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Old 01-08-2013, 02:18 AM   #301
Dirt Bringer
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dlinsalata View Post
That's a good point on the cheaper price - thanks!

I guess another potential option is that if I get the Aero bars + the ski/snowboard roof rack from Subaru, they will only ever work with Subarus?
I know nothing about ski and snowboard racks, but I do know a good bit about bike racks, and the Subaru offering is simply a rebranded Yakima, which will work the same as any other Yakima. I imagine the situation can't be too different for the ski and snowboard racks. Subaru doesn't care to put the time to making something someone else has already perfected and really has nothing to do with them to start with, instead they just slap their badge on the product to sell at dealerships and the like...Makes sense to me.
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Old 01-11-2013, 11:44 AM   #302
subaru604
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I have the base 2013 impreza without the roof rails, can I still add the roof racks or crossbars (whatever they are called) on my roof?

Do I need the rails to do this? I like the look of the rails too, is it possible to add it on to my base model? I didn't felt like paying extra thousands for the sport edition when I bought this car.

If I can't add the rail option, which cross-bars do you guys recommend for me that is also theft proof?

is it screwed on or just snap on?
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Old 01-11-2013, 12:12 PM   #303
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Originally Posted by subaru604 View Post
I have the base 2013 impreza without the roof rails, can I still add the roof racks or crossbars (whatever they are called) on my roof?

Do I need the rails to do this? I like the look of the rails too, is it possible to add it on to my base model? I didn't felt like paying extra thousands for the sport edition when I bought this car.

If I can't add the rail option, which cross-bars do you guys recommend for me that is also theft proof?

is it screwed on or just snap on?
Since I was just in a similar place to you, some definitions AFAIK
- Roof Rails = Bars that run the length of the car on Sport editions
- Roof Rack = A name for the overall system that goes on top of the car
- Cross Bars = Specifically the two bars that go across the car

This thread somewhere earlier talks about people who want to get rails. From what I remember, it's very hard and/or expensive.

You can get some good looking cross bars, though, and the non-OEM bars do lock. Check out www.yakima.com and www.thule.com, plug in your car to the fit finder, and you'll see the options they recommend. Just make sure what you consider includes a lock in the details. I seem to remember that most of the options do. (Of course, if someone is determined enough, they'll steal it. It happened to another poster on this thread.)
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Old 01-15-2013, 10:48 AM   #304
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Hey fellow Impreza owners. I'm currently running the OEM fixed roof rails. Is there any particular bike rack that you guys could recommend me? I'm trying to find the best for my bike (2008 Stumpjumper fsr) and would like some advice. If it locks to the rails that's a nice touch but not absolutely necessary. Thanks!
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Old 01-15-2013, 11:19 AM   #305
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Quote:
Originally Posted by subaru604 View Post
I have the base 2013 impreza without the roof rails, can I still add the roof racks or crossbars (whatever they are called) on my roof?

Do I need the rails to do this? I like the look of the rails too, is it possible to add it on to my base model? I didn't felt like paying extra thousands for the sport edition when I bought this car.

If I can't add the rail option, which cross-bars do you guys recommend for me that is also theft proof?

is it screwed on or just snap on?
I'm in the same boat as you: Got the base hatch, plan to get a roof rack in the spring.

There's a post somewhere way back in this thread from someone who had their dealership put rails on their non-sport hatch. It was a big hassle, they had to drill through the roof, and I'd generally be inclined to say that it's not worth the trouble and expense.

You can get a roof rack on your car without the rails, for much less money. It just doesn't look quite as well-integrated, and probably doesn't have the same level of flexibility. There's loads of pictures and information in this thread from people who've set up racks with and without the rails.
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Old 01-15-2013, 02:33 PM   #306
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I'm debating between the Whispbar Flush rack and the Through rack. I just can't commit to the look, one way or the other. If anyone has bought either system, any regrets?
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Old 01-16-2013, 12:51 PM   #307
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Originally Posted by Mgeorge8 View Post
I'm debating between the Whispbar Flush rack and the Through rack. I just can't commit to the look, one way or the other. If anyone has bought either system, any regrets?
1 week in to having the flush (if that's the one that mounts "into" the roof rails), and I like it. It feels more a part of the car than having the bars stick out over the side of the roof.
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Old 01-27-2013, 07:47 AM   #308
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Default Rails with Cross Bars vs. Cross Bars Only?

Currently, we transport 2 kayaks (each about 14 ft long and about 42 lbs) on top of a Honda Element, using the OEM cross bars with Thule Hullaports (J style cradles), with stern and bow lines. This works well, except that the Element is a bit tall.

