just in case I got the urge to eat a PowerBar with a 2010 “Best By” date. I met up with Nan and another friend, Kate, and we were off to the race.

I was surprised to discover, however, that time trials are nothing like running races. Running races have sound systems with big speakers blasting music and announcers getting the crowd pumped up. There’s the ritual call-and-response with the announcer saying things like “RUNNERS! ARE YOU READY?” and everyone screaming “WOOHOO!” as loudly as possible while waving their hands in the air. Yes, it’s a bit cultish, but it works for us.

Generally speaking, running races have a gun or horn to signify the start, and then the obligatory playing of the Rolling Stones “Start Me Up.” I don’t even like the Stones much, but it’s become a Pavlovian thing: I hear Mick and my feet start moving. Sometimes there’s even music on the course. Then, as you get to the finish, there’s a banner that says, appropriately, FINISH, often with a big balloon arch. As you cross the line, there are friendly race volunteers who say “Good job,” regardless of how pathetic your time is, and they hand you water and Gatorade. Sometimes you even get wrapped in foil blankets. There are always bananas and bagels. Frequently, there’s beer.

Well, this event was nothing like that.

If running races are like this:

then this time trial was more like this:

There was no rock music. No announcer. No big sign that said “START,” and what’s worse, no big sign that said “FINISH.” Fortunately, Kate had tipped me off to the fact that the finish line might be, shall we say, understated. In fact, the finish line consisted of a guy in a chair next to some orange cones with a small 8.5″x12″ piece of paper that said “Finish” in teeny tiny letters. No chip timing mat. No balloon arch. No phalanx of race volunteers to reaffirm your rock-star status and generally make you feel good about yourself. Nada. I was a little disappointed. Heck, if I’m getting up at 5:45 AM, I want some hoopla.

I checked out the other athletes, all of whom seemed to be doing just fine without any hoopla. There were skinsuits and pointy helmets galore. In fact, it looked like a band of sinewy, skinny aliens in matching outfits had arrived from another planet. I looked at my baggy jacket and very unpointy helmet and felt slightly inadequate. What’s more, I had wheels with spokes instead of disk wheels, or what I call Whooshy Wheels because of the “whoosh” sound they make as the rider flies by. There were plenty of athletes sitting with their bikes on trainers in the parking lot, warming up. We warmed up the old-fashioned way, by riding around.

Soon enough, it was almost time to start. We headed over and got in line according to our assigned start times. It was an individual start with riders starting 30 seconds apart. Nan was ahead of us, with a few riders after her, then me, then a decked-out guy, then Kate. The start line was quieter than a library on a Monday morning. I chatted with Kate, who was just behind me, and we felt compelled to whisper. I resisted the urge to run back, hop in my car, pull it up to the start line, roll down the windows and blast some tunes (Start me Up, of course!). Instead, I stood quietly in line. I suggested to Kate that we start The Wave, but no one seemed to notice what we were doing. We silently inched forward. Soon it was time for Nan to roll out. I waited for four more riders to go. Then it was my turn.

I approached the line. The race official double-checked my number and then asked “Woman over 40?” to confirm my racing category.

“Yes,” I replied. Then I added “You’re supposed to tell me I look good for my age.”

He paused, still looking down at his clipboard. He fiddled with the paper. He looked up at me, clearly perplexed.

“It’s a joke,” I whispered to him. He didn’t seem to get it. He started the countdown, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 and I rolled out.

“Well this isn’t very exciting,” I said to myself as I pedaled along. The scenery was lovely, but I was all alone. I thought briefly about my experience at the Helena Tri when I rode completely by myself, and of course, this song popped in my head:

Then I heard “whoosh whoosh” as the guy who started after me sailed by. Fast. I barely caught a glimpse of his skinsuit and pointy helmet as he went. I pedaled along into the wind, for what seemed like half of eternity. Finally I saw a rider in front of me. Oh look, another person! Clearly, he was suffering from some very debilitating injury, because he was about to get passed by yours truly. I pulled up next to him. We chatted briefly, commiserating about the wind. I told him to have a good ride and pedaled on, back to being All By Myself.

I soon heard the whooshing sound again, and again, and again, as more riders with fancy wheels and pointy helmets passed me. Lots of riders. Scads of them. I started to worry that kids on tricycles might come flying by me, so I picked it up a little bit at the end. And then, I saw it, the grand finish line, as noted by the tiny little sign on the side of the road.

