What's new
By:

Bike Mounts and Crossbars

A good 4'x6' tarp (to protect the interior) and quick-release pedals are the game-changer that makes this work for me.
For solo a folding full-size mountain bike like Montague makes and this takes <1 minute for one bike.
 
Any updates on the cross bars and ski racks? I am picking up my new car on Saturday and will have a glass roof. The long term plan is to use this for our mountain trips.
 
Lucid cross bars installed by Millbrae Svc ctr have been on my car for a year unused, but looking good. I just installed Yakima (via lucid) single road bike rack and completed 400 mile trip to Paso Robles without incident. Solid mounting connection to bike. Mileage was reduced so I slowed down and listened to music.
For local rides I will continue to remove front wheel and lower rear seat to insert bike; bike rack is awkward to keep on crossbars (cover won't fit, looks meh)
I recommend getting the optional Yakima lock which replaces the plug; get bra for bike handlebars if driving through buggy areas
 
Also asking if any updates. Maybe there is another thread on this forum. Has a new model come out or was that wishful thinking? Luckily, two road bikes fit in the back with front wheels off, seats down, pedals off. And biking clothes are very light!
 
Does anybody know what this note means from Step 10 in the crossbar installation manual? "NOTE: For removal and reinstallation on the same car, the two outside screws will not need to be adjusted". I started installing the cross bar on my glass canopy and noted that the instructions don't match the car - the aforementioned paint cutter bolts vs pre-installed bolts - and now with a second confusing/unclear instruction, I'm starting to think having the dealer do it might make some sense.
 
rodairio said:
Does anybody know what this note means from Step 10 in the crossbar installation manual? "NOTE: For removal and reinstallation on the same car, the two outside screws will not need to be adjusted". I started installing the cross bar on my glass canopy and noted that the instructions don't match the car - the aforementioned paint cutter bolts vs pre-installed bolts - and now with a second confusing/unclear instruction, I'm starting to think having the dealer do it might make some sense.
Click to expand...
No idea, but I cannot stress highly enough that if you have a glass roof you should get these installed at the service center.

If you crack your glass from overtightening, you’re on the hook. If service does, they are.
 
I saw a couple of pictures with two mountains bike attached on a 'holder' inside the Gravity. Anything that is valid on this?
 
Has anybody tried a trunklid mounted rack like this:
1762626459695.webp
 
Rogue said:
No since this would cause paint damage long term to the car.
Click to expand...
You've answered for the entire community? FYI, I have experience with such a system on a Miata and never damaged paint. As insurance a couple of small discs of PPF can be used. I'm concerned about panel strength and fitment.
 
Rogue said:
No since this would cause paint damage long term to the car.
Click to expand...
I disagree in general from my experience with other cars. First, I have used them on several Audis for several trips without any damage. I used plastic film under the pads as @babylou66 suggested . Second, IMHO, they are not intended for long term use, as in, keeping them on the car when not transporting a bike. I installed just before traveling and removed them as soon as I arrived.
Third, the foam on the bumper cover takes the weight of the rack and bik. The straps seem to just keep the rack from forward or backwards.

Obviously, the Air bumper cover will take the weight, at least for road, gravel bikes. Looking at the trunk lid, it's pretty damn robust. (Pun intended)

So, in my experience, no issues with use for use up to 6 hours, heading to an event, with a light road bike.

With a trunk rack, having the bike low and behind, driving the car was easier than the roof. No wind noise, less wind issues buffeting the bike.

ALL THAT SAID, I HAVE NEVER TRIED IT ON AN AIR!

Would love to know if anyone has!
 
Regarding efficiency; On a Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo (wagon) a single roof mounted road bike sans front wheel reduces range by 25% at 65 mph. with much of the loss caused by the rack itself Of that about same bike mounted on a rear rack exhibits a 5% range reduction. I would expect the spread to be lower for the Air becuase it's a sedan but the total loss to be greater since the Air has a lower cDA. Maybe like 30% roof and 18% rear?

With 2 bikes the spread will be even greater.
 
My experience with using the products as is results in damage due to rubbing. Two mountain bikes attached to the back of a Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid resulted in paint damage. The rub came from minute shifting given I installed tight enough to move the entire rear of the car without a shift in the install.

Suction cups attached to the roof are highly discouraged by technicians and service centers due to load weight. Just a warning although I know not mentioned in the latest posts.

I have yet to see anyone who has braved buying the crossbars that may or may not have been redesigned to hopefully replace the flimsy foam pads with a rubberized material and posted a photo to confirm the redesign. Otherwise, you get damage to the silver piece as the crossbars rock and adjust under load. Damage as in physical indentations and rolling of the soft metal. I confirmed and paid a service center $150 install just to have them confirm it to be a known issue despite multiple videos and photos before shipping the car to them for other issues. So I got to pay $150 just to take them back off to prevent the inevitable damage seen on a loaner.

Do what you will with the information.
 
