How to carry a bicycle? bike rack question

cossie1600 · 01-12-2012, 11:55 PM

Yes, that is a custom job. You are going to need some major modification if you want to keep your bumper in one piece. I actually tried to modify the 350 one you listed, but it ended up being more trouble than what it is worth. It was easier to just custom make one. If you want to go to Phoenix, I believe Curt can either custom make one for you for $1200 or they will take your car and use it to make their hitch. You will get the hitch for free.

Yeah the picture came from my car. I also had the old fog-light glued onto a trailer brake light, now I can push the fog light back into the hole and lock it with the hitch pin.

A few months back I had asked if anyone wanted one (price was about $350-$450 depending on options) interested in one, but I didn't get any real interest so we just scraped the project. If you can get 5+ people interested in one, I can probably get the shop to do a batch run. The shop is hesitant to do it because the time to build and have a proper right up will take a day. They just don't think there is enough profit to justify shutting down the shop for a day.

Speaking of bike and hitch, I did notice a strange thing when I threw the bike onto the bike hitch. For some odd reason, the bike and hitch created some crazy turbulence in the back of the car. When I got to around 2800RPM, the car would resonate like a diesel truck with a bad muffler. I just assume the location of the exhaust pipe is too close to the hitch and it was causing a problem as a result.

olsen_karl · 01-13-2012, 08:59 AM

Thanks cossie1600 -

I've contacted Curt about a hitch for the 370Z, but all they would say is that they have no plans to make one. The G37 hitch looks like it's close to your custom hitch, and that it wouldn't take much for Curt to build a hitch for the Z. I guess there just hasn't been much demand from bicyclists or people wanting a track day tire trailer.

I'll have to look closer at a Z rear fascia to see how noticeable it would be to cut out the bottom of the fog light hole. Might not be too ugly...

cossie1600 · 01-13-2012, 09:31 AM

You will have to cut the whole thing out down the bottom. its too long too

sig11 · 01-13-2012, 10:26 AM

I like the looks of the SeaSucker.

SiRay6 · 01-13-2012, 05:36 PM

First time officially using my Sea Sucker last night...sorry for poor quality cell phone pics...I just wanted to get unpacked and eat dinner :P

Pretty happy with it. Don't mind taking front tires off since I had to do it on my 08 Sti's roof rack set up anyways (subaru rails with Yakima fork lift). Mounting takes barely any time at all. Directions say to always clean the surface and moisten the cups and that is what I do. Always inspect the cups for nicks, cuts, damage before use and comes with plastic covers to protect cups when not in use. Also came with a spare cup and silicone lubricant in case I need to change the cup or disassemble pumps to re-lubricate gaskets.

Will most likely get an SUV of some sort in the next few years, but this works great for me now. Going to get another so my wife and I can ride together. Only downfall, cannot go riding unless I plan to head straight home because it is not safe to park and leave the mount/bike unattended.

I got a rear Thule gateway 2 to work on my Z, but it made so much wind noise, it annoyed me. Also the trunk lid would slightly open/close over bumps even though the hatch was locked shut. I would never consider a trunk mount again...too time consuming and potential for scratches/dents.

-Ray

Kenny · 02-21-2012, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SiRay6

First time officially using my Sea Sucker last night...sorry for poor quality cell phone pics...I just wanted to get unpacked and eat dinner :P

-Ray

Nice setup. Where did you get it?

tommyguns · 05-07-2012, 10:08 PM

Bumping an old one, but I'm about to pull the trigger on the SeaSucker and was wondering if there have been any updates as far as options are concerned.

sig11 · 05-08-2012, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommyguns

Bumping an old one, but I'm about to pull the trigger on the SeaSucker and was wondering if there have been any updates as far as options are concerned.

I do know that a friend of mine has been using one on his G35 for a while now and LOVES it. They put the suction cups on a store window and he was able to stand on it. :P

tommyguns · 05-08-2012, 10:07 AM

Thanks for the input.

Looks like the way to go!