As a second car, we are considering a Suburu Impreza hatchback, and we are wondering if the same set up would work? Should we consider a Sport hatchback (which comes with rails) or a non-Sport version (which doesn't come with rails)? We would add the OEM cross bars to either version, and use the J cradles that we have. Also, the Element has great options for bow/stern tie downs, and I'm uncertain if the Impreza has this. Would appreciate advice from anyone familiar with this idea. Thanks.
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Old 01-28-2013, 02:26 AM   #309
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I have Thule aero bars, but I love the look of a fairing. Is there one that will fit these bars, or it unnecessary?
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Old 01-28-2013, 02:56 PM   #310
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I have Thule aero bars, but I love the look of a fairing. Is there one that will fit these bars, or it unnecessary?
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Old 01-28-2013, 07:04 PM   #311
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 03Indigo View Post
Mine does not.....I have the Rockymounts rack, and even with my 29" wheel bike on it, factory base rack, not rails, there is no touching.



on a side note, here is one of my inno fairings...I have the same one, medium, on both cars. This one pictured is from the WRX, but it is the exact same fitment on the 2012 2.0i

Did you need to order the longer bolt kit with the factory base rack for the medium Inno fairing? Looking to order this same fairing for my rack. Thx in advance.
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Old 01-29-2013, 05:15 PM   #312
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Quote:
Originally Posted by monapam View Post
Currently, we transport 2 kayaks (each about 14 ft long and about 42 lbs) on top of a Honda Element, using the OEM cross bars with Thule Hullaports (J style cradles), with stern and bow lines. This works well, except that the Element is a bit tall.

As a second car, we are considering a Suburu Impreza hatchback, and we are wondering if the same set up would work? Should we consider a Sport hatchback (which comes with rails) or a non-Sport version (which doesn't come with rails)? We would add the OEM cross bars to either version, and use the J cradles that we have. Also, the Element has great options for bow/stern tie downs, and I'm uncertain if the Impreza has this. Would appreciate advice from anyone familiar with this idea. Thanks.
I use the J cradles on one side and kayak feet on the other to haul two 16ft boats. I have the subaru crossbars. not a sport so no roof rails.
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Old 01-31-2013, 08:14 PM   #313
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Default Subaru Cross Bar vs. Yakima Whispbar Flush Bar

If you had to choose between the two, which would you choose? I could get the one from Subaru for free, but like the locking ability of the Yakima. I don't know if i like $400 as much though. I'll probably do the HighRoller from Yakima for my bike.
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Old 01-31-2013, 08:40 PM   #314
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Originally Posted by Mgeorge8 View Post
If you had to choose between the two, which would you choose? I could get the one from Subaru for free, but like the locking ability of the Yakima. I don't know if i like $400 as much though. I'll probably do the HighRoller from Yakima for my bike.
I went with the Whispbar flush. I personally liked the lower profile and the locking ability as opposed to the OEM ones. By no means is it gonna stop a determined thief, but it will be a deterrent to a casual scumbag who will probably move onto the next car.

The factory ones can be removed with an allen wrench from what I understand. The Whispbars do cost quite a bit more--especially since you say you can get the stock ones for free.

For what it's worth, the HighRollers don't lock to the crossbars. The Front Loaders do and is the route I went. No problems so far.
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Old 01-31-2013, 10:22 PM   #315
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I went with the Whispbar flush. I personally liked the lower profile and the locking ability as opposed to the OEM ones. By no means is it gonna stop a determined thief, but it will be a deterrent to a casual scumbag who will probably move onto the next car.

The factory ones can be removed with an allen wrench from what I understand. The Whispbars do cost quite a bit more--especially since you say you can get the stock ones for free.

For what it's worth, the HighRollers don't lock to the crossbars. The Front Loaders do and is the route I went. No problems so far.

Thanks for the input. I read the FrontLoader interferes with the hatch from opening and prevents the use of a flairing.
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Old 01-31-2013, 10:45 PM   #316
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Thanks for the input. I read the FrontLoader interferes with the hatch from opening and prevents the use of a flairing.
That's true. I don't use a faring and don't plan too, but since the FrontLoaders are taller than the HighRoller, I can't see a faring being too useful.

I have no problems using the hatch with the FrontLoaders, but I do have the sport spoiler and it does contact the end of the tray. The trays have plastic bumpers so the hatch rests against it. It's been 7 months and I've had no problems with it nor any sign of scratches or indentations on the spoiler itself. If I do remove the plastic bumpers, the hatch clears the tray with about 1/8" to spare and that includes physically trying to push the hatch farther.

You can always mount the trays backwards though as some people have done.

I posted in this thread a while back with a picture. I'll dig it up.


