Choosing the right bike rack for your car, especially when you have OEM cross rails, can be a bit of a puzzle. Like many, I initially considered the manufacturer’s (OEM) options. In my case, with a BMW and some gift certificates in hand, the OEM Racing Cycle Holder seemed like a straightforward choice. However, digging a little deeper, I realized it might not be the perfect fit, especially when considering the price and versatility for different types of bikes.
My initial plan was to order two OEM Racing Cycle Holders. But a couple of things gave me pause. Firstly, the design appeared to be quite specific, possibly geared towards racing bikes with narrower tires. As someone who enjoys both road cycling and mountain biking, the thought of needing different racks for each bike type was not appealing. Would my mountain bike even fit securely? Secondly, the cost started adding up quickly. At around $250 for a single rack plus the front wheel holder, equipping my car for two bikes was going to be a significant investment.
Alt text: Yakima Forklift bike rack mounted on car roof, showcasing secure bike transport solution.
This led me to reconsider and explore alternatives. That’s when I discovered the Yakima Forklift bike rack. Priced at around $125 on platforms like Amazon, it immediately caught my attention as a more budget-friendly option. Yakima is a well-known and reputable brand in the bike rack industry, so I was confident in the quality. Crucially, the Forklift is designed to be universally compatible, supposedly attaching to various types of crossbars, including OEM ones.
Ordering a pair of Yakima Forklift racks turned out to be a great decision. The installation process was surprisingly easy and quick. The BMW OEM cross rails themselves were a breeze to install, taking only about 10 minutes. Attaching each Yakima Forklift mount to these cross rails was equally straightforward, requiring about 15 minutes per rack and – best of all – no tools were needed for either installation. The Yakima mounts come in black, which, while not silver like the OEM bars, actually complements the black brackets of the OEM cross rails nicely, creating a cohesive and sharp look on the car roof.
Alt text: Close-up of Yakima Forklift bike rack securely attached to black OEM crossbars, highlighting easy mounting system.
For anyone in a similar situation – looking for a reliable, versatile, and cost-effective bike rack solution for OEM cross rails – I highly recommend considering the Yakima Forklift. It provides a fantastic alternative to potentially more expensive and less adaptable OEM options. It’s a user-friendly system that gets your bikes safely and securely transported, letting you focus on enjoying your ride.
