Roof mounted racks are not for everyone. It takes a bit of energy to hoist your cycle up there and get it secured. But for those with the muscle to do that, a roof unit provides other benefits that make them a great choice for many bike riders. The Nomad showcases those benefits in a quality rack that does exactly what it is supposed to do. First, this rack is easy to install. The skewer locks tighten nicely on any OEM or aftermarket crossbars, and no tools are required. Secondly, any bike will fit onto its tray, regardless of wheel base length or tire dimension. Adult bikes to kiddie rides, road slick to knobbies, the Nomad means it when it brags “universal!”
Thirdly, on the roof means out of the way. Lots of riders haul their bikes through town, to city parks or to ride the street scene. And they don’t want a bike in the rearview mirror obscuring their view while attempting to change lanes in traffic. The Nomad delivers on all these fronts with a rack that is made with high-quality materials, and will hold your ride secure in its nicely padded, lockable grip.
Who Should Use the Sportrack Nomad Universal Bike Rack
The Nomad will be most appreciated by urban riders who want the benefits of a roof mounted rack. And the design means you don’t have to remove the front wheel to lock the forks. That’s a hassle you can live without, and this unit will still keep your bike secure. Fit up to 4 on most vehicles.
Mounts directly to all OEM or aftermarket crossbars with universal U bolts
Fits up to 2" diameter bike frames
Locking cam adjustable system with interchangeable lock core
Large jaw for added security
I like it so far
Review Date: March 26, 2009
Reviewer: Kenneth S. Poland, Lafayette, LA
My only real complaint about this product is that it's too short for the 56" road bike that I bought it for. The maximum bike size that it's intended for should be in the description. I still use it, just without the little support for the rear wheel. I found this rack very easy to install on the factory crossbars on my car. (I don't know what's wrong with the guy that wrote the other review.) It is also very easy and quick to load and offload my bike. I just need to remember the bike's there before pulling into the carport!
Look elsewhere
Review Date: May 30, 2008
Reviewer: David Futrell, Indianapolis, IN USA
This rack is reasonably priced and, for the most part, does what it's supposed to do.
However, it has some problems. First, it's not easy to assemble or adjust. My bike is a 51cm racing bike, so it has a very short wheelbase. With this rack adjusted to maximum length, my bike won't fit without removing the rear wheel holder bracket. The straps it comes with to secure the wheels to the rack are much too short. With 23X700 wheels, the strap will barely reach around and leaves no room to adjust. The knobs that secure the main portion of the rack are very difficult to tighten by hand. I had to use vice-grips to turn them. After I do some MacGyver reengineering, I'll be able to use this rack, but it's a pretty disappointing product out of the box.
Not Ready For Prime Time
Review Date: December 25, 2009
Reviewer: Eric Mason, Hugoton, KS United States
If you need a rack for a full-size bicycle, be ready to perform some modifications. The quality of this rack is fine, it's just too short. I had to fabricate and add a section to the middle of it to use it. I like the quality of the rack and the locking mechanism for holding the bike, just be warned about the length issue.
I like it so far
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