Smart Car Bike Rack---- I would have never guessed

[runner33]

Originally Posted by gamernotwatcher

http://www.mercedes-benz.ca/mbccusto...ochure_eng.pdf
go to page 20 and 21 -

I like the 450 rack better
Still trying to figure out how to rack my long board.

the 450 rack definitely look better.
i've noticed one guy in my area (san diego north county) that fit his longboard using the 450 racks. looked pretty cool.

[erth64net]

Originally Posted by MSOEMiller

I was just looking at the bike rack on the Smart Canada website.

My opinion . . . Hate it.

I've seen roof racks on Minis, is there a roof rack for the Smart?

I would love to use my Thule long tray on top. Or, can you fit the bike in the back with the front wheel off, or do you have to take both wheels off?

I've been using a Yakima rack on my G&K imported 2006 Smart ForTwo Passion (glass roof) for ~8 months, and have been very happy with it.

It was installed by RackAttack in Portland OR, and these guys already had installation instructions (including which clips were needed, etc...) in their internal database. Though one source for me was ClubSmartCar.com (search their site for "Roof-top Yakima Rack" - this forum is not letting me post URLs).

In summary, use #34 Q-Clips, and make sure its installed TIGHT, and I mean so tight that when a 200lb guy yanks on them, they don't even hint at budging. I went with the Stealhead "fork mount" bike holder, and recall needing to sign a waiver - as the rack is not approved by Yakima or Smart. Speeds upwards of 80MPH were no issue, though I personally would avoid putting a box up there for anything above ~60MPH.

[spdickey]

Originally Posted by erth64net

I've been using a Yakima rack on my G&K imported 2006 Smart ForTwo Passion (glass roof) for ~8 months, and have been very happy with it..
.

The 451 has a different tridion design. Hope for you top of the car has to bees that Yakima has a solution for you.

[Fredvon4]

erth64net

Can you better describe where the #34Q clips were attached... I looked fairly thoroughly at the top of the demo model 451 and do not see any lips or recesses where any kind of clip could attach... I like the Yakima rack and know their typical rack attachment system fairly well...well built stuff but a tad pricey

[nader]

the orginal pic with the bike mounted up high or any roof mounted system would kill fuel economy. I like the rear mounted system the best mounted as low as possible while still providing sufficient clearance.

[erth64net]

Originally Posted by nader

the orginal pic with the bike mounted up high or any roof mounted system would kill fuel economy. I like the rear mounted system the best mounted as low as possible while still providing sufficient clearance.

It only knocked my MPG down by roughly two gallons per mile...

[dfwsmartcar]

I like the construction, but why so high?

[erth64net]

Originally Posted by Fredvon4

erth64net

Can you better describe where the #34Q clips were attached... I looked fairly thoroughly at the top of the demo model 451 and do not see any lips or recesses where any kind of clip could attach... I like the Yakima rack and know their typical rack attachment system fairly well...well built stuff but a tad pricey

As for pricey, I'd rather pay a couple extra $$, for the peace of mind that my bike will most likely not be kissing the concrete at 60+ MPH

As for how its attached, the #34Q clips "hook" into the door area. I'll take, and post, a pic today.

[kevin88gt]

have you guys seen the bike rack that attatches to the license plate?

[gamernotwatcher]

Is the license plate rack attachment designed for the 451 smart? Have you seen this?
The pictures that are presentd early on this thread are for the 450, not the 451 which has lowered the rack considerably and requires break lights.