Date:         Wed, 3 May 2000 08:12:14 -0700
Reply-To:     Davidson <wdavidson@THEGRID.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Davidson <wdavidson@THEGRID.NET>
Subject:      Re: SportRack Bike Carrier Offer
Comments: To: Doug Alcock <dgalcock@HEWITT.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

have
>wondered why people were putting out big bucks on Paulchens and other high
end >ones when these work just great at a fraction of the price. >Cheers,
>Doug
>'84 Westy
>Toronto, Canada

Doug,
I can tell you why... at least for me...

I bought a bike rack like the ones you mention and read the instructions...
They are not intended to hang from the nylon straps; the weight is intended
to rest on the padded structural supports (i.e., the manufacturer will not
warranty the rack or damage to your bike or van when you hang the weight
from the nylon straps).

I tried installing it on my 90 Westy Syncro. I found that with bouncing
around on rough roads the rack would shift some from side to side.... also
my experience with cinch up nylon straps is that they will loosen on their
own. I know the nylon is rated to hold much more weight than a couple of
bikes; but I also know that with long term exposure to sunlight nylon
weakens a lot.

In addition, the only way I could think of to lock the rack onto the van was
to use a cable lock from the rack to the rear bumper or tow hooks... this of
course restricting the opening of the rear hatch to removing the cable lock.

Finally, I considered that I did not feel good about my $2,000 bike hanging
from two slowly loosening and slowly weakening nylon straps.

So there you have it... my reasons for paying about double (about $200) for
a Fiamma bike rack that solves all of the above problems.
Bill
>