Eon777 · 06-23-2012, 10:00 PM

Seasucker Mini Bomber. Works great.. It will work
on any car you have. It may be the last bike rack you need to buy.

jikhead · 06-23-2012, 05:24 PM

To all those using the SeaSucker Talon:

how do you like the rack and do you recommend it?
What's the most optimal mounting position for the least amount of wind resistance?
Also, do the crank arms spin and hit/touch the car? Do you secure them to the frame?
Is anyone using their cable anchor?

slumpey · 06-23-2012, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jikhead

To all those using the SeaSucker Talon:

how do you like the rack and do you recommend it?
What's the most optimal mounting position for the least amount of wind resistance?
Also, do the crank arms spin and hit/touch the car? Do you secure them to the frame?
Is anyone using their cable anchor?

To answer you questions:

(#1) Yes. I like it and would recommend the SeaSucker Talon. I previously had the Boofsquire rack (another good product) but needed something compatible with any vehicle.
(#2) Not sure. I currently have the front fork mounted right behind the driver's side door (visible in picture #1 below), but the front fork can be mounted at the top of the front windshield (see post #78 by SiRay6).
(#3) Arms don't spin as far as I know and there is no contact to rear window by the pedals. I don't have them secured while driving.
(#4) I don't have the anchor cable and would like to see if there is an alternative. I don't want to have a cable dangling from my Z. My Talon came with the upgraded Delta Hitch Pro fork mount which is very easy and quick to use. Just had to buy a padlock (visible in picture #2 below) which provides some security. I do have to remove the Talon every time i take off my bike at a trail to deter thieves, but it's more versatile then my previous rack so I don't mind.

I have gone 80 mph for 40 miles with no issues. This is the farthest and fastest I have driven so far with the SeaSucker Talon attached.

On a side note, I always have people stop by my car and inquire about my SeaSucker Talon. Good conversation piece.

cossie1600 · 06-24-2012, 12:40 AM

I got the Amazon rack, I will be driving like this for 3 hours tomorrow.

Shot at 2012-06-23

BLT-430 · 07-07-2012, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cossie1600

I got the Amazon rack, I will be driving like this for 3 hours tomorrow.

Shot at 2012-06-23

Who makes the Amazon rack, or is it a rack you bought from Amazon.com? Do you have a web link to that rack?

Thanks!

jikhead · 06-25-2012, 09:55 PM

I think I'm going to order the Talon soon. I believe I'll give that locking plate a try as well; but I'm going to dip it in some of that liquid plastic to give it a rubber coating. The bare metal scares me that it might scratch the paint.

05-07-2012, 10:08 PM	#7 (permalink)
tommyguns Track Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: New York Age: 65 Posts: 914 Drives: 370Z/Sport/Black/MT Rep Power: 18	Bumping an old one, but I'm about to pull the trigger on the SeaSucker and was wondering if there have been any updates as far as options are concerned. __________________ 09 Sport / MB / 6sd / Nismo"R" Intake / Eibach Pro Kit / Z1 25 row cooler / JWT LW FW / New Short Block 3/11/11 /H&R 15fr 20rr/DBA 4000/FI CB with 12"res./Morel/JL/"Division"mod/SPC/EcuTek/M370/ZEX C SHOT/ART's/NRG

05-08-2012, 10:07 AM	#9 (permalink)
tommyguns Track Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: New York Age: 65 Posts: 914 Drives: 370Z/Sport/Black/MT Rep Power: 18	Thanks for the input. Looks like the way to go! __________________ 09 Sport / MB / 6sd / Nismo"R" Intake / Eibach Pro Kit / Z1 25 row cooler / JWT LW FW / New Short Block 3/11/11 /H&R 15fr 20rr/DBA 4000/FI CB with 12"res./Morel/JL/"Division"mod/SPC/EcuTek/M370/ZEX C SHOT/ART's/NRG

06-23-2012, 05:24 PM	#11 (permalink)
jikhead Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Little Rock, AR Posts: 425 Drives: 09 370Z Blue 6spd Rep Power: 184	To all those using the SeaSucker Talon: how do you like the rack and do you recommend it? What's the most optimal mounting position for the least amount of wind resistance? Also, do the crank arms spin and hit/touch the car? Do you secure them to the frame? Is anyone using their cable anchor? Last edited by jikhead; 06-23-2012 at 05:37 PM.

