Bicycle Roof Rack, MB or Thule?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 265
Likes: 4
From: New York
2015 GLA250 4MATIC
Bicycle Roof Rack, MB or Thule?
I was considering this one from Thule:
http://www.thule.com/en-US/US/Produc.../598-Criterium
It's $180, has good reviews...
Then I found this one from MB:
http://mercedes.dealerfit.com/store/...d909_29649.php
It's $157, don't know of any reviews...
What do you guys think?
http://www.thule.com/en-US/US/Produc.../598-Criterium
It's $180, has good reviews...
Then I found this one from MB:
http://mercedes.dealerfit.com/store/...d909_29649.php
It's $157, don't know of any reviews...
What do you guys think?
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 60
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver, BC
2010 GLK 350 4MATIC
Given a choice I'd recommend something like this one:
http://www.thule.com/en-US/US/Produc.../594XT-Sidearm
A little bit more but holding the bike by the wheel rather than the frame will allow it to carry a wider range of bicycles. Might not be a big deal with road bikes but with mountain bikes (especially downhill) there are so many unconventional frame types.
On a side note, does your GLK have a trailer hitch? If so, a hitch mounted rack is so much easier to deal with than a roof mounted one IMHO.
http://www.thule.com/en-US/US/Produc.../594XT-Sidearm
A little bit more but holding the bike by the wheel rather than the frame will allow it to carry a wider range of bicycles. Might not be a big deal with road bikes but with mountain bikes (especially downhill) there are so many unconventional frame types.
On a side note, does your GLK have a trailer hitch? If so, a hitch mounted rack is so much easier to deal with than a roof mounted one IMHO.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 861
Likes: 38
From: Philly area
350 GLK, C280
Hitches are easy to install. Especially if you don't need the electrical as for a bike rack. I have a Thule 990 from my previous truck. It loads very easy and keeps the bikes apart. No need to lift or chance of scratching the paint installing hitch or bikes. There are so many hitch fitting bike rack choices and they fit the receiver on everything, as long as you get the 2" receiver on your hitch. Never need to buy another for you next truck
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 265
Likes: 4
From: New York
2015 GLA250 4MATIC
I did a pretty extensive search online for a hitch for a 2013 GLK. Every site lists their hitch as only fitting upto the 2012 model. They may fit the 2013 but the rear bumper on the 2013 changed and I don't want to chance it buying a hitch that only fits upto 2012.
Anyone have an aftermarket hitch on their 2013 LGK?
Anyone have an aftermarket hitch on their 2013 LGK?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 265
Likes: 4
From: New York
2015 GLA250 4MATIC
Just found this Hitch. I will only use this with a bike or two. What do you guys think? Would you go with an after market hitch on your GLK?
http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitc...eid=2013303323
http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitc...eid=2013303323
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 5,648
Likes: 484
2012 C63;1971 280SE 3.5(Sold);2023 EQS 450 SUV 4 Matic (Wife's)
I bought a Thule Th917XTR for our GLK with the factory 1 1/4" hitch from etrailer and they were great to deal with. I don't know about the Curt hitch but etrailer seem to know their stuff. If you are not sure give them a call or email and I am sure they will do their best to help you. I think a few guys posted here about adding an aftermarket hitch.
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Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 60
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver, BC
2010 GLK 350 4MATIC
Just found this Hitch. I will only use this with a bike or two. What do you guys think? Would you go with an after market hitch on your GLK?
http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitc...eid=2013303323
http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitc...eid=2013303323
You can see a couple pictures in this thread:
https://mbworld.org/forums/glk-class...asier-way.html
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
2008 C300
The MB roof rack is actually made by Thule.
I need to carry four to five bikes when going out on family rides. I have two Thule Sidearm bike racks mounted on the roof as well as the Thule T2 hitch mounted rack for another two bikes.
I need to carry four to five bikes when going out on family rides. I have two Thule Sidearm bike racks mounted on the roof as well as the Thule T2 hitch mounted rack for another two bikes.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
97 S600 lorinser, 2010 Glk350 4matic
I Have the MB bike racks, they work great but you cannot get any single replacement part for them! i lost a small little retaining plate that slides into the channel of the oem cross bars and they are not available according to the dealer and MBUSA, I had to send the other one i have to a machine shop to have them make one for me. for this reason i would suggest an aftermarket brand that actually has product support for what they sell. I will never buy another Merecedes accessory again because they only have the complete assembly available.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
97 S600 lorinser, 2010 Glk350 4matic
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, CA
2013 GLK350
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,136
Likes: 7
From: Los Angeles
2013 Infiniti G37 Coupe; 2011 GLK 350 w/ Premium 1, Multimedia & Sport Appearance; I LOVE IT!
I'm not a roof rack fan.
Access is more difficult, especially on an SUV (even a small one!).
Bikes are too exposed to the elements. Sand, rocks & rain do much more damage at 60 mph!
Heaven help you if you forget the bikes are up there and you drive into a garage or under a sign or a tree branch (I managed a bike shop for a few years and you'd be amazed how often that happens!).
A hitch rack really is better.
Access is more difficult, especially on an SUV (even a small one!).
Bikes are too exposed to the elements. Sand, rocks & rain do much more damage at 60 mph!
Heaven help you if you forget the bikes are up there and you drive into a garage or under a sign or a tree branch (I managed a bike shop for a few years and you'd be amazed how often that happens!).
A hitch rack really is better.
