[evo-mike]

Trying to decide between getting a hitch or getting crossbars(F97). I don't have a trailer, but would use the receiver for mounting bike racks or storage racks, etc. Stealthitch seems to be the popular choice, but I not sure if I want the expense and effort(5hr install) if I'm not going to trailer anything.

Similarly, I could go the crossbar route, but I've never had them or used them. I've seen some of you have crossbars so please provide your experience. Is it a pain to get your bikes and stuff up there? Do you regret it, etc? Also, what/ where did you purchase them? I seen bmw has the bike mounts but not the crossbars. TIA

[Transfer]

For bike rack, roof mounting can be annoying. For one, the X3 roof is pretty high and getting the bike up there may be quite difficult. If you mountain bike then you'll get dirt on your roof and also need a very sturdy setup to avoid significant sway. Remembering that there are tall bikes on the roof can be a problem too.

Hitch rack is so much easier to use but is more costly. I've had both options and would not go back to roof rack for bikes.

[BrockDM]

Stealth hitch, no compromise. I have both and will never lift another bike on top of the X3M. It's too tall.

[floating.spirit]

Not to discourage you, but Stealth hitch has a 5 week or more wait before they ship due to COVID. I'm on week 5 myself.

[Lemongrease]

Dude, go grab a Sea Sucker set! A buddy of mine has them and they are GREAT! Very easy to use and versatile!

https://www.seasucker.com/collection...products/talon

[evo-mike]

Originally Posted by Lemongrease

Dude, go grab a Sea Sucker set! A buddy of mine has them and they are GREAT! Very easy to use and versatile!

https://www.seasucker.com/collection...products/talon

Don't have the balls for this. I'd be worried constantly about it losing suction or f-ing up the paint

[Lemongrease]

Originally Posted by evo-mike

Don't have the balls for this. I'd be worried constantly about it losing suction or f-ing up the paint

Oh man, that should definitely be the least of your worries! Mounts can go on the moon glass and as far as suction goes, these are vacuum suction cups. Far more stronger than the go pro mount which is proven to be stable at 150+ MPH. These were originally made to pick up glass panels weighing hundreds of pounds! They also have a lifetime warranty

I am going to buy the Ski Rack for next season!

[strohw]

$300 for a single bike and $500 for a double bike on those suction cups? Definitely rather have a Stealth Hitch. No way I'm going to pay nearly the same price and have to hike my bike up on top of my vehicle every time or my bike dropping mud all over the top of my roof. Plus I'd probably drive into my garage with my bike still up there but that's on me. =]

[Lemongrease]

Originally Posted by strohw

$300 for a single bike and $500 for a double bike on those suction cups? Definitely rather have a Stealth Hitch. No way I'm going to pay nearly the same price and have to hike my bike up on top of my vehicle every time or my bike dropping mud all over the top of my roof. Plus I'd probably drive into my garage with my bike still up there but that's on me. =]

That's assuming you're not paying for any labor which will more than double that price.

[evo-mike]

Originally Posted by strohw

$300 for a single bike and $500 for a double bike on those suction cups? Definitely rather have a Stealth Hitch. No way I'm going to pay nearly the same price and have to hike my bike up on top of my vehicle every time or my bike dropping mud all over the top of my roof. Plus I'd probably drive into my garage with my bike still up there but that's on me. =]

yeah and I'd need the ability to carry up to 3 bikes... and this things kinda a one trick pony. Can't use it for anything besides bikes. Probably have to bite the bullet and get the hitch. Have we come to the conclusion the stealth hitch is the only viable candidate or are there others out now?

[strohw]

Originally Posted by Lemongrease

That's assuming you're not paying for any labor which will more than double that price.

He mentioned the effort for the install so I just assumed he was doing it himself.

Originally Posted by evo-mike

yeah and I'd need the ability to carry up to 3 bikes... and this things kinda a one trick pony. Can't use it for anything besides bikes. Probably have to bite the bullet and get the hitch. Have we come to the conclusion the stealth hitch is the only viable candidate or are there others out now?

You can go with a traditional cheaper hitch if you don't mind it being visible all the time.

[to_riffic]

If/when you get the stealth hitch, it's not that hard to install yourself. I did it and it took several hours, taking it slowly, and it can be done by a novice for sure

[kzg1969]

I have both and the crossbars (roof racks) are good in so far as the car still fits in "normal" parking spaces. It is harder getting bikes up there especially if you dont like standing on the sills.

the towbar mounted ones are easier to fit bikes too, but make sure you get one that the boot (trunk) can still open with when the bikes are on. Overall, itis a more expensive way to go. It is also something you cant just leave in place - unlike the roof bar option.

[evo-mike]

Originally Posted by to_riffic

If/when you get the stealth hitch, it's not that hard to install yourself. I did it and it took several hours, taking it slowly, and it can be done by a novice for sure

Yeah, the mechanics aren't the issue. I'm pretty handy with a full garage. I do all the work on my evo and hmmwv. I do like having a car that I don't have to work on (service included) if I don't have to and was just hoping to not have to disassemble the rear end of this thing with 200mi or so on the odo.

[2kaccordocoupe]

Stealth for sure. Just installed one on my F98

[Transfer]

Originally Posted by evo-mike

Yeah, the mechanics aren't the issue. I'm pretty handy with a full garage. I do all the work on my evo and hmmwv. I do like having a car that I don't have to work on (service included) if I don't have to and was just hoping to not have to disassemble the rear end of this thing with 200mi or so on the odo.

Yeah I did it and it was a minor PITA but doable. Not my favorite thing but got it done and it went ok.