Now that my Expedition has moved on...a new dilemma

The problem: Now that I sold my Expedition, I no longer have a way to transport my mountain bike. Sure I could throw it in the back of either the Outback or the Prius. But get my seats all greasy and muddy? Not for me. I wanted an elegant solution.

I went to our local car accessory outfitter(Rack n Road http://www.racknroad.com) and drooled at all the gear. Thule, Yakima, BVG, all present. I love this shop since car accessories for transporting gear is all they do. After my experience last night, I appreciate professionals.(More on that in my next blog)


The possible solutions:

1) Outfit the top of the Subaru with some thule or yakima load bars and get a couple of bike carriers.

Pros:
- Can reuse the bars for carrying my kayak
- Both the bars and bike carriers are very cool looking

Cons:
- ~$200 for the bars
- ~$300 for 2 bike carriers
- Easy to forget you have bikes on top.
- Won't fit into the garage entrance
- Would be able to only carry 2 bikes

2) Get a factory 1 1/4" hitch and a new Thule Ridgeline bike rack

Pros:
- Factory 1 1/4" hitch is super clean and made for the Outback
- Would have the latest and greatest Thule bike rack with all the features (built in security, stability, fold down options)
- Could drive into our garage without worrying that they are there
- New Thule Ridgeline hitch can carry 4 bikes on 1 1/4" or 2" hitch
- Would not loose as much ground clearance as 2" hitch

Cons:
- $250 for factory hitch ($175 for a non factory hitch)
- $300 for new Thule Ridgeline bike rack
- Not as many accessories for 1 1/4" hitch vs. 2" hitch

3) Get a non factory 2" hitch and keep my original bike rack

Pros:
- New 2" hitch costs $150 total!
- Im able to use my original Bauer bike rack which I love.
- Able to carry 4 bikes.
- Could drive into garage without worrying about bikes

Cons:
- Non Factory hitch not as elegant.
- I loose a couple of inches in ground clearance
- Have to install myself(Ill get more into this later)
- Won't have the latest nice to have features of the Thule bike rack.

See my next entry for more on the economically driven decision...