Edit: Actually the pics are with a bike up top with the hatch open. Page 5 or 6. I see 4 days of no rain coming up, so I'm gonna wash the car and take a new pic tomorrow.
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Old 02-01-2013, 04:30 PM   #317
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mgeorge8 View Post
I'm debating between the Whispbar Flush rack and the Through rack. I just can't commit to the look, one way or the other. If anyone has bought either system, any regrets?
I have the Whispbar flush system and I love it. Absolutely no regrets. Its very well made and I love the low-profile look. I happen to really dislike the look of a fairing, and luckily its not needed with the Whispbars. They really are that quiet. Check on my post earlier in this thread (#149) for pics.

As for the locks, they work pretty well, and I like the fact that a single key works on both crossbars and my hitch-mounted Yakima bike rack.
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Old 02-01-2013, 08:35 PM   #318
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Originally Posted by Mgeorge8 View Post
Thanks for the input. I read the FrontLoader interferes with the hatch from opening and prevents the use of a flairing.

Plastic endcaps


Spoiler resting on the plastic endcaps--In 7 months, I've had no marks on the spoiler left by them so I'm not concerned about it. I'm guessing if you carelessly keep pressing on the hatch past this point then you may run into problems.


Plastic endcaps removed (a one second process). Just a wee bit of clearance on both sides. I cannot get the hatch to get any closer with added pressure either.

My FrontLoaders are as forward as possible. With the trays removed there is no need for a fairing as it's pretty quiet. A fairing with the Whispbars and a moonroof would probably create an interesting installation.

Last edited by Oddbaru; 02-01-2013 at 10:33 PM.
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Old 02-01-2013, 11:28 PM   #319
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Thanks guys! I was leaning toward the Whispbar originally. I'm still debating between the HighRoller and FrontLoader.
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Old 02-06-2013, 01:27 AM   #320
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Will a Thule fairing fit on the Subaru factory aero cross bars?
Thanks
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Old 02-06-2013, 09:22 AM   #321
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Originally Posted by Mgeorge8 View Post
Thanks guys! I was leaning toward the Whispbar originally. I'm still debating between the HighRoller and FrontLoader.
1upusa roof rack. By far and away the best wheel mounted bike rack, no contest. If you prefer fork mounted bike racks the Yakima Forklift can lock to the rails, as well as a Thule model I don't recall. However if you plan on going with a wheeled mount, don't even bother with anything else, the price difference between the Yakima and Thule racks to the 1upusa rack is so minimal that it's simply not worth the quality and design difference. Also, whatever you do, avoid the Yakima Frontloader. I've heard horror stories.

http://www.1upusa.com/product-rooftray.html
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Old 02-06-2013, 12:31 PM   #322
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1upusa roof rack. By far and away the best wheel mounted bike rack, no contest. If you prefer fork mounted bike racks the Yakima Forklift can lock to the rails, as well as a Thule model I don't recall. However if you plan on going with a wheeled mount, don't even bother with anything else, the price difference between the Yakima and Thule racks to the 1upusa rack is so minimal that it's simply not worth the quality and design difference. Also, whatever you do, avoid the Yakima Frontloader. I've heard horror stories.

http://www.1upusa.com/product-rooftray.html
If you look into any wheel mounted roof rack, you'll find horror stories about all of them. Except the 1up actually. I haven't seen any about that one. I just can't get over the aesthetics. I'd say it is the most solid of the bike racks (quite literally too).

I've had no qualms with the Frontloader and I carry a downhill bike on a regular basis without concern that something catastrophic is going to happen. People tend to just be idiots the majority of the time, in my experience.
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Old 02-07-2013, 08:21 PM   #323
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1upusa roof rack. By far and away the best wheel mounted bike rack, no contest. If you prefer fork mounted bike racks the Yakima Forklift can lock to the rails, as well as a Thule model I don't recall. However if you plan on going with a wheeled mount, don't even bother with anything else, the price difference between the Yakima and Thule racks to the 1upusa rack is so minimal that it's simply not worth the quality and design difference. Also, whatever you do, avoid the Yakima Frontloader. I've heard horror stories.

http://www.1upusa.com/product-rooftray.html
I emailed them to see if it's available in black. Any of you guys have it you '12 or '13 Impreza?
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Old 02-07-2013, 09:30 PM   #324
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I emailed them to see if it's available in black. Any of you guys have it you '12 or '13 Impreza?
I'll be getting it on mine in the next week or two.
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Old 02-09-2013, 05:55 PM   #325
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Can anyone verify that the "OEM" round bar set uses 48" crossbars? I just ordered a Sport Premium and was planning on getting a yakima set but the price the dealer quoted me is actually less than the Yakima equivalent. It looks to be 48" but I'm not sure. Normally I'd be fine with slightly narrower but it's not unheard of for me to put 4'x8' sheets of stuff on top of the car and I want to make strapping that down easier.
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