My time was slow, but I didn’t care because I do these type of events for the party afterwards and the free beer. Alas, there were neither. But, I have to say, everyone was very kind. It was a beautiful day for a nice ride on a lovely course. And it was a great learning experience.

I’d like to do another time trial, but I know now that the key is the pointy helmet. Everyone who passed me had one. Clearly, that’s my ticket to a faster finish time (yes, it’s the helmet, not the leg strength or the cardio capacity) but I don’t want to spend money to buy one. I decided on the ride (having had all that time alone with my thoughts) that what I need is take the witch’s hat from my kids Halloween costume and put it over the helmet, pointing backwards. Voila, pointy helmet. If I cover the spokes of my wheels with some construction paper, it’ll look like I have those Whooshy Wheels. Then I just need to attach a boom box to the back of my bike so I can play some Stones and kick it up a notch. Yes, I think I have a plan.

Someone with a pointy helmet

Riders without pointy helmets.

My new Cervelo P2 TT/Tri bike

If there’s anything that makes me feel closer to the beginning, it’s the fact that I brought home a new bike. Nytro never did get the SRAM Rival equipped Cannondale Slice 4 in stock that was included in the upgraded tri package but that’s OK. I opted for a slightly more affordable but comparable Shimano Ultegra/FSA equipped Cervelo P2. I opted to match the Ultegra components with Ultegra pedals. I was disappointed I didn’t get to try the Slice, especially since EVERYONE has a P2 but the Cervelo bike fit so well.

The bike fit me like a glove without any adjustments. I had my fitter flip the stem but I think I’m going to drop a spacer as well. The seat post height and saddle positions were perfect right off the floor. It was meant to be. Aside from removing a spacer, I think I’m also going to have them cut the aero bars to bring the shifters in. I have to overextend to shift. I may replace the pursuit/base and aero bars down the road as they aren’t the most comfortable.

Bike on CycleOps Fluid2 Trainer

I also brought home Shimano TR52 shoes and a CycleOps Fluid2 trainer which I think will be one of the most important pieces of equipment I will buy. With the time constraints imposed on me by work and my favorite spin instructor not teaching anymore, I will spend a lot of time on the trainer. I opted for a fluid trainer because I live on the second floor and would rather listen to music than a loud wind or magnet trainer. After a few sessions on the Fluid2, I’m so glad I didn’t skimp on this purchase.

The last major purchase remaining is the wetsuit. Currently, I’m only basing this on price but I’m leaning toward a 2XU T:2 Team wetsuit. I will hold out as long as I can since it’s only getting warmer in So. Cal and the long distance open water swims are a few months out. I can get by in the pool for now. The question is do I opt for a spendy gym membership at SDSU?

The deed is done. I have coughed up the dough for a new bike. A physical sensation very much akin to coughing up a lung or a kidney.

The last time I spent that much money on anything it had four legs, a tail, liked carrots, was seventeen hands high and capable of leaping over a picnic table with me on its back.

 Just like my last fancy ride, this bike is also a thourobred, but one of a different kind entirely.

As of last Saturday, I became the proud owner of a Cervelo P2. An all carbon tri bike designed with some serious kick-ass in mind. 

Aside from the fact that it is probably about 10 lbs lighter than my old road bike, this little beastie also fits me like a glove and is capable of an extraordinary amount of power transfer.

Needless to say, I am in love with it. But like the path of  every love affair, this one has not been entirely idyllic. Witness my first outdoor test run.

I woke up early and although it took me a while to find all my outdoor riding gear, I was still ready to go pretty much as soon as it was light enough to see and safely be seen.

I had a small moment of nostalgia when I clicked my bike computer on and 56.33 flashed up – my Cedar Point distance lingering, ghost-like in the bright digital display. I reset it, shaking my head, feeling like that race was a lifetime ago. 

I swung out on the road and realized immediately as I began swerving side to side how wildly sensitive the bike was – it made my old bike feel like a ton of bricks. I got down into the aero bars where I quickly learned,

 I had zero ability to steer and no ability to brake!

And voila! I was suddenly veering across the road, taking a wild route that ended with me pitching, although not actually crashing, to the right as farm truck blew by me at 60 miles an hour.

I swerved into the park where I spent the next 30 minutes getting my shit together. This riding position (go figure) is pretty unnatural, and took some mental reconfiguring to get comfortable in.

