Red2 Custom Bicycle: Wasatch Powder Monkeys SmartCrossbar rack ?�first look

Tuesday, 12 March 2013

Wasatch Powder Monkeys SmartCrossbar rack ?�first look

Wasatch Powder Monkeys is based in Park City, Utah, and has announced a new aero-style roof rack alternative to those from Thule and Yakima.

According to WPM, the new SmartCrossbar system is far more aerodynamic than traditional round or rectangular bars – and, thus, quieter and more fuel efficient. And its unique quick-release accessory attachment system promises an impressive level of convenience, too.

Traditional roof rack accessories typically bolt onto, or clamp around, crossbars. However, the SmartCrossbar features a novel quick-release setup whereby the accessories click into special ports on the US-made, aero-profile, extruded aluminum crossbars. As such, there are no tools required and SmartCrossbar users can easily remove or install accessories as needed instead of leaving them in place full-time.

Quite cleverly, WPM has avoided the headaches associated with designing racks to fit the enormous varieties of vehicles on the road, or of developing their own mounts. Instead, it's built the SmartCrossbar system onto existing towers and mounts from Thule, Yakima, and Inno, and offers adaptor kits that convert those major-brand accessories to quick-release.

The smartcrossbar system works with most yakima, thule, and inno towers. locking mechanisms are built into the end of the crossbars, too:

The system works with most Yakima, Thule, and Inno towers

WPM has even created a wall-mounted system to store accessories when they're not in use. Locks are built into the ends of the crossbars to secure the mounts onto the crossbars, too.

While BikeRadar hasn't had a chance to use the SmartCrossbar system yet, one of the only potential drawbacks we see is limited accessory positioning flexibility, because the quick-release ports are located at fixed locations on the crossbars.

WPM offers the complete roof rack system as well as comprehensive upgrade packages depending on your needs. Prices for a complete base rack start at about US$400 (including locks and keys).

Adaptor kits for existing roof racks (including crossbars, fork mount adapters, and storage racks) start at about US$350, while individual add-on adaptors for fork mount trays cost less than US$40.

For more information visit www.smartcrossbars.com.