8 Best Roof Rack Cross Bars

Name: 8 Best Roof Rack Cross Bars
SKU: 1821
Price: 199.00 USD
Availability: InStock

8. Best Roof Rack Cross Bars:

PRICE:$199.00

Description:

The Best Roof Rack Cross Bars save users time by allowing their bikes to be fully mounted without any disassembly required. A soft rubber claw grips the chassis, while saddles with straps cradle each tire. The tightness can also be adjusted using an included torque dial to get a perfectly secure fit without over-stressing the bike’s frame.

The upright carrier holds one bike up to 44 pounds, and two of them can be mounted side-by-side on midsize to large roofs. An optional locking mechanism (sold separately) is also available to prevent thefts while the bicycle is mounted. Thule products all come with a limited lifetime warranty, as well.

Pros:

Mounts full bike
Adjustable torque
Lifetime warranty

Cons:

Locks sold separately

7. Yakima JetStream Aerodynamic Crossbars:

When we were choosing a set of crossbars for our personal vehicle, we spent our own money on the Yakima JetStreams. The company’s more than 40-year reputation, limited lifetime warranty, and high-quality, innovative products tipped the decision over their main competitor, Thule.

W used the JetStream roof rack on a Mazda5 for more than five years, and they still look like new. As this minivan didn’t come with factory rails, we did have to buy a set of Skyline towers to fit into the bar ends, and four Landing Pads to mount permanently to the factory roof attachment points.

At almost $450 (in 2016), it wasn’t a cheap investment, but since then we’ve used them extensively and particularly appreciate how easily and securely they latch and unlatch from the roof. One person can put them on or take them off in about the time it takes to walk around the car.

Assembly was tricky and there we did have to make several adjustments to get them to fit just right, but after that, all we’ve ever done is double-check tightness on the pads once a year. What little wind noise they make is hushed, and the penalty to gas mileage is less than 1 MPG.

There’s extensive compatibility through the Yakima ecosystem, with many specialty attachments, and they come in 50-, 60- and 70-inch widths. If you’re looking for roof rack crossbars that balance aerodynamics with durability, take a look at the Yakima JetStream Crossbar.

Pros:

Limited lifetime warranty
aerodynamic teardrop shape
Best Roof Rack Cross Bars
anti-slip insert
lockable towers available
many compatible accessories

Cons:

Assembly and installation take a while
many separate parts are required
expensive

6.Thule Wingbar Evo Roof Rack System:

Coming in as a direct competitor to the Editor’s Choice Yakima is Thule’s Wingbar Evo Roof Rack, designed to produce lower noise at highway speeds, while still offering maximum capacity. Like the Yakima, you’ll need to assemble the correct attachments for your particular car.

But Thule also has an enormous number of accessories, from cargo baskets to fishing rod holders, all the way up to rooftop tents.

Constructed from lightweight materials, these Thule cross bars can accommodate up to 165 pounds, making it similar to the maximum carrying capacity of most roof racks in the market. That means it’s also a sturdy option for heavy equipment and luggage.

Thule’s roof rack cross bars are also some of the more straightforward to install and include their AcuTight Tensioning Tool, so you can see whether the rack is completely secured.

Thule, a Swedish company, makes most of its products in the USA (and the rest in Europe) with renewable energy, and offers a limited lifetime warranty.

Pros:

Lifetime warranty
up to 165-pound capacity
includes tensioning tool
aero design

Cons:

Quiet
but louder than Yakima
expensive

5. Inno Surf, Kayak, Canoe, and SUP rack:

Water sports enthusiasts love this specialty roof rack from Inno, which can accommodate multiple types of gear including kayaks, canoes, windsurf boards, paddleboards, SUPs, and long and shortboards. The Inno Racks Water Sports rack is designed to be a universal fit item, so it works well with round, square, or factory roof rails. It also features a unique locking system.

If you’re looking for a fast and secure way to mount your water sports gear, this is it.

With the largest lever and ratcheting mechanism in its class, this roof rack not only saves time but is very practical. It also uses Inno’s cam locking mechanism with keys, to ensure your gear is always locked tightly to the rack. The floating strap system keeps all your cargo nice and safe while making it easy to unload when needed.

