Which hitch or roof bike rack for my 2017 GTI?

[jimicoltrane]

I've been advised that trunk mounted bike racks are not recommended for GTI's because they call pull off the little lip on the top of the tailgate. So I've edited the thread.

A hitch (installed) and bike rack would cost about $700.

A roof mounted bike rack costs about $500.

My mountain bike does not have a quick release front wheel, which makes getting the bike ready for a roof rack a chore.
Please your experience and advice regarding these options.

Thanks.

 

[swcrow]

I'm rocking OEM roof bars combined with an Inno wind fairing. As for the bike carrier itself, I went with the rockymount Jetliner (https://rockymounts.com/collections/racks-and-accessories/products/jetline-silver)

The reason I posted up for this option (roof vs hatch) is that it gives me the ability to open my hatch while keeping the rack on. Also, I have never had a hatch or trunk mount that didn't scratch/rub the paint.

Also, with our rear spoiler as a more important issue, I don't think you can use a hatch mount, as the clip holders will clip over the spoiler and the cargo strap will push down on the spoiler, which would be a very bad thing.

 

[Sarhog]

I’ve never cared for the racks that strap to the car. Hitch racks are pricey, but there are no drawbacks. This one is from One Up USA.

 

[Jovian]

Another OEM rack user. For the bikes I use Kuat Trio rails

 

[Sub-to-Dub]

I have both a roof setup (Yakima base system + bike rack) and a hitch mounted setup (EcoHitch + Swagman bike rack) and not surprisingly, there are pros and cons to each. I generally prefer the hitch mounted option but if I had to chose one I'd go for the roof rack.

The hitch mount is nice because the bikes are easy to take on and off and there's no risk of marring the paint on the roof. If you get a model that folds, hatch access is easy and you can fold it up and out of the way if there are no bikes. Also, there are roof rack bike carriers that don't require you to remove the front wheel.

A roof rack base system or a hitch are investments in a foundation with lots of different options. With a roof rack you could add a kayak mount or cargo box or carry long supplies from the home center. With the hitch you can tow a trailer or add a cargo carrier. Do you see yourself wanting or needed any additional functionality in the future?

 

[8055WAGEN]

I have a Kuat Transfer and like it a lot. Only downside is that it is steel. One Up is the ultimate, but they are pricey.

 

[bentin]

If you're not towing with it, the Curt is great, add a One Up for up to three bikes. Had it on two GTI's, installed both myself, got it down to about fifteen minutes. Not a fan of roof racks without a direct mount like BMW and Porsche use.

 

[Thoarax]

I thought about the curt, but looking at the back of my car and the way it just hoovers dirt to it even on slightly damp roads. I did not want that dirt on my bike.

I ended up going oem roof bars and thule proride XT.

 

[avenali312]

I went with the 1.25" TorkLift EcoHitch and Thule T1 for myself. Mostly because short people problems making a roof rack annoying. It's been a great combo for me so far. The EcoHitch really tucks up nicely about as high or a bit higher than the exhaust tips, so if I ever drag it (lowered on EMD springs), I've got bigger problems because that means I dragged the exhaust tips as well. The biggest drawbacks were having to cut a notch out of the rear diffuser and a more intensive install than the Curt (the Curt hangs too low for my liking), but it wasn't a big deal to me since the practicality and stealthiness from the EcoHitch outweighed those small items.

Install post here:
https://www.golfmk7.com/forums/inde...venali312s-oem-gti.343666/page-3#post-7027103

 

[jimicoltrane]

Thanks again for everybody's input. Much appreciated.

 

[sijray21]

I've been advised that trunk mounted bike racks are not recommended for GTI's because they call pull off the little lip on the top of the tailgate. So I've edited the thread.

A hitch (installed) and bike rack would cost about $700.

A roof mounted bike rack costs about $500.

My mountain bike does not have a quick release front wheel, which makes getting the bike ready for a roof rack a chore.
Please your experience and advice regarding these options.

Thanks.

I've had both. I ride mostly road and am taller (6'1") and preferred roof racks. That being said i only used it with fork-mounted racks. I had a hitch-rack after that on the same car (mk6 gti) and that had its own advantages. If you mountain bike i would go with a hitch-mount rack. MTBs get muddy and you don't want that on your roof. Plus if you leave the front wheel on it's much easier to get to the hitch rack. Parking is more of an issue for hitch-mounted racks, unless you're going into garages more often (where roof-mounted racks suck). The hitch-mount can also be more aerodynamic and fuel efficient. Your call, tbh. I don't like how a hitch-rack cuts into the rear diffuser, but if you leave the rack on all the time it's not a huge deal. if you go with a hitch-mount i'd recommend a 1-up rack. Your choice of style and single/double (or even more).

 

[bentin]

The old style Curt doesn't require cutting the diffuser on either Mk7 or Mk7.5. I don't even notice it anymore, and once I lower the car, it should be just about invisible. I love the 1Up rack for road and mtb's and now that my kid's on a 20" wheel bike, it will even allow me to carry his bike now, in theory his 16" would have fit, but I think it would have been a bit compromised.

If you're going roof rack, I really like Rocky Mount trays, you can get fork mount or upright and they come in dumb colors, which is essential, in my book.

 

[The Butcher]

Seasucker, only rack I'll use.
https://www.seasucker.com/

 

[Chogokin]

Curt hitch with a Saris SuperClamp 2 rack. Used a roof rack for a few years and went to a hitch rack.

 

[George Ab]

Curt hitch with Thule T2. I like the setup.