Roof rack???

[Carlos6633]

I have just bought a 30,000 mile 1st Gen Insight but I'm also a cyclist. This does not seem to be a happy combination? I only need to carry 1 bike at a time.

Can anyone tell me if the car can take a roof rack, other than inflatable types? I'm concerned that the rear is too narrow, height wise, and that the rear window is too steep a rake for a conventional rear mounted bike rack and that I am in danger of scratching the paintwork with the conventional ties that are used.

Would it be possible to mount a tow bar for this purpose, as these are sensible for carrying bikes away from the vehicle. I'm concerned that the aluminium chassis would not be able to sustain a tow bar?

I really need your expert help. I live in the UK if that makes any difference to anyone? At about $7.50 per gallon this is the best car investment I have ever made.
Thanks in advance

[JimIsbell]

The chassis must be able to carry some load as I read somewhere that there was a factory towing package available. I havent the foggiest idea what it consisted of.

[Carlos6633]

Thanks for the quick reply.
I guess that it can take some load, as you say and if Honda issued a tow bar kit then I will ask them here in the UK.
Regards
Carlos

[02insight]

here is a link to some member who created thier own hitch and adapted some kind of trailer. Explore their site, there are many useful mods there...

Bike rack hitch

[bryankwalton]

I don't know what kind of bicycle you ride, but a few points:

1. Saris makes a roof rack for the I1.
2. Any bike rack will destroy your incredible fuel economy.
3. You can fit a bicycle inside if you remove the front wheel and scoot the passenger seat up -- this has been done many times.

Cheers,
Bryan

[daver277]

I just finished fabricating a roof rack systen for my I1. I installed plates with nuts welded to them at the 4 corners of the roof just under the roof skin so when I take the rack off all that is visible are 8 screws to fill the holes. I also filled the gap between the plates and the roof ribs so the ribs carry the weight.
I used unistrut for front/back rails on each side which is very adaptable and one of the devices I bolt onto it is a bike rack. Ski rack and something to carry plywood or pipe is next.
So far it works perfect and absolutely zero flex. I have not ried to lift the whole car up by the rack (yet) but may try it someday.

[nayrhyno]

Originally Posted by bryankwalton

3. You can fit a bicycle inside if you remove the front wheel and scoot the passenger seat up -- this has been done many times.

I have done this with much success.