I practiced getting down in the aeros and getting back out of them, learning how to be half in them and half out and figuring out how to brake and shift while steering. In general; getting the hang of everything.

What I learned is that the frame of the bike is so sensitive, that I can steer it by shifting my weight. Just like a thouroghbred. I learned that it was adept at translating the pressure from my legs into an effortless climbing pace, just like a thouroghbred and finally that it’s greatest joy was a screaming run down a flat stretch of road. Need I say it? You get the idea.

The best part about the whole thing is that energy required to ride at speed is drastically reduced.

Yesterday morning I got on the Computrainer and was able to easily put out about 200 watts during my pickups which I did in 5 minute intervals. I don’t think I have ever seen numbers like that in the year I have been on the C-Train. Pretty cool.

 Even more interesting is that my legs weren’t sore at all when I get off, even though I had been pushing really hard. All of which is theoretically supposed to make it easier for me to run off the bike, ergo, race faster.

 We’ll see. The proof, as they say, is in the pudding. In the meantime, I’ll be cranking it up indoors and trying to not kill myself when I do get outside.

UPDATE 1/15/11:  Yet another option for the Juke has been developed by the pro’s at Rack Attack!  Check out this 2011 Nissan Juke with the ProRack Whispbar system…

Juke Whispbar

This setup utilized the Whispbar S3 along with Fitting Kit 323.  Note that this is a custom and permanant option!  Take a look below at the very low profile mounting blocks.  These are the only parts that are permanently affixed to the vehicle.

Whispbar mount block

Finally, we added the Yakima Fat Cat 6 ski/snowboard rack.  Note that the rack is ‘jacked up’ on one side…this is so snowboard bindings on the upside-down boards don’t hit the roof.  It is not always necessary to lift the rack like this, but the customer wanted to start this way just to be safe.  Flattening out the rack is simply adjusting two screws on each carrier.

Whispbar with Fat Cat 6

It has finally arrived! For those of you who have been waiting for the the Nissan Juke to come stateside, it is here and we had the opportunity to rack it. The customer needed a rack system to get his snowboards to the mountain and we had solutions.

2011 Nissan Juke Ready for the Slopes

Either a simple-to-install clip fit with Thule’s 480 towers (for a more stylish option upgrade to Thule’s Aero bars), 50″ Load Bars, Fit Kit 1619 and a 4-pack of locks or if you are lucky enough to live close to one of our retail stores we can custom install a rack system.  UPDATE 1/27/11:  Yakima now has a Q tower fit.  Several trunk rack options exists now as well.  And Curt has a class I 1.25″ hitch!  Give us a call or check out our online fit guides at www.rackattack.com for more information.

It's loaded up and has one destination: Mountain!

Our customer opted for the custom installation, making removal and installation of the rack a snap! Add Yakima’s Fat Cat 4 or 6 ski and snowboard carrier, your friends, one weekend, a mountain and you have a recipe everybody wants!!

Close up view of the rack

Summary: This turbo all wheel drive crossover is the perfect vehicle to get you to the slopes and we have a couple of great options for racks.

Pro’s: The custom install gives you easy install and removal of the base rack system.

Con’s: Notice the roof sloping up? You have to take this into consideration for longer boats and cargo boxes that typically work best with larger bar spreads.

Call today and talk to one of our rack specialists to get your Juke a great rack system! 503-226-7300

VW Golf ready for kayaks

For this setup, we used the Thule 480R Rapid Traverse foot pack, RB47 Rapid Aero crossbars, Fit Kit 1050, and a 4-pack of locks.  On top of the bars, you’ll see two sets of Thule’s 883 Glide and Set.  These kayak saddles include all the tie-downs you’ll ever need–two bow/stern straps and two 15′ webbing straps included in each kit.  Remember to use your bow straps, safety first!

3-door Golf looking fast and ready for the water

The installation is simple–VW has ‘fixed points’ hidden under the rubber trim over the front doors, and the rear clips hook to the gap between the body and window.  Thule has made the 480 series racks stronger and easier to assemble than ever before!

Thule 480R up close

Remember you can give us a call any time, 503.226.7300, or toll-free 1.888.399.7225.

A friend suggested another way for me to beat my PB. He said I should get a set of aero bars for my bike. That’s something I had never considered. I’m considering it now, but doubt that I’ll do anything about it just yet.

