Can anybody tell me which is the preferred type of rack for the hitch mount system? I like the looks of the rack that just grabs the frame at the top tube, but I am kind of leary of just leaving the wheels hanging in space. Any problems with this type of rack? I am looking at the usual companies (Thule, Yakima, Swagman).
Swagman XC rack. These are the only racks we sell now. Wheels level no matter what the frame geometry. They are solid, foldable, and very easy reliable to use.
I like this Thule T2 thingy.
OK so 2 replies both for the wheel mount type. Price wise I like the swagman. So stay away from the type that holds the frame at the top tube?
I’ve got a thule T2 with a 2" receiver on my wifes freestyle. I have a truck and now I prefer taking the family truckster to the races because everything is so easy on the thule. If you want the capability to upgrade to 4 bikes, make sure to get a 2" receiver. Otherwise the 1-1/4 can only take two bikes - Ernie
I recently went through this same decision. I could see a day where I would want 4 bikes and to get that with a wheel mount I was looking at at least twice the price or more. For me it just wasnt enough to justify getting the wheel mount. They are definately cool but so far I am pretty happy with a frame mount and a little strap to keep the wheel from moving.
Sounds like quite the testimontal!
Any problems or known issues? It appears the “wheel opening” is rather large. How does it fit a 700x23c wheel?
Would you trust this rack to carry around a 10k race steed?
Yes it is a testimomial. I have used this rack on our van and it was great. Not one issue. I no longer use it as we just put them inside our truck bed now.
I used to swear by their old stlye (hang the bike from the top tube) racks. I have gone into some pretty nasty areas and never had a problem. The old ones however did scratch the paint and held the bike uneven. The Xc is as I say Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy!!!
The wheel wells work fine for the road bikes, no problem. As for holding a 10k steed, we have had double that in ours and I never even thought about it.
The 2 bike is nice because it folds up. The 4 bike is heavy and does not fold up, but is a rock solid machine.
The Thule comes with a strap to loop thru the rack and the wheels to hold the bike secure to the rack and to keep the wheels from moving.
I did some research on Amazon for this item, and not one bad review! It is a heck of a lot cheaper than the T2 so worth a shot.
Since you’re a dealer…what module does one need to add (2) more bikes to the 64650 Cross Country (“XC”)
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I have heard really good things about the Saris Thelma…Aside from that one, I like the Yakima stuff better than Thule, but that’s a personal call.
Bob
disregard that…I found it. Dman thing cost $50 more than the rack itself!
But…still a bargain compared to similar racks.
For hitch mount I like Thule better than Yakima.
BUT, it’s because the Thule has a straight tube that I could easily get “sectioned” to deal with
the fact that I didn’t have a spare tire it had to get around. This means I can leave it on,
collapsed down, and get my garage door closed.
The Yakima has a curved section from the hitch, so harder to section.
I had about 5 inches sectioned out of the Thule.
-Jot
OK so 2 replies both for the wheel mount type. Price wise I like the swagman. So stay away from the type that holds the frame at the top tube?
We have had customers that use the frame mount ones on some expensive frames and they come back with some used to be expensive scratched and damaged frames. I like the wheel mount ones.
Would you trust this rack to carry around a 10k race steed?
Hell no…I have had pedals stolen off of bikes on a rack. You want your nice bike to get there? Put it IN THE CAR or ship it to your hotel. My bikes never ever travel on the outside of a car for any reason. Far too many variables.
Those thiefs are getting clever, they’re carrying pedal tools now!
I like to keep my bike inside too, but if you have 2.4 children as the average American does, it makes it tough to travel with your bike inside.
I got one based on cdnbiker’s recommendation - 70x23 is no issue at all - I have a 61 cm frame , and had to invert the wheel mounts to get it to lock down properly and allow room for a second bike - other than that - it is rock solid and takes 20 seconds to mount a bike. If I only wanted to travel one bike I wouldn’t have had to inver the wheel mounts - has to do with enough spacing for the top clamps to work. I travelled from central Virginia to Timberman witht his setup and cannot say enough good things about the solidity and statbility of this mount, and before I used top tube mounts - this is so much easier. And compared to the similar Thule design - there is no competition on price.
I use this one after always transporting my bike on the inside of my vehicle. I was skeptical at first but after using it for over a year, I am very glad that I chose this one.
Saris Cycling Group
My tri/road bikes always go in the back (4Runner and LR HSE). Homemade fork mount carrier does the trick. (can send pix if needed).
MTB and CX bikes go on the hitch rack. Too dirty for the inside. ;o)