Great video, interesting about the wake of the car and how dirty the bike gets. Makes me glad I didn't opt for a hitch mount rack. Good comparison to demonstrate how well this deflector worked as well as choosing the size. Much appreciated
Glad you liked it! In the end, everyone has their own preference for what’s most important to them. I was riding with someone on the weekend who hates rooftop racks. Mainly because it’s more difficult to load bikes and he has to worry about accessing underground parking. Another guy that will only store his bikes in his vehicle. Just have to find the solution that works best for your own needs, I guess.
That’s a good point. I never thought about that type of damage. I checked it out this morning and after having the wind fairing installed on my car rooftop for about a year, I do see a few small scuff marks under a couple of the contact points. I have a roll of 3M Scotchguard Series Paint Protective Film that I use to wrap my bikes. I’m going to cut individual pieces to stick under the contact points which will prevent further damage. This is really something manufacturers of these styles of wind fairings should recommend in their installation manuals. I replaced the Thule AirScreen XT with the INNO Universal Wind Fairing a year ago when I changed vehicles. The Thule one did not fit my BMW i4 all that well; the ends of the wind fairing did not make proper contact with the curvature of the car roof. I like INNO style which provides a stronger and more adjustable reach to the roof. I think the issue you raised would be identical with the Thule rack since the contact points are very similar.
Great video, interesting about the wake of the car and how dirty the bike gets. Makes me glad I didn't opt for a hitch mount rack. Good comparison to demonstrate how well this deflector worked as well as choosing the size. Much appreciated
Glad you liked it! In the end, everyone has their own preference for what’s most important to them. I was riding with someone on the weekend who hates rooftop racks. Mainly because it’s more difficult to load bikes and he has to worry about accessing underground parking. Another guy that will only store his bikes in his vehicle. Just have to find the solution that works best for your own needs, I guess.
I just got this setup. I am worried about this accessory leaving paint damage over time. Whats your experience with that?
That’s a good point. I never thought about that type of damage. I checked it out this morning and after having the wind fairing installed on my car rooftop for about a year, I do see a few small scuff marks under a couple of the contact points. I have a roll of 3M Scotchguard Series Paint Protective Film that I use to wrap my bikes. I’m going to cut individual pieces to stick under the contact points which will prevent further damage. This is really something manufacturers of these styles of wind fairings should recommend in their installation manuals.
I replaced the Thule AirScreen XT with the INNO Universal Wind Fairing a year ago when I changed vehicles. The Thule one did not fit my BMW i4 all that well; the ends of the wind fairing did not make proper contact with the curvature of the car roof. I like INNO style which provides a stronger and more adjustable reach to the roof. I think the issue you raised would be identical with the Thule rack since the contact points are very similar.
Anyone want to buy a hitchmount rack? 😆
Sorry, Sis.