Up on the roof (rack)/ People on the go need a place to stack stuff

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Jun 27, 2003 | by SARA FAIWELL

It's summertime, prime time for hiking, kayaking, biking and many other outdoor activities.

You know you've got the time for all those endeavors, but do you have the room to tote all that stuff around and still fit in your car?

The people who make roof racks know the answer: The sky's the limit when it comes to piling gear up top.

The cost depends on what kind of car you have and the gear you want to strap on to it, but make the investment and it'll pay for itself with all of the interior space you'll get back.

If you're clueless about roof racks, stores like R.E.I., 1376 E. Woodmen Road; Galyan's Trading Co., 3133 Cinema Point; and Grand West Outfitters, 3520 N. Academy Blvd., can help.

Sales associates say all you really need to know are the type of car you drive and what you want to carry.

Sound simple enough? It is.

At the stores you'll find roof rack bibles, otherwise known as "Fit Lists." These publications list just about every car out there. After you look up your car, it's easy to see what you can and cannot carry, and the exact names and models of towers and accessories you need to start your rack system.

The basic necessities everyone will need and the approximate price ranges:

TOWER: Holds the bar onto your car. This usually runs $100 to $160. If your car doesn't come with a pre-installed railing on top of the vehicle, the tower will be more expensive.

BAR: This is needed to mount accessories for whatever you want to carry atop your car. Expect to spend $40-$50 a pair.

ACCESSORIES: This is where you can get creative and start adding on products specific to what you will carry on your car.

Roof bike mounts cost $65 to $300, depending if you want to leave the bike's front tire on or not.

Ski and snowboard mounts

cost $89 to $170.

Boat mounts come in varieties to suit your specific needs. Kayak stackers, for example, cost about $80. A product designed to carry canoes and long kayaks averages about $150.

Car-top boxes are good for carrying anything from golf clubs and water skis to tents and luggage. Depending on size, these cost $250 to $500.

LOCKS: Locks are optional and not included in any of the prices. But you will be tempted to invest in them. If you don't want someone stealing your rack system or what it's holding, they're a good idea. A package of these cost $30-$80, depending on the quality. Most come with one key that works for all the locks.

Both Yakima and Thule, the two main manufacturers, offer these types of products. Sales associates say their prices are usually $10- $20. Another option is to check with the dealer where you bought your vehicle. Many of the Japanese imports have roof rack accessories.

Don't want to install the rack yourself?

R.E.I. offers installation for $20 to $70, minus a 20 percent member discount. Galyan's employees will help customers install the racks on the spot. Grand West offers free, full installation at the time of sale, but will not drill holes into the car.

CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0304 or sfaiwell@gazette.com

LOAD OPTIONS

If you want to carry . . . expect to spend total

Up to two bikes and a kayak: $350-$500 Up to two bikes and skis: $350-$500

Up to two bikes and a large roof box: $550-$650

Two kayaks and two bikes: $350-$500

Large roof box, one bike and ski rack: $600-$750