4 Bike hitch rack

[mandercruso]

Hi. I'm looking to buy a 4-bike hitch rack and have come across three that I'm interested in (that are also in my price range).

1) Thule 934xt Hitching Post Pro - $179.10

2) Yakima 2404 BigHorn - $153

3) Yakima KingPin - $180

I have a 2003 Specialized Rockhopper FSR. Being that it has a strange frame design, I need to make sure I buy a rack that can hold my bike.

I did a search and came across a few threads talking about bike hitch racks. None were the 4 bike racks and none seemed to answer the question about my frame design being able to fit on a bike rack.

Any help would be appreciated. I plan on taking a road trip with some friends soon and need to order a hitch rack sometime early this week.

Thanks,
Amanda

 

[AlexJet]

The only way to cary your bike with the hitch rack is to go with something similar to Yakima HookUp, but it's expensive ($349):

 

[AlexJet]

Therefore you can actualy go with this combination:
Big Horn/KingPin + Frame Adapter (~$30-40):

 

[mandercruso]

The only way to cary your bike with the hitch rack is to go with something similar to Yakima HookUp, but it's expensive ($349):

What about using a tubetop?

The Yakima Hookup is not really an option for me since I want to carry 4 bikes (I think that setup can only carry 2 bikes but I'm not positive).

Please let me know if you think the tubetop thing would work with my bike on the Yakima KingPin (which is what I think I'm going to go with).

Thanks again,
Amanda

 

[mandercruso]

Therefore you can actualy go with this combination:
Big Horn/KingPin + Frame Adapter (~$30-40):

haha, that's insane, we both posted the same thing around the same time

I'm pretty sure that I'll go with the KingPin and the tubetop option (that's such a strange name for it by the way). I'll wait til after lunch just incase someone else wants to chime in.

Amanda

 

[AlexJet]

The Yakima Hookup is not really an option for me since I want to carry 4 bikes (I think that setup can only carry 2 bikes but I'm not positive).

Please let me know if you think the tubetop thing would work with my bike on the Yakima KingPin (which is what I think I'm going to go with).

Thanks again,
Amanda

I know it's just takes some time to download images.
Frame Adapter or TubeTop (doesn't matter how this thing is calling, it's still for the same purpose? will work with KingPin. Make sure it perfectly fits your rack. Second thing look for Thule Frame Adapter, its $10 cheaper and should works with your bike either. I would also recommend you to get DeadLock for secure your bikes ($39.95):

 

[AlexJet]

Additionally I would also recommend you to buy a HitchLock, like this MasterLock. I

 

[AlexJet]

I hope mine information would help you. I f you have any additional questions just shoot them here or PM me.
BTW, there is an AddOn for HookUp which allows you to carry 4 bikes, but it also pricy $249:

 

[AlexJet]

Sorry, forgot the image:

 

[mandercruso]

I hope mine information would help you. I f you have any additional questions just shoot them here or PM me.
BTW, there is an AddOn for HookUp which allows you to carry 4 bikes, but it also pricy $249:

thanks for all the helpful info. My dad actually has a hitchlock that should work with the bike rack. I just called my local bike shop (now that I have a real job I enjoy giving them my business). I went ahead and ordered the KingPin for $199.99 (would have been $20 cheaper online). They also have a top tube adaptor for $20 in stock. Another reason i bought it through them was because they'll install it for free and if I ever have any problems with it, I just take it to them.

My only concern when they go to install it is that I read that with the Yakima hitch racks, you'll have to lower the spare tire and push it towards the front of the truck. Either this or you have to actually cut the rack... hopefully everything will be smooth sailing for me though

Well, thanks again, and I'll post pictures as well as my comments on the KingPin.

~Amanda

 

[AlexJet]

My only concern when they go to install it is that I read that with the Yakima hitch racks, you'll have to lower the spare tire and push it towards the front of the truck. Either this or you have to actually cut the rack... hopefully everything will be smooth sailing for me though

Well, thanks again, and I'll post pictures as well as my comments on the KingPin.

~Amanda

Well, I have Thule and it fit perfectly.
And, please, post some pictures.

 

[Northof49]

Swagman Twister + 4 bike adaptor will also work.

I have this (minus the 4rth bike adaptor) and it will work with your bike's frame

This:

+
this:

http://www.swagmanbikeracks.com/store/64850.htm
http://www.swagmanbikeracks.com/store/64855.htm

 

[rubberducky]

Get a transport T2. Transport was gobbled up by Thule as of late but you still get their build quality. FWIW the transport racks are what Yakima copied when designing their hookup.

http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Bike_Rack/product_124928.shtml

 

[mandercruso]

so as i said above i went with the Yakima KingPin 4. The bike shop called me today to say its there. Hopefully I can swing by after to work and get it installed. I'll take pics and post them up soon.

Amanda

 

[05SR5]

with

maybe the solution.

See http://www.allenracks.com

 

[mandercruso]

Here's the Kingpin 4 in all its glory:

(it didn't touch the spare at all)

I just ordered the Yakima Deadlock so I'm hoping it gets here soon. I don't want any crazies stealing my goods

Amanda

 

[AlexJet]

Here's the Kingpin 4 in all its glory:

I just ordered the Yakima Deadlock so I'm hoping it gets here soon. I don't want any crazies stealing my goods

Amanda

Yes, the lock you have right now is definitely not the perfect solution I'd also recommend too get a hitch lock. As I saw on your pictures you don't have any right now. Get it as fast as possible. It will protect your investments for a long time.

 

[mandercruso]

Yes, the lock you have right now is definitely not the perfect solution I'd also recommend too get a hitch lock. As I saw on your pictures you don't have any right now. Get it as fast as possible. It will protect your investments for a long time.

The DeadLock includes the hitchlock as well as a bike lock.... sounds pretty good.

Yeah, the lock that is on there really isn't for locking my bike down on the rack... it's to lock the bike down when I bring it to work. I took the rack off last night so it's just sitting in the back of the runner til the DeadLock comes in

~Amanda

 

[md4runner]

hey...your hitch rack looks awesome...question for you, and i know i'm being lazy, b/c i can probably just look it up...i have an '03 4runner...we have the 2" mount, right?

 

[AlexJet]

hey...your hitch rack looks awesome...question for you, and i know i'm being lazy, b/c i can probably just look it up...i have an '03 4runner...we have the 2" mount, right?

As far as I know all 2003-2005 4Runners have 2" hitch