[frasheman]

Searching has yielded mixed results, so I wanted to get some opinions on roof racks and their effect on fuel econ and highway performance.

I have a 2014 eco manual.

I am looking to put a Thule rack on with two fork mount bike racks.

I have a set of the older square bars and feet I could put on, but was curious if anyone had noticed any improvement with the newer aero bars (rapid podium).

Back in the day I had a saturn that had over a 12 mpg difference roof rack to not, so now I find myself wondering if it is worth the investment to put a rack on the commuter car for the long trips, or just suck it up and use my suburban that already has a bike hitch rack.

If anyone has similar setups I would appreciate some post's with rack configuration and avg highway mpg est. How have you found that it affects the performance on the highway (IE passing, acceleration).

 

[spacedout]

Just a thought, I realize your Suburban receiver is 2 vs 1 1/4 for the cruze curt hitch, but wouldn't it be cheaper to get the cruze hitch and use an adapter to use your current receiver bike rack?

Roof or rear mount both will effect MPG, roof is much worse.

 

[frasheman]

I wasn't looking at this route for two reasons. I don't really want to put a receiver on the car, and the rack on the suburban is a Thule T2, which only fits 2" recievers. If there is a good way to adapt this rack I would certainly consider this option but it seemed like a messy setup. I also have the roof rack from a previous car, so cost is actually in favor of the roof rack where I would just have to buy the proper fit kit.

 

[spacedout]

I wasn't looking at this route for two reasons. I don't really want to put a receiver on the car, and the rack on the suburban is a Thule T2, which only fits 2" recievers. If there is a good way to adapt this rack I would certainly consider this option but it seemed like a messy setup.

Receiver hitch is much cheaper than a roof rack. Only need to get a CURT 45785 adapter to use a 2in rack in your 1 1/4 cruze receiver. The cruze hitch is completely hidden with only the receiver showing, even fits the RS packaged cars.


EDIT: Question

I also have the roof rack from a previous car, so cost is actually in favor of the roof rack where I would just have to buy the proper fit kit.

What brand is your old roof rack? I have an old Yakima rack & after checking my bars were the correct size I just needed to buy new clips for the cruze.

 

[frasheman]

Receiver hitch is much cheaper than a roof rack. Only need to get a CURT 45791 adapter to use a 2in rack in your 1 1/4 cruze receiver. The cruze hitch is completely hidden with only the receiver showing, even fits the RS packaged cars.


EDIT: Question



What brand is your old roof rack? I have an old Yakima rack & after checking my bars were the correct size I just needed to buy new clips for the cruze.

Ok interesting, what make/model hitch is that you mentioned that hides away?

The old roof rack is a thule with 400xt feet. It is the same situation where I could just change the fit kit for about $80 bucks. That being said I am interested in the hitch solution as well. The hitch rack I have is much nicer then the bike trays I have for the roof rack.

 

[spacedout]

Ok interesting, what make/model hitch is that you mentioned that hides away?

The old roof rack is a thule with 400xt feet. It is the same situation where I could just change the fit kit for about $80 bucks. That being said I am interested in the hitch solution as well. The hitch rack I have is much nicer then the bike trays I have for the roof rack.

The original post I made I had that adapter part number incorrect, I have since edited the post. after thinking about it with that adapter your bike rack could end up being out to far from car and could scrape entering driveways. Someone with the hitch would have to comment about that.

There is a how to topic with the Curt hitches installed on the cruze, photos on multiple pages so make sure to read the thread.
http://www.cruzetalk.com/forum/145-appearance-body/3451-how-install-cruze-hitch.html

 

[frasheman]

after thinking about it with that adapter your bike rack could end up being out to far from car and could scrape entering driveways. Someone with the hitch would have to comment about that.

After looking at the measurements I think I am going to shy away from the hitch rack. With the rack I have, I believe clearance will become an issue. This is a good point, thank you for bringing it up.

 

[Dragonsys]

I wasn't looking at this route for two reasons. I don't really want to put a receiver on the car, and the rack on the suburban is a Thule T2, which only fits 2" recievers. If there is a good way to adapt this rack I would certainly consider this option but it seemed like a messy setup. I also have the roof rack from a previous car, so cost is actually in favor of the roof rack where I would just have to buy the proper fit kit.

I have a 1.25" -> 2" receiver adapter, which I used with my Mercury. It does stick out quite a bit, as the adapter adds about 4 inches

 

[CHEVYCRUZE RS]

My buddy gave me his thule traverse mounts, thule square bars and end links all i had to buy was the mount kit for the cruze, ran me like 60 bucks with tax. a front fairing will help out the rack a bit lol.....either way you'll still end up loosing something.

 

[Farmboy]

I have a Yakima roof rack for my car. I take it off when not in use because it only takes two minutes to reinstall. I've had these racks through at least four cars. I just have to buy new q-clips.

I could just leave them but as easy as they are to remove and reinstall. I just take them off so I'm not wasting gas.

 

[Dragonsys]

I need to get a roof rack for when we take trips. 2 adults, 1 baby & 2 dogs makes for a very tight fit in the Cruze

 

[CHEVYCRUZE RS]

You never know when It could be useful :idiot:

 

[frasheman]

My buddy gave me his thule traverse mounts, thule square bars and end links all i had to buy was the mount kit for the cruze, ran me like 60 bucks with tax. a front fairing will help out the rack a bit lol.....either way you'll still end up loosing something.

Any gas mileage numbers with this setup? I have thule experience in the past, but do you find the rack is straight forward to take on and put off?

 

[CHEVYCRUZE RS]

I had my buddy help me just so I didn't scratch my roof lol......still haven't done a test am with gas Mileage but that will soon be next

Any gas mileage numbers with this setup? I have thule experience in the past, but do you find the rack is straight forward to take on and put off?