So just got a complete kit for my 2003 MCS. Looks like a bear to install :crazy: Does anyone know if I have to use the ugly "short roof adapter" with it? I'm only carrying a 17lb road bike. Thanks for any help
So, answered my own question, no you do not need the "short roof adapter", well at least for my application. Now if you were to carry a heavy luggage rack, a canoe... ect, then you might want to use it. My install came out great, highly recommend the Thule system, especially with the aero bars, looks great on the car.
And this is why I just bought a YAKIMA roof rack... "What rack did you get?" "ummm, a Yakima" No need to worry about the pronunciation...lol pac:wink:
Aw heck, I'd probably get Yakima roof rack accessories just to avoid the pronunciation conversation. Dave
We installed one on our daughter's car. In my opinion the short mount is pretty necessary. Otherwise the rack is hanging on by the front rain rails. For a lightweight carbon fiber bike, its probably not an issue. But for a mountain bike, some hard cornering or a stiff cross wind is very likely to cause movement to the rear "feet" At best, its very likely to mar the paint, and at worst, it may twist enough to break the front mounts. Thule has been in this business for a long time, trust them. If they suggest it is necessary, it very likely is.
I found the instructions from Thule to be bad actually. If you go by what they say you will tear off your rear window trim, I almost did. I had to go on the internet before I found how to do it right. I found "Rack Outfitters", they posted videos that made sense. You cannot use the rear clamp-on where Thule said to put it, it will rip off the trim, you have to put them where I did, then if you want to use the "Short roof adapter", the rear mount just sits on the roof, the weight is what keeps it down. But like you said, with my bike absolutely no need for the adapter.
I will admit to not spending a lot of time with the "Thule" instructions. As I remember, the instructions were useful only to determine at which mounting point to tighten the "feet" onto the cross bars. I will also admit that when one is doing something with a daughter's car, you always err to the side of safety and strength (realizing full well that daughters like to throw Minis into corners as much as their fathers do).