Hey guys,
New HCH owner here and I was wondering how much a Thule roof rack reduces FE on the 2007 HCH?

 

i have one that i don't use. it doesn't hurt the fe too much. it is pretty lightweight and i have the wind deflector on it to make it more aerodynamic. i have a thule one.

not sure if you are close to chicago, but i am selling mine. i have the towers, clips, bars, locks, and wind deflector. let me know if you are interested. they are all in excellent condition.

 

It's like everything else with a hybrid--your actual mileage may vary. I put the bike on our HCHII for the first time last weekend and we did a pretty big drive through the mountains. Despite driving over Berthoud Pass and Trail Ridge Rd. (12,180 feet) in Rocky Mountain NP, I got 52.4mpg when I filled up (actual--the computer read 48.1).



I worked to get that mileage though. I drove about 60 on the freeways and worked the momentum as much as possible on the passes.

In regards to just the rack, I am **** enough to take it off the HCH after every use, (but I usually drive the Outback when I'm biking). If you are using one bike tray or a ski rack, it takes about 5 minutes to put on/take off from the car. Every additional bike tray you add increases the time, but it's not that big of a deal if you have an easy place to store the rack. BTW, I have a Yakima system, but Thule should be equally easy.

 

I had a Yakima on a previous car. I like the Thule design of the square bars to be more secure...I am sure a feeling in my head. No complaints of either product though.

 

Thanks for the advice

 

Great pic, Kristian!