One guy in my club says the aero bars on his bike are good for an extra 2 mph. There’s got to be some support for that, or all the hardcore TT riders wouldn’t be using them. But what about regular riding?

The aero bars on Bob's bike.

My friend Bob, who I rode with on the MS 150, has aero bars on his bike. When he was ahead of me on straightaways, he would get down into sort of an aero tuck. Not only did he start to slowly pull away from me that way, but they also gave him another position on that long ride. Getting down on the bars from time to time helped keep him fresh.

But while it’s a different position, it’s also an unstable position. If you watched the Tour de France opening time trial, you probably noticed that the riders stayed in their aero crouch as long as possible, but when they came to turns, they had to get on the handlebars.

That’s why a lot of organized group rides prohibit aero bars. They want to prevent crashes that can happen if someone on aero bars gets too close to another bike, and accidentally bumps it, or even if they hit a bad piece of pavement and get knocked off their line. It’s not easy to get instantly from elbows on pads to hands on bars and regain control before the bike goes over.  Besides, if you’re riding in a group, you don’t even need aero bars. The peloton will pull you along.

What’s your take? Have you used them? Do you like them? Will you try them? Or have you decided they’re just not worth the bother?

Rider positions, frame design, aerobar design, frame shapes, they shived the Shiv, took the drink right off the P4, and on and on. Jean Wuthier is an idiot and the UCI can’t even interpret their rules consistently. The UCI would rather have people go slow them come up with ways to make a bike faster. Everyone wants to go faster. Faster riders, setting records draw more media attention and fans. Fans buy more stuff. It’s a positive feedback loop. By their own rules, anything shaped faster then the slowest shape you can design should be illegal.

Maybe I’m just po’d that the great idea I had to put on new aero bars got foiled by some dummies in Switzerland.

On a side note, I tagged a previous post with the word porn. Seems lots of people surf wordpress blogs for that word. I got a ton of hits off that key word. So many in fact, I’m tagging every post with the word porn.
Hell yeah, I’m whoring my blog out!

And I will copy her format too.

An open letter to 80% of the cyclists in Orange County.

Dear Fellow Cyclists:

I respectfully take issue with the wardrobes you choose to employ for the activity of cycling.

Take for example, the gentleman I saw while riding in Irvine. He pedalled a sweet little carbon-fiber frame at a moderate pace down one of the straight, flat roads in the vicinity of UCI. He tucked in and grasped his aero bars as a look of steady resolve spread across his face. One would assume that all of this was perfectly legitimate behavior. Not so. I have left out one egregious detail from my depiction: the man was wearing street clothes.

I wonder, Sir, if you realize that wearing cargo shorts and a cotton T-shirt effectively cancels out the effect of your pricey little aerobars? In most normal situations, I would not consider myself a major advocate for old men wearing spandex. But this is not a normal situation. Nor is this an isolated example. This is a dire crisis of Physics and must be addressed immediately.

In short: If you have $3,000 to spend on a full-carbon bike, you sure as heck have $50 to spend on bike shorts. Do yourself a favor and go buy some. Just looking at you is making me uncomfortable in places I don’t want to talk about.

Furthermore, Cyclists of Orange County: Do you realize that it is 68 degrees outside? I believe there must be some sort of safety advisory warning from the surgeon general against wearing full leg-warmers and horrendously neon windbreakers when it is a perfectly beautiful, warm, sunny day. It can’t be healthy—it simply just can’t. But I suppose, after all, you are the same people who drive around in your cars on beautiful days with your windows rolled up and your air conditioners blasting. This too, is a dire crisis of Physics. My only suggestion to you in this matter is that you take a deep breath and enjoy your own sunshine. You can bet that if in your position, the rest of the world most certainly would.

Sincerely,

A Cyclist who thanks God everyday for Northern California

P.S. (Added two days later) Arm warmers and a sleeveless jersey are also, by and large, not acceptable. Especially if you are a man.

Thule 5401 SnowCat – Thule Ski and Snowboard Racks

If you vehicle has come from the Factory with some raised factory side rails (running front of the car to the rear of the car on the left and right side) then you are a prime candidate for the the Thule SnowCat 5401.  This carrier comes complete with everything you need out of the box to have a mounted locking carrier.

If you have priced the Thule SnowCat against a whole crossbar and Ski Specific Accessory from Thule and wondering why the SnowCat is a less expensive option,  here’s the lowdown – The Thule SnowCat is a wintersport accessory only, the feet (or towers), crossbars and ski rack are all designed together allowing you to spend less but it limits you to one sport.  If your more of a multi-sport connoisseur stick with the original modular crossbar options and the seperate seasonal sport accessories – you pay more up front for the benefits later.

