17/04/2026 8:55 am
Topic starter
Notifications
Clear all
Subaru Forum
4
Posts
5
Users
0
Reactions
128
Views
0
I just got a 2022 Subaru Outback and I'm honestly so lost looking at all these roof rack options. Sorry if this is a total beginner question but I see some people using the ones that come on the car and others have these extra metal bars on top and I dont really get the difference. I'm hoping to get some gear so I can take two mountain bikes up to Mt Hood this June.
- budget is around $500
- needs to be easy to take on and off because I'm not super handy
- sturdy enough for rain since I'm in Oregon
Should I just buy the Subaru brand ones or are those Thule things better? I have no idea where to start...
4 Answers
12
17/04/2026 9:40 am
Quick question tho, are your mountain bikes heavy e-bikes or just standard ones? I've been really satisfied with my setup and it handles the rain perfectly fine. To stay under $500 for two racks, look at these:
- Kuat Trio Roof Bike Rack
- Inno INA389 Tire Hold Carrier Both are super easy to install without tools and fit those factory bars like a charm.
11
17/04/2026 9:10 am
I totally agree with @Reply #1! Sticking to the factory bars is definitely the safest and most reliable approach for your Outback! I spent weeks researching mounts because I didn't want any wobbling.
- Yakima FrontLoader Roof Bike Rack is fantastic because it secures the wheel without touching the bike frame!
- RockyMounts BrassKnuckles Bike Rack is incredibly sturdy and performs perfectly in high-wind conditions! Both are amazing for safety!
4
26/04/2026 4:57 am
Re: "Quick question tho, are your mountain bikes heavy..." - yeah definitely check that weight! But honestly, I've been a Subaru guy for ages and those factory crossbars are way tougher than they look. I've hauled my MTBs through some gnarly Oregon storms and they're rock solid. You really dont need to spend extra on a whole new rail system unless you're planning on living in a rooftop tent lol. The built-in bars are super aerodynamic so you dont get that annoying whistling sound on the highway. I switched to the Yakima HighRoad Upright Bike Mount a couple years back and it's a total game changer for reliability. It feels like a tank and fits the factory bars perfectly. If you want something that's literally a 2-minute install and handles the rain like a champ, the Thule UpRide Roof Bike Carrier is also fantastic and stays super secure without touching your bike frame. TL;DR: Keep the factory bars! Use the extra cash you save to buy a nice Yakima HighRoad Bike Mount and some post-ride food in Welches. It's way easier than swapping out the whole rack system and totally sturdy enough for Mt Hood trips.
3
17/04/2026 8:55 am
The 2022 Outback has those cool stowable crossbars already, so honestly, dont waste money on a whole new base system. I have been using them for years with no issues in the rain. You just need two quality bike trays that clamp onto the factory bars.
- Thule ProRide XT Upright Bike Carrier
- Yakima FrontLoader Universal Roof Bike Mount Both are super easy to install without tools and fit your budget perfectly.