Both types you're referring to seem plenty sturdy to me. My dad has the hitch post rack on his Jeep, and I have the roof rack on my Buick. They are both leaps and bounds more stable than the strap-on trunk racks I used before.

I love the roof rack b/c it is very easy to use quickly and I feel like the bikes are plenty secure. I've had mine for just over a year now and have probably taken my bikes over 4000miles on top of the car (I never leave home without it on weekends). When I first got it, I was paranoid and checked on them often while driving. The only issue with these is that you better remember your bike is up there (before say, driving into your garage). I haven't had a problem with this, but have seen awful pictures. In my experience, the windflow disturbance created by the bikes makes noise reminding me they're there...and I don't use my garage.

For the hitch rack, you obviously don't have to worry about removing the wheels or low clearances, but you do have to worry about someone else rear-ending you and similar situations. These racks seem more than sturdy enough, IMO...I've seen my dad haul 2 bikes on 500+ mile round trips multiple times.

As far as cost goes, they should be comparable since the base mounting systems are already on your SUV...so it's more about personal preference.

Tough call. We have both roof on the subaru and hitch and the volkswagon van. If you get the hitch, bag the bike, you'd be amazed how much crap gets thrown up by the car tires into the bike... If it's really buggy the same thing happens with bugs on the bike... It looks like you have an aluminum bike, so compression is not an issue. (with CF, you shouldn't use a compression based system like a hitch mount)
Hopefully there's a nugget there you can use :)
Good luck.

I have had both. I had an SUV where I used the tow hitch and now I have a Subaru hatchback and use the roof rack. I prefer the tow hitch because for 1) I don't have to remove the front tire and 2) I NEVER have to worry about parking garages! I am one of those who damaged their bike (fortunately just the saddle). The problem wasn't that I forgot it was up there, but not realizing the height clearance of some garages changes due to random signs hanging down or sloping entries/exits. I entered a garage from one street fine, but exited from another and clipped my bike. Now, I never go near garages!

I have the roof mounted wheel carrier for my Thule roof rack but since there isn't a lock for it (at least none that I know of...only for the bike carrier), I am always paranoid someone is going to take my wheel just to tick me off! I try not to leave my bike on it for long periods of time but when I have to do a brick, I have no choice.

Thanks for insights. I am leaning towards a tow hitch - something more comforting about being able to see my baby in the rear-view mirror. Although, if something were to happen while driving, I would probably not be able to do anything, but at least i'd be closer to where the bike fell off lol

Roof rack: I fear the drive thru lane. Hitch mount: I fear the uninsured motorist rear-end collision. Try making a claim on a ti frame. "Sure, your bike was that much. We'll settle for $50."

hitch + bike bag!

I have a tow hitch for my Jeep. No way I could get my bike on top.

I just replaced my roof rack. I DID drive it into my garage. Damaged the bike, garage, rack, AND the car. Total loss was more than $2000. I still prefer it to the hitch rack.

best price and brand for a roof rack for a sedan that doesnt come stock with luggage rails on the roof? Suggestions? Looking to get a roof rack for some easy transport.