The Subaru Forester pictured above could have used the Thule SnowCat but the customer opted out, knowing that in the summer time – the ski racks would come off and the bike racks and luggage box for golf clubs would go on the crossbars.

If you think the Thule SnowCat is just not enough room the next best option (and year round use) is a Luggage Box like the 2010 Subaru Outback pictured above with a Thule Boxter 611.  The Luggage Boxes do require crossbars (that run left to right over the vehicle).
For more expert tips or to talk to the folks that do this everyday, all day long. EMAIL US or Call 1-888-399-7225

Here’s a little Yakima Ski Rack History for all you folks calling that are not quite sure what you have or what you should get.

This once over on all of Yakima Ski and Snowboard Racks should get you off to a good start.

Pictured above is one of the most popular carriers we sell – The Yakima FatCat 4 (3077) and Yakima FatCat 6 (3078).  When Yakima says this fit’s wide ski’s – they’re not lying – this thing was built for the wide ones, in addition to having a super sleek low profile finish and unique look.   FatCat’s have been made since 2007.  The FatCat 6 has approx 28″ of carrying space – compared to the Big Powderhound at approx 22″ usable.  And best of all like most of Yakima’s ski/boar racks it includes a ski lift for low clearance crossbars (prevents your bindings from rubbing on painted surfaces:)  The FatCat 4,6  was originally packaged without locks – part 3067, 3068)

YAKIMA FATCAT 6 with LOCKS 3078

Yakima PowderHound (3081) and Big PowderHound (3082).   They are one of the most user friendly carriers now – out of the box and ready to attach to most any bar – with locks and ski lift!  The Yakima Big PowderHound (3072) was identical except not packaged with locks.  This model made from 2006- current.

Yakima Big PowderHound with LOCKS!

The Yakima FreshSesh (3079) is almost identical in features to the Yakima Big PowderHound – except for the color scheme and the ability to CUSTOMIZE your little heart out with some included stickers, and be different, just like everybody else.  Or you can really defy the laws of tradition and leave it all white!   Not available in a 4 pr.  The old part 3069 was identical except did not include locks.  This model made 2006 – current.

YAKIMA FRESHSESH with LOCKS

Pictured above the Yakima ButtonDown Aero with Locks (3070).  An oldie but a goody that’s been around in some fashion since 1992.  Notice the small red buttons for our small monkey fingers back in the day.

Pictured above – Yakima’s Lift Ticket 4 (3062), and 6 (3063),  was Yakima’s high end carrier before the Fat Cat.  It was manufactured from 2002 – 2007.  Large buttons – easy to get into with gloves and secure hidden hardware.  It was packaged to fit round bars only (Yakima Mighty Mounts could be added to fit factory crossbars, and locks could be added to secure everything).

The Lift Ticket Hardware (#8830033) is commonly sought after – call us if you need it 503 226 7300

Pictured above the Yakima Big Powder Hound (3046) was originally released in 1999 until 2004.  This Yakima Big PowderHound was packaged to fit round bars only (Yakima Mighty Mounts could be added to fit factory crossbars, and locks could be added to secure everything).

Pictured above the Yakima Big PowderHound SE (3059) was an Anniversary Edition carrier they built 2004-2006.  Better button for easier use with gloves in cold conditions.  This Yakima Big PowderHound SE was packaged to fit round bars only (Yakima Mighty Mounts could be added to fit factory crossbars, and locks could be added to secure everything).

Pictured above is the Yakima Button Down 6 (3036) (and the BD4 3034).  This ButtonDown was packaged to fit round bars only (Yakima Mighty Mounts could be added to fit factory crossbars, and locks could be added to secure everything).  This carrier was made 1992-1999 and Yakima added the SKS (same key system) compatibility in 1993.   ps – if you have lost your old round headed keys for these, the current “N” series keys from Thule will work with your old Yakima ButtonDown carriers.   ie: Old round head (non SKS) Yakima key 026 = New Thule Replacement key N026  - THULE REPLACEMENT KEYS.

