Hi there,

Just a quick post to all the mountain bikers out there who had trouble deciding on which rack to buy. We couldn't go for the roof mounted option due to toll gates and height restrictions when travelling, so we went with the tow bar carrier system. Decided on Atera Strada Sport III. Quick report back - there is about 40cm distance between the CTT tailpipe and the bike mounted on the first slot (closest to the truck), we averaged over 1,000km - with a single trip of approx 450km non-stop. Temperature on the bike rim/tire was higher for the section that was in-line with the exhausts, but marginally so when compared with other parts of the rim/tire. We carry a pair of 29ers, Scott (1 x CF & 1 x aluminum). See the attached photos - great design and easy access to the trunk.

Cheers,

 

Thank you very much for the information. I often mountain bike, and have been carrying the bikes inside my AMG R63, because I don't like the top mount on the CTT. And thanks for the pics - that helps a lot. So, I understand that the heat from either exhaust is NOT a problem?
I'd be willing to do the "little dance" to get access to the CTT trunk while the bikes are still on the lowered mount, rather than stowing my bike inside the AMG. I prefer the CTT to the R63, especially the handling up in the mountains and iour land of towering volcanos here in Northwest.

 

I've had a ton of bike carriers over many years. By far the best for me has been the Yakima Highlight. It is lightweight aluminum, very easy to mount and easy to access the rear of my Cayenne. Has a cool anti-rocking system that keeps the bikes rigid - I find I don't even consider the bikes now when racing through mountain roads. Its a bit pricey compared to others but is a great way to carry bikes without compromise. I find with this carrier I take my bikes more often because its so easy to load them up and still access the back.

 

Hi there,

Didn't appear to be affected - nothing worse than hearing a bang and getting slimed! Folks have repotted this, but we're happy with how far the bikes are from the exhaust tips. Also, with it's tilt mechanism, it's been a pleasure to access the rear.

Hope this helps!

Cheers,

 

Kuat NV--best bike rack I've ever had--and looks really good.

http://kuatracks.com/products/bike/the-nv/

 

looks like the front bar could push back on the front breaks and bend or damage them. Is that the case?