RE: THULE Bike Rack Question

["Piecuch, Benjamin HSD" <piecuch@hsd.utc.com>]

The Thule 444 System comes complete with Feet/Bars/Legs.. 
Whatever you want to call them.  It even comes with 4 locks.
Each front and back pieces are an integrated 1 piece design.
This allows you to tighten the rack by adjusting only two 
screws, one for the front, one for the back. Most other systems
require you to tighten all four feet.

Having the extra cross bars to tighten the opposite feet creates
a lot of noise.  I recommend a fairing.  It greatly cuts down on 
the wind noise, but it doesn't do much for gas mileage.  Expect
2-3 mpg less.

Another great feature on the rack is it's breakaway capability.
I, unfortunately, let my brother borrow my car and rack, and
he decided to drive into a parking garage with the bike on the
roof.  Somehow, the rack just "popped" out of the rain grooves,
and did only minor paint damage to the roof.  The rack is still
perfect.  So, that's another plus over other racks, i.e. Yakima.

I think I paid around $160 for the 444 Kit.  Sweet deal, considering
the locks are about 20 bucks alone.


			BEN