Bike Rack for factory Bars

[big bill]

Having done a bit of research on bike racks to fit my Subaru Outback factory bars, I see that Rocky Mount and Sport Racks (Thule) both have offerings.

The Sport Rack bar mount looks sleeker than the Rocky Mount metal plate.

Rocky Mount offers locks for their system. It appears that Sport Rack does not.

Are there any other appreciable differences between the 2 brands? I would get a black tray, so color isn't a big deal for me

[ORS Racks Direct PitCrew]

Both are excellent products that match their budget prices (1/2 the price of other more premium fork mount bike racks) and they are the only options for mounting a fork mount bike rack directly to factory roof rack crossbars. Ease of mounting and locking option are the key differences. The Rocky Mounts Noose has a superior quick release skewer that makes it easier to load the bike every time and is lockable. However, the plate does take longer to initially install on the crossbars. But once installed it offers more stability, virtually no side to side wobble. The SportRack Nomad installs quicker, there is some slight wobble but not really a big deal. No locking option though so you would need to use a cable lock. The quick realease skewer and clamp down mechanism is not as quick as the Rocky Mounts Noose so it takes a little bit more time to load the bike. Overall they are both really nice products. The RockyMounts Noose does hold an edge with its superb quick release skewer design and locking option, as well as absolutely rock solid mounting hardware and plate for virtually any factory roof rack crossbar style.