Yakima Ski Slopes (3032) pictured above.  Yep only skis and narrow ones at that!  This Ski Slope was packaged to fit round bars only (Yakima Mighty Mounts could be added to fit factory crossbars, and may or may not have been SKS lock compatible)

And of course pictured above the Yakima 3B or 3A Family Model.  Possibly the first Yakima Ski Carriers (after of course the Yakima branded Bunjee Cords….)  If your still using these we congratulate you, and hope your 1985 Honda Civic Coupe makes it to 475,000 miles this year!   Yakima manufactured these from the mid 80′s to approx 1991.

Hope this helps – if your missing hardware or keys for your old carriers see links below:

Yakima Vertical Mighty Mounts (specific to each vehicle) Work with most Yakima Carriers except FatCats.

Yakima Ski Lift #8860037 (works with most all Yakima models except Fat Cat) – call us 503 226 7300,  to order.  Lifts up one side of the carrier for binding clearance off the car.

Yakima Ski Hardware Bags

Yakima Replacement Universal Mount (sold seperately).  It can be adapted to most other Yakima Carriers with some mods – obviously not recommended but possible.  The FatCat Universal Mount sits lower than the one pictured above and is a different part #8860048 – call us to order 503 226 7300.

Yakima Replacement SKS Key

For more expert fit tips or to talk to our Rack Experts EMAIL US – or call 1 888 399 7225

]]> http://rackattackportland.wordpress.com/2009/09/19/dodge-fullsize-truck-1500-2500-roof-racks-by-yakima-or-thule-factory-style-very-nice/ Sat, 19 Sep 2009 01:13:47 +0000 rackattackportland http://rackattackportland.wordpress.com/2009/09/19/dodge-fullsize-truck-1500-2500-roof-racks-by-yakima-or-thule-factory-style-very-nice/

Ram 2500 Thule Euro Pro Crossbars

Over the years customers have become more inclined to look for a rack system that would duplicate what would come on their vehicle from the factory (if an option was even offered).  The best option is a system offered from Yakima and Thule.   A flush mounted track that runs the length of the roof is always a better option than something clipped into the doors over the seals.   The installation is not as daunting as you might think – no pulling the headliner etc…..it’s all installed with blind fasteners from the outside of the vehicle (with some precautions of course – ie: like not drilling through your headliners)

Dodge 2500 Thule Tracks and 430 Towers

Super clean – nothing clipped into the doors – and the best part the bars can be unlocked and popped off in seconds (not that it will improve your mileage much without the bars:)

Thule 430 Towers and Tk#1

The clip on fits in the doors can sometime interfere with the doors closing correctly.  (keep in mind – the rack manufacturers have not control over the vehicle manufacturer tolerances – how tight or how loose the doors seal, etc)

Tight Door Clip Tolerances

Dodge 2500 Tracks Cab and Canopy

And if you plan ahead like most of our long time customers we can install Tracks on Both Cab and Canopy – You have full range and can detach and re-attach your bars where ever you want them!

Parts Needed:

Thule 430 Towers

Tracker Kit #1

Canopy Tracks Bolt Through

Cab Mounted Tracks Blind Fastener

Load Bars

Locks

For installation tips this or any other fit – give us a shout – 1.888.399.7225 or EMAIL US

The Experts at Rack Attack Do This EVERYDAY!

http://www.rackattack.com

It’s rare, at least in my opinion, when company X is going to make base bars, brakes and clip ons that meet my exact needs. Typically I find that it’s rare when I run a complete set up in anything from one maker.  Have SRAM Red, then use the Force front derailleur. Vision tech base bars? Well you are stuck with rattling brakes that lack a return spring. You can use an aftermarket brake that needs to be chopped in length (in my opinion it needs chopping) and still lacks a return spring. I went with the VT brakes and fabricated my own return spring.  VT clip ons?  No way, different brand because in my opinion the VT clip-ons at that time sucked.

But this incompatiblity issue is predominate across the industry.  Want to use a DA BB SRM with a BB30? Get a sleeve for your BB shell.  Want to use Brand Y bars, you need a special tool to adjust them. Want to use Brand Z rims with your 20hole PT?  Nope, it’s proprietary drilled and only two or three hubs, ironically made by Brand Z, can mate to those rims. Want to use this base bar with those brakes? Oh the diameter is different, get a dremel.  Just because I’m picky about the stuff I want on my bike doesn’t mean it should be a pain in the ass to get it to work.  I was this close l———l to getting some Oval aerobars.  To get them set up how I wanted them, I was going to have to buy the bars, brakes and extensions seperate from each other, then buy a proprietary stem cap. Sorry Oval. I’ll hope my defective Zipps will become undefective or I can dremel out my base bars enough to get brakes from a different brand to fit.

