Bike Racks and Spoilers?

12819 Views 15 Replies 8 Participants Last post by BluV3R18, Aug 29, 2012

exjamieus

Discussion Starter · Apr 11, 2012

I have a Versa SL hatchback with a spoiler that is preventing us from using our bike rack.

Anyone have a trunk/hatch mounted bike rack they can use with a spoiler?

Or any tips/guides on how to remove the spoiler?

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iluvmyVersa08

· #2 · Apr 11, 2012

I searched Long and hard for a trunk bike rack but there are none out there that work with the factory spoiler.

I ended up getting roof racks and mount my bike up on there.

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exjamieus

Discussion Starter · #3 · Apr 11, 2012

I understand why you did that, but I'm trying to do this on the cheap.

If I was going to spend all my dollars I'd get a hitch mount swinging bike rack which is still the long term plan but won't be happening this summer.

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iluvmyVersa08

· #4 · Apr 11, 2012

Ya I was going to do the hitch before the roof rack; but it didn't fit with my exhaust.

Your only option would be to remove the spoiler; otherwise the weight of the bikes might break it off as it will put too much stress on it. However I am not sure if the stock spoiler is just taped on or drilled on. Hopefully someone can tell you if they have removed theirs.

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BillyJoelR

· #5 · Apr 14, 2012

iluvmyV...

Where did you purchase your rack and your carriers?
Do you have pictures of them mounted?
Thanks.

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Bluvee

· #6 · Apr 14, 2012 (Edited)

Tryin to upload hitch pic.

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iluvmyVersa08

· #7 · Apr 14, 2012

BillyJoelR said:
iluvmyV...

Where did you purchase your rack and your carriers?
Do you have pictures of them mounted?
Thanks.

The racks are made by "Thule" and I got the cross bars and feet kit from Nissan. You can also order from Rack Attack, or other rack websites. However, the dealership was surprisingly cheaper than the rack websites.

Then I ordered the Rocky Mount bike attachment (fork mount) from Rack Attack, along with two locks/keys. One locks the bike to the mount, and the other locks the bike mount to the racks.

Couple pics with the bike mounted:

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BillyJoelR

· #8 · Apr 14, 2012

Thanks for the pictures.
I like how the roof rack seems pretty aerodynamic.

Nice car by the way.

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iluvmyVersa08

· #9 · Apr 14, 2012

BillyJoelR said:
Thanks for the pictures.
I like how the roof rack seems pretty aerodynamic.

Nice car by the way.

Thanks

They are pretty quiet to have on; however once you add the bike mount and bike the whistling noise is pretty loud. I can't open my sunroof when I'm on the highway with the bike up top. Other than that; no complaints.

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iluvmyVersa08

· #10 · Aug 26, 2012

I know this thread is old, but some days I wish I had a trunk mount just because it makes loading the bike by myself that much easier. But I saw in Ottawa last weekend an SL sport model Versa hatch with a trunk mount. It seems he ran the straps under the spoiler somehow. I think he put the hooks on the actual glass? I am not even sure. Wish I was able to talk to him about it or snap a pic.

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ADOversa

· #11 · Aug 26, 2012

Roof mounted is definitely the way to go, but I keep using my hatch mounted because my kayaks or canoe can only go on the roof.

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iluvmyVersa08

· #12 · Aug 27, 2012

Roof mount is great but not entirely accessible when it's just me biking.

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MountainRider

· #13 · Aug 28, 2012

Thule all the way! So simple to install, very secure, very expandable. I am planning on installing a hitch tho to pull a small trailer for my dirtbike.

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sergmx

· #14 · Aug 28, 2012

lol don't forget about yakima! basically the same roof rack system. My dad has an entire thule roof rack set up for his bikes, and he told me he liked my bike racks more than his thule bike racks. so what i'm saying is..go rockymounts!

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iluvmyVersa08

· #15 · Aug 28, 2012

I am going to see if next spring my dad can custom make a hitch to work around my exhaust tip. I don't plan on towing anything, but would prefer the bike to be behind the car. It's easier to load, and will help with the gas mileage. If I can do that, I'd be selling my roof racks & Rocky Mount Bike attachment.

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BluV3R18

· #16 · Aug 29, 2012

iluvmyVersa08 said:
I am going to see if next spring my dad can custom make a hitch to work around my exhaust tip. I don't plan on towing anything, but would prefer the bike to be behind the car. It's easier to load, and will help with the gas mileage. If I can do that, I'd be selling my roof racks & Rocky Mount Bike attachment.

or you can send me your nice looking roof racks to me as a... nice Gift :gift:
J/K!!!

I just got done helping my friend get a bike for his wife.
they're on a budget, and won't be doing any competition, they don't care how light the bike is, what brand or anything, she just wants something good enought to do the new 11 mile loop mountain bike greenway. based on that info...Walmart!!!! she liked a 26" girls bike, so I went thru all the gears, brakes, rims, and everything was good but the front brakes were rubbing against the rim. She got the 2 year replacement plan and they will adjust the front brakes for free. and anything that goes wrong they will replace it at no charge, so sure why not.

I'm still using the hatch rack, I was going to get a roof rack, but I cannot find a used roof rack local, but oh well. the hatch rack works because my V didn't come with spoiler.

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