If you gone remove it by yourself the aluminum is lighter and easier to storage. For me when I just spend 60k on a car 60$ more to even think I got the premium is what I would go with but that’s just me.

 

If you gone remove it by yourself the aluminum is lighter and easier to storage. For me when I just spend 60k on a car 60$ more to even think I got the premium is what I would go with but that's just me.

It's not so much the extra $120 ($60 x 2), I'm just trying to determine if the basic bike rack will meet my functionality needs.

I paid $5,000 to get a custom color from the factory on my BMW M4, so I'll spend the extra money if I see value in something. My S60 T5 is my awesome daily driver with great mpg, so I'm not trying to impress anyone by fitting the more expensive bike rack. Just need a basic rack that does the job.

 

If your bike is carbon fiber I'd look elsewhere for the actual rack. Find one that doesnt contact the frame.

 

I have a couple of older mountain bikes, so I'm ok with frame contact. But I definitely agree with you, if I had a high-end CF bike, I'd be looking at a different (not frame contact) solution.

 

Well I think you answered your one question “just need a basic rack that does the job”

 

I went with thule upride on Volvo bars, works great, can put on and take off bars myself with 2 bike racks still attached.
Thule makes Volvo ones anyway, so could maybe catch a sale?

 

Good info, thank you. I got my Volvo load bars in the mail today, so I'll definitely check out the Thule Upride. I watched a video on it, and the bike cable lock feature is very cool.

 

I didn't even realize the cable lock was a thing, I wanted a rack I could leave tires on and didn't grab frame, and REI had a sale.
The lock is pretty cool though

 

The integrated cable lock does not stop thieves with cable cutters. But it is better than nothing.