My computer is plug n play.  Is Plug n Play too much to ask for from bike equipment?

…but you may be a bit disappointed.

Venza factory rack - mostly all fashion, very little function:(

You’re sure not going to fulfill your racking dreams with that thing!

Luckily, just this last week, we had a brand spankin’ new 2010 Toyota Venza drop into our Portland shop to get a rack.  I had consulted with the owner a few months prior to help with his vehicle purchase decision, and because he needed the maximum use out of his vehicle’s roof,  he smartly ordered a Venza without the glass roof or a factory rack.

And what a perfect canvass!  The Venza has a long, low roofline, a great starting point for 60″ tracks.  We were easily able to keep them parallel, which will allow the owner to adjust the position of his crossbars as he carries different loads.  But for the moment, bikes were the primary concern.  Upon fitting the Thule 430R, RB53 Aero Bars (with a little modification), TK1, and 544 Lock Core kit, we then added two 518 Echelons and two 593 Wheel-Ons for the front tires.   A common problem on a lot of newer wagon or 5 doors vehicles is the inability to adjust the crossbars forward (most people don’t realize this till their ski box is mounted and their hatch won’t open…)   If you notice the factory option pictured above the bar adjusted all the way forward is still positioned above the rear door.  This Factory Style option from Thule puts a bar over the front doors, where you need it!  Move your surfboards, ski box, forward so you can use your hatch the way it was intended to be used – to actually open it in the middle of your vacation with the car loaded!

Installation complete!

The Venza is already a great vehicle for urban dwellers and outdoor enthusiasts, with is available AWD, huge carrying capacity, and sleek styling.  Now with a Thule custom track system, it is truly a gear hauling machine!

Nice

Super nice

UPDATE:  Let’s add some bikes!

Venza with bikes

Thule 430 Quick Disconnect

The quick disconnect feature on the standard Thule 430 Towers is identical on the 430R Towers.  And yes – you should add the Thule Locks so no one else can take all your stuff!   This quick on and off is great for folks that just don’t want the bars and accessories on there all the time.  It removes and re-installs in seconds.

400 Raised Rail

Like anything if you do it for a living you become especially sensitive when ever you see things that should never be – The Rack Experts at Rack Attack become especially tuned to Yakima or Thule product installed in ways it was never intended to be used……ie: the example pictured above.  Roof Racks are not a “one size fits all” application.  The modular pieces Yakima and Thule provide are there for good reason.  There are thousands of applications – and everything needs to attach correctly.  Mis-installed product rarely fails in the driveway……..

You know that's not right, right?

Most vehicles stopped having raingutters in the late 80′s early 90′s – if your the fella above and people on the freeway are constantly pointing and giving you “the look”  as they drive by – it might be a good idea to stop, step back, and take a fresh look at your rack system.  Like everything mis-installed, it will stay attached until the day if falls off:(

Yakima1CSSTsweetFit

The “hover” system from Yakima definitely NOT a recommended fit.  If this guy is coming to pick up your daughter for the prom – you may reconsider letting her get in the car.

"Hey Ma, Hand me another pad will ya"?

“What do you mean the rack system I purchased over 15 years ago won’t fit?  What kind of Racket are Yakima and Thule running here?  This of course is coming from the customer that took 15 minutes to find us online, using dial up, on his old 256.   Everything is constantly improving in every industry – get over it already!

Ummmmm, yeah, about your rack.......

Your right, Yakima and Thule product is not cheap – but compared to a 5 car pile up because your luggage box and “wood crossbar” system failed and went through the drivers windshield behind you?  Hindsight is always 20/20 (unless your the driver behind).

custom box

“Dude, my buddy has some sweet wood working tools – I can totally build a luggage box.”!   Well that may be true, but after 40 hrs of labor, lots of gloss lacquer fumes, and couple hundred bucks in wood and hardware – and best of all, a box weighing about 300 lbs.    Then you can have your buddy call some of his buddies to help you lift your custom box onto roof that’s only rated for 150 lbs.  Yakima, Thule, Inno are all manufacturing boxes with the latest technology and materials – all designed to be light (for easy on and off, and leaving more usable load for your gear – not the container itself)  with great security and a stylish aerodynamic look on your vehicle.

