A great rack...
Written: Dec 28 '00
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Pros: inexpensive and easy to use
Cons: you now have a VERY expensive bumper
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| nplus1's Full Review: Yakima Everyday Joe |
My girlfriend and I recently decided that our bicycles were collecting too much dust. Why? because we didnt feel comfortable bicycling near where we lived. The solution? get a rack and bring the bicycles to a place with less traffic.
I debated getting a roof-mounted system; but the fact that I park in covered parking, combined with a less than stellar memory at times, made me think it might not be the best of ideas. (imagine a bicycle seat hitting the roof and removing the rack at about 10 MPH...I did).
I went to REI and asked or some advice on racks and the sales person brought me to the "Everyday Joe". I'm very pleased with my purchase and I've listed the pro's and con's below:
Pro's:
Quick assembly- The Everyday Joe arrives already assembled in a box. All you have to do is look in the manual for your type car...measure the distance for the support strap as noted in the manual and you're ready to attach it to your car.
It's easy to put it on or take it off your car- Just attach the 4 hooks to your trunk (or in my case hatchback) and add the bikes. Re-tension the straps and it's secure!!! Removal is as easy as loosening the belts and removing the hooks.
Easy to put bikes on and take them off- Unlike some roof-mounted systems, you dont have to remove the front wheel to put the bikes on the Everyday Joe, nor do you have to lift the bike over the car. It's as simple as resting the bike on the rack, and securing the rubber belt, then tying the front wheel off so it doesn't spin incessantly.
Con's:
I'm paranoid when parallel parking- Face it, the bikes are strapped to the back of your car. It doesn't exactly make parallel parking in tight spaces easier.
Your bicycle can be damaged if you're rear ended- While this is more a fault with rear mounted designs in general, I thought it was important to note that unlike roof mounted systems, the Everyday Joe places the bicycles directly in the path of a rear end collision. This happened to a friend of mine. If the accident wasn't bad enough, he lost a $1000 bicycle as well.
The rubber "tie-downs" are a bit difficult to put on- They're not terrible, just a little harder than I expected.
Overall, I'm very happy with my purchase. If you only need to move two bicycles I think you'll be quite happy with the "Everyday Joe". And you can't beat the price
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 54.99
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Epinions.com ID:
nplus1
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Location: San Jose, Ca (east coast transplant)
Reviews written: 19
Trusted by: 8 members
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