Hmmm...I have a set of Saris Bones in the basement that just might fit.
 
Rogue said:
My experience with using the products as is results in damage due to rubbing. Two mountain bikes attached to the back of a Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid resulted in paint damage. The rub came from minute shifting given I installed tight enough to move the entire rear of the car without a shift in the install.

Suction cups attached to the roof are highly discouraged by technicians and service centers due to load weight. Just a warning although I know not mentioned in the latest posts.

I have yet to see anyone who has braved buying the crossbars that may or may not have been redesigned to hopefully replace the flimsy foam pads with a rubberized material and posted a photo to confirm the redesign. Otherwise, you get damage to the silver piece as the crossbars rock and adjust under load. Damage as in physical indentations and rolling of the soft metal. I confirmed and paid a service center $150 install just to have them confirm it to be a known issue despite multiple videos and photos before shipping the car to them for other issues. So I got to pay $150 just to take them back off to prevent the inevitable damage seen on a loaner.

Do what you will with the information.
Click to expand...
Sad to read, but Good information. I remember your posts this spring on the cross bar fiasco. Scared the shit out of me. Thanks.

If I remember correctly, I went to a lot of effort protecting the frame on a trunk rack, had the wheels off to lower weight, and strapped the bottom bracket to the rack to prevent any frame flopping movement.

That said, there are dozens of threads on bike forums that strongly recommend against using a top tube trunk rack on carbon frames. I have read that many frame manufacturer's also recommend against it. They Talk about the jolts of the car bouncing putting unusual stress on the top tube. Perhaps this relates to the universal prohibition of using a top tube to clamp a cf bike into a repair rack. But that was always a bad idea, even with high end paper thin steel frames.

I just reread a few threads. While still not recommended, could not find one reported actual frame damage from someone using a trunk rack for a CF bike. And there are many many posts of people with 7k CF bikes using quality trunk racks for years with no issues. The anecdotal evidence appears to show that it is far safer to use a trunk rack or receiver setup than a roof rack. Especially for an Air.

I am enamored by the SeaSucker suction cup bike mount. Especially for light weight road bikes. I understand about Lucid's general advice against suction cups but wonder if that was aimed at large heavy Thule racks, holding multiple upright bikes vs. a SeaSucker with a 16 pound road bike minus front wheel?
 
L-Dude said:
Hmmm...I have a set of Saris Bones in the basement that just might fit.
Click to expand...
On the bike forums, that rack is highly regarded. They even have a super duper new EX version.

I was just reminded how vastly different in weight and size bikes are now.
Having just rode almost 1000km from Salzburg to Pula, Croatia, on CF road, CF gravel, AL gravel, AL mountain, and lastly a MTN e bike, the weights more than doubled. What I am getting at, is that transporting a 16 pound CF road or 20 pound gravel bike "should" have far less chance for issues with an Air, vs a 50 pound ebike. I understand that Lucid has no choice but to give over size fits all advice.

Would love to hear how the Saris fits.
 
Worldwide Beagle said:
On the bike forums, that rack is highly regarded. They even have a super duper new EX version.

I was just reminded how vastly different in weight and size bikes are now.
Having just rode almost 1000km from Salzburg to Pula, Croatia, on CF road, CF gravel, AL gravel, AL mountain, and lastly a MTN e bike, the weights more than doubled. What I am getting at, is that transporting a 16 pound CF road or 20 pound gravel bike "should" have far less chance for issues with an Air, vs a 50 pound ebike. I understand that Lucid has no choice but to give over size fits all advice.

Would love to hear how the Saris fits.
Click to expand...
Well the Saris fits, but I wouldn't use it. the upper arm rests on either the rear windshield or the cover to the upper brake light. I don't like either of those options. The stabilizing straps hook into the top of the truck lid and deform the rubber gasket there. That's probably going to allow water into the trunk and may permanently damage the gasket. I don't like that either.

On the bright side, I had forgotten how well-made the Saris Bones is/are. I don't think it is an option for the Air--at least the version I have, which is probably 10 years old. I'm not familiar with any newer versions they may have.
 
L-Dude said:
Well the Saris fits, but I wouldn't use it. the upper arm rests on either the rear windshield or the cover to the upper brake light. I don't like either of those options. The stabilizing straps hook into the top of the truck lid and deform the rubber gasket there. That's probably going to allow water into the trunk and may permanently damage the gasket. I don't like that either.

On the bright side, I had forgotten how well-made the Saris Bones is/are. I don't think it is an option for the Air--at least the version I have, which is probably 10 years old. I'm not familiar with any newer versions they may have.
Click to expand...
:mad: I have a list of potential cars and every single one of them has a deal killer issue! My only wants are EV, 275 mi + highway range, carry bikes, reasonable back seat room, serats that aren't black, good handling/steering and software that works or is on the path to being good within 6 months (so needs OTA capability). I would've picked the Air and recovered the front seats.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top