Thule Raceway fits Forester with rear wing
I wanted to avoid roof mount bike racks because sure as anything one day I would drive into my garage with the bikes strapped on top. So went to local bike shop and tried the Thule Raceway 9001 (2 bike) on my 2010 Forester XT. The bike fellas were dubious and the Thule fitting guide only describes fitting to Forester by sitting the rack on the rear bumper, which would mean the top cables wrap over the wing so not an option, but I had an idea it could be done differently. This smart looking rack can be arched over the rear wing, resting on the top of the door just forward of the wing - a few inches of door metal is available to comfortably accomodate the upper foot of the rack. With the rack cranked over to position number 9 the lower foot sits on door metal just a few inches below the glass and is nicely shaped so it straddles the raised Subaru badge. The top cable then runs almost horizontally, just above the wing, with its rubber end cover just touching. Although this looks like protection it would probably scuff the paint in short time so will permanently stick some clear Contact plastic at those points (works well - used this on my motorbike for years) and also where the hooks wrap around the door edges if it will stick. For the lower mounts there is plenty of cable to reach to the bottom edge of the door. Used in this way the bikes are raised high enough to allow use of the rear hitch to tow a box trailer for family camp trips which is why I didn't want a hitch mount rack. Also raises bikes where they are less vulnerable to touch parkers! The rear door can be opened fully - although you'd want to remove the bikes as it would be a heavy lift - and the rear wiper can be operated. I am ordering the 9002 (3 bike) model and in Australia this rack is AU$350. It's pricey, and it's very similar to the Saris Bones series, but it is very well made and improves on the Saris by using cables instead of straps - which are lockable by key - and incorporates a locking device for the outer-most bike. The recommended max load is 105 pounds (what's that, 45kg?) but my only concern is whether the weight of three bikes bouncing around on a cantilever could dent the rear door. Guess I'm about to find out. Cheers all, Pete.
EDIT 2 days later.....Didn't proceed. The rack was fabulous but when loaded with 2 x 40 lb steel mtn bikes the door flexed. Under bumpy driving conditions the risk of significant damage is too great (at least while the car looks new!) on the rear door panel just immediately below the window. If you're not as particular as me, or have lighter load, you may still consider this rack - it's a very good product, and looks great on the car, sadly the Forester falls short.