The Grinch is stealing Christmas, AGAIN!

The antithesis of aerodynamic above.

Yakima sweet fit

“I’m definitely not putting my bike on that”?   If this is your friends rack – be honest with them and tell them how you really feel, it’s better for everyone in the long run:)

If any of these vehicles pictured above could be yours – please call the Rack Attack Counselors at 1-888-399-7225 or Email us. We do this everyday – all day long.

Hitch Rack Bouncy Ball Mount

Elantra Touring 5dr 400xt.2

Update 1/12/10:  FYI, the Thule 460/R Podium series is not a fit for the North American Elantra.  There is only the 400XT/R Aero.  Unfortunately, Thule had originally listed the Podium as an application…sorry to anyone who may have thought that was the right setup.

We are usually the first to see the new cars (after the dealer of course).  The customers are bringing them in to get them all racked out by the experts at Rack Attack.  This customer was after some extra space – hence the baby seats in the backseat of the car.    Kids in the rear, dog in the back – where does all the extra stuff go?  On top of course in a Thule Ascent 603 Luggage Box with Thule Roof Rack.

Elantra Touring 5dr 400xt

Nice clean fit and they just doubled their carrying capacity.  And unlike an SUV the extra space can be easily removed (luggage box) when not in use.  The SUV is driving that space around weather they are using it or not!

Elantra Touring 5dr 400xt.1

Parts used in this application :

Thule 400xt Towers (or the 400xtr for a factory style crossbar)

LB50 Thule Crossbars

Fit Kit 2079

4 Thule Locks

871 Thule Fairing

Thule Ascent 1500 #603

Another Happy Customer on road for a summer of FUN!  If you have any questions about what fits your car – Call or email the Rack Experts at Rack Attack 1-888-399-7225 or EMAIL US.

Elantra Touring 5dr 400xt.1.3

Elantra Touring 5dr 400xt.1.5

The Thule Fairing is added to reduce windnoise with or without the sunroof open.  It also cleans up the overall look, adding a sporty aero finish.

Elantra Touring 5dr 400xt.1.4

2008 Mazda 3 at the beach!

For my trip to Pacific City, Oregon this past weekend to exhibit at Reach The Beach, I set up my Mazda with a great looking Thule 460R Podium crossbar set.  The brushed aluminum crossbars match the car nicely, and the feet are low-profile to maintain the sporty style of the car.  I like to go simple for my surfboard–just some pads and straps do the trick.  And to keep my wetsuit out of the car, the sweet new gloss black Atlantis 1200XT squeezed onto the passenger side of the crossbars.

2008 Mazda 3 Rack Attacked!

And because I don’t want to mar the paint with a trunk rack, I installed a class I trailer hitch on the Mazda.  Now this is a really light-duty hitch, so I could not use a traditional heavy steel rack.  Luckily, Thule just came out with the Helium series:  a lightweight, aluminum, fully locking, and ‘tool-less installation’ hitch mount.  This was the perfect option, and my road bike fit beautifully.

Reach The Beach

And above is a shot of the event, Reach The Beach.  About 3,000 bikers rode as many as 100 miles to the Oregon coast, and they couldn’t have asked for better weather.  We’re way back under the yellow tent in the background.  Thanks to everyone who dropped by!

Chevrolet Impala with Thule Aero Bars and Yakima Fat Cat 6

Yesterday a gentleman came into the shop with a 2009 Chevrolet Impala.  He wanted a rack that looked sharp and made his car look more sporty, while staying quiet and secure.  Our solution?  A Thule Rapid Aero crossbar setup with a Yakima Fat Cat 6 ski/snowboard carrier.  The Aero bars, with their silver aluminum styling looked great on the car, and the Fat Cat’s oval shape nicely mimics the shape of the crossbars.  With this setup two snowboards can be carried with two pairs of skis, and everything gets locked up.

Chevrolet Impala with Thule Aero Bars and Yakima Fat Cat 6

When this person changes into his next vehicle, the ski racks, bars, and locks will transfer over.  If the next car is, say, a Honda Accord, the only change would be the ‘Fit Kit‘.  If the next vehicle is a Subaru Outback, then the ‘Foot Pack‘ will have to be changed.  We try to make it as painless as possible, and in our stores we offer trade-in credit for the equipment you cannot take with you to the next vehicle.  We also offer re-installations, and we guarantee that your next car can look as sweet as your current car!