If you don’t have time and just want hear the key points of this article, here they are:
So here’s my take on the SkyBox 12. It’s a product that could be a real asset for road cyclists and those who value speed and durability in their cargo roof box. The TR-Speed compound seems to offer performance, while the Hard-Case Lite could provide puncture protection. Plus, it’s tubeless ready, which seems like it might make setting up a breeze, although you’d need to get the extra parts separately.
On the flip side, the SkyBox 12 might not be the perfect fit for everyone. If you’re not into road cycling, you might not fully appreciate some of its features. Also, if you prefer wider tires or if you’re particularly conscious about weight, this might not be the one for you. And while the tubeless set-up could be a pro for some, others might see it as a con, especially if you’d rather not deal with buying the additional components.
In the end, the SkyBox 12 appears to be a versatile and durable cargo roof box that could cater to a variety of users. But as with any purchase, it would be a good idea to weigh your individual needs before making a decision. In my opinion, it’s worth considering if its features align with what you’re looking for.
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Yakima SkyBox 12 Carbonite Cargo Roof Box Review: Who is it for?
From my perspective, the Yakima SkyBox 12 Carbonite, let’s call it SkyBox 12 for short, appears to be a versatile cargo roof box that could suit a range of users.
To start with, the SkyBox 12 might be an excellent fit for regular road cyclists. The fact that it’s designed for speed, traction, and durability during racing and road riding suggests that those who frequently travel with their bikes could greatly benefit from this product. The proprietary TR-Speed compound offering fast performance along with low rolling resistance and excellent cornering grip tells me that this product is aimed at cyclists who value performance and speed.
Also, the technical specs seem to indicate that the SkyBox 12 is quite adaptable to different types of cycles and user preferences. With wheel sizes of 700c and tire widths varying from 25 to 32 millimeters, it appears to have the flexibility to accommodate different types of road cycles. This suggests to me that whether you’re someone who likes to cycle on weekends or you’re a more serious cyclist, the SkyBox 12 might be a good option for you.
Another user group who might find the SkyBox 12 beneficial could be those who are concerned about puncture protection and durability. The Hard-Case Lite with improved Nylon105 beaker belt seems to provide lightweight puncture protection, a great ride feel, and extra durability. This implies to me that SkyBox 12 could be a handy choice for those who might worry about the durability of their cargo roof box.
If you’re someone who prefers a simple setup process, you might appreciate the SkyBox 12. The fact that it is tubeless ready (TLR) and allows for easy tubeless set-up suggests to me that it could be a good choice for people who prefer easy to install and use products. However, it’s worth noting that the complete tubeless system would require Bontrager TLR wheels, sealant, and rim strips, which are not included.
To sum it up, I think the SkyBox 12 could be a good fit for a variety of users, particularly road cyclists who frequently travel with their bikes, people who prioritize puncture protection and durability, or those who prefer products with a simple setup process. However, as with all products, it’s always best to consider your individual needs and research thoroughly before making a purchase. In this case, the SkyBox 12 seems to offer a mix of speed, durability, and convenience, making it a potentially compelling option worth considering.
Yakima SkyBox 12 Carbonite Cargo Roof Box Review: Who isn’t it for?
So, let’s flip the coin and talk about who the SkyBox 12 might not be the best choice for. I mean, every product has its audience and equally, there are those for whom it may not be a great fit.
First off, if you’re not a road cycling enthusiast, the SkyBox 12 might lose a lot of its appeal. The features and specs that make it attractive for cyclists, like the proprietary TR-Speed compound for fast performance or the Hard-Case Lite for puncture protection, may not hold much value for you. So, if you’re looking for a cargo roof box for general storage purposes and you don’t really engage in road cycling, the SkyBox 12 might be more than what you need.
Also, the SkyBox 12 is tubeless ready (TLR) which means it allows for easy tubeless set-up. But, if you’re not familiar with this kind of system or if you don’t feel like buying the additional Bontrager TLR wheels, sealant, and rim strips, this could be a downside for you. I guess it comes down to whether you’re willing to put in that extra effort and cost for this set-up.
Another point to consider is the weight. The lightest variant of the SkyBox 12 weighs 285 grams (for 700C x 25 MM) and goes up to 340 grams (for the 700C x 32 MM). Now, I’m no expert but I believe that for some people, every gram counts when it comes to their vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Though this might not be a significant factor for everyone, it’s worth considering if you’re conscious about maximizing fuel efficiency or if you’re driving a smaller vehicle which may struggle with heavier loads.
Lastly, the SkyBox 12 may not be suitable for those who prefer wider tires. The largest tire width the SkyBox 12 can accommodate is 32 millimeters. So, if you’re a cyclist with wider tires, the SkyBox 12 might not be a fit for you.
In closing, while the SkyBox 12 certainly has a lot going on for road cyclists and those who value puncture protection, speed, and durability, it might not be the best fit for everyone. If you’re not a road cyclist, if you dislike the tubeless set-up, if you’re particular about weight or if your tires are wider than 32 millimeters, you might want to look at other options. Remember, it’s all about finding what works best for you and your specific needs.
Yakima SkyBox 12 Carbonite Cargo Roof Box Review: Conclusion
So here’s my take on the SkyBox 12. It’s a product that could be a real asset for road cyclists and those who value speed and durability in their cargo roof box. The TR-Speed compound seems to offer performance, while the Hard-Case Lite could provide puncture protection. Plus, it’s tubeless ready, which seems like it might make setting up a breeze, although you’d need to get the extra parts separately.
On the flip side, the SkyBox 12 might not be the perfect fit for everyone. If you’re not into road cycling, you might not fully appreciate some of its features. Also, if you prefer wider tires or if you’re particularly conscious about weight, this might not be the one for you. And while the tubeless set-up could be a pro for some, others might see it as a con, especially if you’d rather not deal with buying the additional components.
In the end, the SkyBox 12 appears to be a versatile and durable cargo roof box that could cater to a variety of users. But as with any purchase, it would be a good idea to weigh your individual needs before making a decision. In my opinion, it’s worth considering if its features align with what you’re looking for.