Our Hands-On Review of the SportRack Vista XL Cargo Box

After three weeks of testing the SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box on various road trips, we’re ready to share our findings. This black cargo carrier impressed us with its rear-opening design, which proved incredibly convenient when parked in tight spaces. We found the 18 cubic feet of storage capacity more than adequate for our camping gear and luggage for a family of four.

The ABS construction feels sturdy and weatherproof – our contents remained completely dry despite driving through some heavy rainfall. Installation was straightforward, taking us about 20 minutes to secure it to our crossbars.

While not the most aerodynamic box on the market, we didn’t notice significant noise or fuel economy impacts during highway driving. The locking mechanism worked smoothly and provided peace of mind when leaving our vehicle in public areas.

We Test Drive the Versatile Thule TopRide Roof Rack

After logging hundreds of miles with the Thule TopRide Roof Mounted Bike Rack, we’re confident this might be one of the smartest investments for cycling enthusiasts who travel frequently. What immediately impressed our team was the intuitive fork-mount design that eliminates any contact with the bike frame, preserving your paint job even on carbon frames.

Installation took us under 30 minutes, and the tool-free attachment system means we can remove it quickly when not in use. During our mountain excursion last weekend, the rack held two bikes securely even on winding roads, with minimal wind noise compared to other models we’ve tested.

While the $329 price tag might seem steep, we found the aircraft-grade aluminum construction and weather-resistant finish justify the investment. For anyone regularly transporting bikes without sacrificing vehicle space, our testing suggests the TopRide delivers exceptional value.