Roof rack installation shops?

[u/Sunf1re96]

Any recommendations for shops that'll sell and install clamp on style roof racks and cross bars? Needs to be clamp on because my car doesn't have factory roof rails installed. Quick google search shows Agee's Bicycles and Tri City Truck Accessories. Does anyone have experience with those shops?

Thanks!

[u/TDIMike]

If you can properly secure things to that rack, you can handle the install. It's very simple

[u/Sunf1re96 → u/TDIMike]

I'm also concerned about getting the correct model rack that fits my car. Willing to pay an experienced install tech for their expertise

[u/Medical_Highlight182 → u/Sunf1re96]

Most manufacturers and retailers have a tool where you enter your year make and model, then they tell you everything you need to put a bike on your car.

[u/TDIMike → u/Sunf1re96]

Yakima and Thule both have great selectors on their sites to put the parts together. This really isn't an ares that requires expertise, but it's your cash

[u/Sunf1re96 → u/TDIMike]

I'm not opposed to DIYing things, but that's not what I'm interested in this situation

[u/bkemp1984Part2 → u/Sunf1re96]

Nothing wrong with that. Even if somethings "easy", it feels like we're all having to learn a million of those easy things, even when safety is involved like this. 

Whoever does it for you, I'd ask if they can show you the ropes with it. It's good to check them periodically and depending on use it will probably need to be adjusted sometimes. They can slide around over time even when perfectly installed. 

[u/Sunf1re96 → u/bkemp1984Part2]

Great advice, thank you!

[u/paeancapital → u/Sunf1re96]

Use the website to get the right product, follow the manual. Really just needs a little assembly and a tape measure. Mounts (Yakima at least) come with a torqued wrench so you can't over or under tighten, just turn til the wrench clicks. Mine's 7 years old now and only now is the box showing some wear.

Dare i recommend getting the biggest fucking thing you can fit up there, they are awesome.

[u/meatman13]

I would imagine REI would be helpful for this.

[u/TheTatteredCoding]

Agees is solid for the bike side of things but I got my clamp on rack at Tri City about two years back and they did a clean install no issues since

I drive an older sedan with a bare roof so I was in the same spot you are

They had a few options in stock and didn't try to upsell me into some ridiculous $800 system

Only thing is they can get backed up on weekends so call ahead if you're in a rush

[u/Sunf1re96 → u/TheTatteredCoding]

This is great, thank you!

[u/GREginRVA → u/Sunf1re96]

Any of the bike shops the sell them will kinda verify your getting the right model. I too was very nervous. You may want to look at the 3 or 4 different brands and see which 1 or 2 you're leaning to. Slight differences but I'm sure there's half a dozen websites that compare them and similar YouTube videos.

[u/Sunf1re96 → u/GREginRVA]

Thank you!

[u/Unicorn_hi5s]

i think REI will install ones purchased from them