Inno protects your gear against scuffs and scrapes with dense padding on the cross rails as well as adjustable corner pads. Not listed as a use case, we’d bet you could securely attach fishing rods, especially large-diameter ones like surf rods, too.

Pros:

Keyed lever and cam locking system
floating strap for fast loading
works for multiple types of water sports gear
mounts on crossbars or on factory roof rails

Cons:

High noise levels,
minimum 24-inch rail width,
not useful for other types of loads

4. YAKIMA, HD Bar, Heavy Duty Crossbar:

They’re pricey on their own and they need an adapter and towers before you can put them on factory-installed raised roof rails, but the Yakima HD bars offer unmatched features and performance. The powder-coated aluminum cross bars are lightweight but durable under the elements, and the internal structure lets them carry a few hundred pounds with ease.

As our premium choice, HD is an expensive investment. But it also might be the last roof rack you’ll ever need. Along with its rugged frame that can last many years, it boasts all the convenience and versatility you could ask for, thanks to a T-slot and tie-down points on the endcaps. It’s one of the best roof racks for work trucks, or you can use it on your SUV to support kayaks, cargo baskets, rooftop tents, and anything else you would want to take on a trip.

Pros:

Available in 55”, 60”, 68”, and 78” lengths
Integrated tie-downs and T-slots offer limitless attachment options
Rubber fill for T-slot cuts down on wind noise
Powder-coated finish resists corrosion
Rated for 500 lbs. on-road, 300 lbs. off-road

Cons:

Relatively expensive
May require additional Yakima components

3. Thule AeroBlade Edge Raised Rail Load Bar:

Thule AeroBlade Edge Raised Rail Load Bar

The Thule AeroBlade Edge raised rail crossbar is an all-in-one package with a crossbar and universal raised rail mount, with four available sizes to suit most vehicles. It’s one of the most expensive roof racks available, but looking at the specs, it’s clear that you’re getting your money’s worth in quality.

The AeroBlade would take the number one spot among the best roof racks were it not for the extremely high price. It’s arguably superior to the JetStream on most fronts and equal on all others, boasting a hefty core construction, aerodynamic noise-cutting design, versatile mounting options, and an expansive selection of Thule equipment to complete any hauling setup.

Pros:

Quick installation with integrated straps
T-slot with aerodynamic rubber fill for fast mounting
Sturdy BoxBeam construction holds up under a variety of loads
WindDiffuser technology substantially cuts wind noise
The attractive low-profile, arched shape complements the car’s contours

Cons:

Relatively expensive
Locks not included

2. YAKIMA, HighRoad Wheel-On Upright Bike Mount for Rooftop Racks for Cars:

The Yakima HighRoad uses alloy steel construction, and like the Thule ProRide XT (covered below), it’s an upright design that carries the fully assembled bike.

It differs from the Thule version in its method of security, using a large clamp to grip the bicycle’s front tire instead of gripping the frame. This distinction can be important if your bike chassis is made with easily-scratched carbon fiber.

Like the Thule model, its mechanism uses a handy adjustment knob to set the tightness of its grip. A ratchet strap wraps around and secures the back wheel. Yakima offers its own integrated locking method (sold separately), as well as a limited lifetime warranty upon purchase.

Pros:

Mounts full bike
No frame contact
Lifetime warranty

Cons:

Lock sold separately

1. Swagman STANDARD Fork Mount Rooftop Bike Carrier:

This simple aluminum bike rack can hold one bicycle weighing up to 35 pounds. While this weight capacity is too low to accommodate a battery-powered e-bike, it should be fine for most regular pedal bikes. The design on the carrier is also very slim, so you may be able to fit two or three of them onto one set of roof bars, if needed.

One drawback is that the user has to remove the front wheel of their bike every time it gets mounted. The front fork of the bicycle then bolts directly to the rack, and the remaining rear wheel is strapped down. The manufacturer offers a limited lifetime warranty with purchase, which is a great perk to have at this price point.

Pros: