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How to Pay for Roof Crossbars and a Bike Mount

How to · Auto

How to Pay for Roof Crossbars and a Bike Mount

Outfit your vehicle for summer cycling without taking a big upfront cash hit on gear.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $500 before anything else
Across the 0% window $27.78/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $500 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Outfitting your car for outdoor gear gets expensive fast. Between gas, maintenance, and insurance, owning a car already drains your budget, so dropping $500 all at once on a rack setup right when summer starts hurts.

You can negotiate prices on accessories or buy them used, saving your financing strategy specifically for the new hardware extras. Using the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card gives you a 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening intro offer, letting you spread out that gear purchase without adding interest to your ride.

A 0% interest period is a strict deadline, not free money. Pay off the balance before the 18 months end, or regular interest rates kick in on whatever amount is left on the card.

The steps

  1. 01

    Measure your factory rails

    Check if your car already has side rails or flush tracks before buying anything. Universal mounts sound great until they scratch your paint or fail to lock into your roof profile. Getting the exact vehicle specs first prevents costly returns.

  2. 02

    Time the spring sales

    Outdoor retailers usually run major sales right before summer starts. Look for bundled deals that package the crossbars and bike mounts together. You can often save a chunk of money just by waiting for these predictable discount windows.

  3. 03

    Negotiate used or open-box gear

    Check local marketplaces and retailer open-box sections for crossbars. People switch cars and sell perfectly good rack systems for half price. Save card spending for brand-new mounts that require warranties, and use cash for used crossbars.

  4. 04

    Set up your payment plan

    Put the $500 purchase on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card to get 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. That breaks down to just $27.78 per month if you pay it off across the full 18-month window.

  5. 05

    Lock down your anti-theft locks

    Do not skip lock cores for your crossbars and bike mounts. Premium rack setups are easy targets in trailhead parking lots. Spending a few extra dollars on matching lock sets protects your gear investment for the long haul.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Do universal roof crossbars fit every car?

No, roof designs vary widely between bare roofs, raised rails, and flush rails. Always check the fit guide for your specific vehicle make and model before buying.

Is it better to buy factory crossbars or aftermarket brands?

Factory bars fit easily, but aftermarket brands offer better weight capacities and modular bike mounts. Aftermarket gear also transfers more easily to your next vehicle with simple fit kits.

How much does a roof rack lower gas mileage?

Expect to lose two to five miles per gallon with crossbars and a bike mount installed. Taking the bike rack off when you are not using it keeps your fuel costs down.

Can I install roof crossbars by myself?

Yes, most modern crossbar systems clamp on with basic tools included in the box. Just take your time measuring placement so your bike mount sits straight and secure.