06-24-2012, 12:40 AM	#13 (permalink)
cossie1600 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: californee way Posts: 5,380 Drives: 370, Leaf Rep Power: 30	I got the Amazon rack, I will be driving like this for 3 hours tomorrow. Shot at 2012-06-23 Shot at 2012-06-23

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01-12-2012, 11:55 PM	#1 (permalink)
cossie1600 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: californee way Posts: 5,380 Drives: 370, Leaf Rep Power: 30	Yes, that is a custom job. You are going to need some major modification if you want to keep your bumper in one piece. I actually tried to modify the 350 one you listed, but it ended up being more trouble than what it is worth. It was easier to just custom make one. If you want to go to Phoenix, I believe Curt can either custom make one for you for $1200 or they will take your car and use it to make their hitch. You will get the hitch for free. Yeah the picture came from my car. I also had the old fog-light glued onto a trailer brake light, now I can push the fog light back into the hole and lock it with the hitch pin. A few months back I had asked if anyone wanted one (price was about $350-$450 depending on options) interested in one, but I didn't get any real interest so we just scraped the project. If you can get 5+ people interested in one, I can probably get the shop to do a batch run. The shop is hesitant to do it because the time to build and have a proper right up will take a day. They just don't think there is enough profit to justify shutting down the shop for a day. Speaking of bike and hitch, I did notice a strange thing when I threw the bike onto the bike hitch. For some odd reason, the bike and hitch created some crazy turbulence in the back of the car. When I got to around 2800RPM, the car would resonate like a diesel truck with a bad muffler. I just assume the location of the exhaust pipe is too close to the hitch and it was causing a problem as a result.

01-13-2012, 08:59 AM	#2 (permalink)
olsen_karl Base Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Reno Posts: 6 Drives: shopping Rep Power: 14	Thanks cossie1600 - I've contacted Curt about a hitch for the 370Z, but all they would say is that they have no plans to make one. The G37 hitch looks like it's close to your custom hitch, and that it wouldn't take much for Curt to build a hitch for the Z. I guess there just hasn't been much demand from bicyclists or people wanting a track day tire trailer. I'll have to look closer at a Z rear fascia to see how noticeable it would be to cut out the bottom of the fog light hole. Might not be too ugly...

01-13-2012, 09:31 AM	#3 (permalink)
cossie1600 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: californee way Posts: 5,380 Drives: 370, Leaf Rep Power: 30	You will have to cut the whole thing out down the bottom. its too long too

01-13-2012, 10:26 AM	#4 (permalink)
sig11 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Detroit Posts: 1,294 Drives: 09 370Z Red Sport-MT Rep Power: 18	I like the looks of the SeaSucker.

01-13-2012, 05:36 PM	#5 (permalink)
SiRay6 Base Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Diamond Bar, CA Posts: 63 Drives: 12 370z Gunmetal 6MT Rep Power: 14	First time officially using my Sea Sucker last night...sorry for poor quality cell phone pics...I just wanted to get unpacked and eat dinner :P Pretty happy with it. Don't mind taking front tires off since I had to do it on my 08 Sti's roof rack set up anyways (subaru rails with Yakima fork lift). Mounting takes barely any time at all. Directions say to always clean the surface and moisten the cups and that is what I do. Always inspect the cups for nicks, cuts, damage before use and comes with plastic covers to protect cups when not in use. Also came with a spare cup and silicone lubricant in case I need to change the cup or disassemble pumps to re-lubricate gaskets. Will most likely get an SUV of some sort in the next few years, but this works great for me now. Going to get another so my wife and I can ride together. Only downfall, cannot go riding unless I plan to head straight home because it is not safe to park and leave the mount/bike unattended. I got a rear Thule gateway 2 to work on my Z, but it made so much wind noise, it annoyed me. Also the trunk lid would slightly open/close over bumps even though the hatch was locked shut. I would never consider a trunk mount again...too time consuming and potential for scratches/dents. -Ray

06-23-2012, 10:00 PM	#10 (permalink)
Eon777 Base Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Ontario Posts: 14 Drives: 370z Rep Power: 14	Seasucker Mini Bomber. Works great.. It will work on any car you have. It may be the last bike rack you need to buy.

06-25-2012, 09:55 PM	#15 (permalink)
jikhead Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Little Rock, AR Posts: 425 Drives: 09 370Z Blue 6spd Rep Power: 184	I think I'm going to order the Talon soon. I believe I'll give that locking plate a try as well; but I'm going to dip it in some of that liquid plastic to give it a rubber coating. The bare metal scares me that it might scratch the paint.