Bike rack recommendation?
- Thread starter mpaquette
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ikonxone
New member
I have a 4 bike Thule rack (don't recall the exact model). To be honest, 4 bikes is a bit of a stretch, though it can be done with 4 road bikes. I have had it for about 6 years (3 vehicles) and really like it. The advantage is when I take more than 2 bikes with me, I can put them all on the back.
It originally went on a Subaru, so I went with the 1.25" hitch. When I purchased an '07 4Runner, I added a metal sleeve so it would fit the 2" hitch. It is now on the back of my '06 Accord...with a 1.25" hitch. If I had purchased the rack w/2" hitch, I'd have to buy a new rack for the Accord. Consider a 1.25" rack hitch just in case you might get a different vehicle or want to use it on another vehicle.
Slightly off topic - you can't really see the hitch on the Accord and using the bike rack on the hitch, I still have full access to the trunk without having to take anything off.
It originally went on a Subaru, so I went with the 1.25" hitch. When I purchased an '07 4Runner, I added a metal sleeve so it would fit the 2" hitch. It is now on the back of my '06 Accord...with a 1.25" hitch. If I had purchased the rack w/2" hitch, I'd have to buy a new rack for the Accord. Consider a 1.25" rack hitch just in case you might get a different vehicle or want to use it on another vehicle.
Slightly off topic - you can't really see the hitch on the Accord and using the bike rack on the hitch, I still have full access to the trunk without having to take anything off.
If you have not made a decision yet, maybe this will help give you some things to think about when looking at racks:
Does the rack have a built-in lock?
Does the rack bolt into the receiver?
Does the rack have a hitch pin lock?
Does the rack fold easily?
Does the rack fold out of the way so you can open the rear hatch without removing it?
Does the rack come with any anti-sway cages?
Does the rack fit 2” and 1.25” receivers?
I do a lot of biking so 2 years ago I was looking for a good rack for my 08 4runner. I spent a lot of time on-line but could not make a decision. One day I stopped in my local REI and found they had 3 or 4 setup on display. Thule, Yakima and one or two others. After actually trying each out and seeing the features they had it was the Thule Ridgeline 4 bike rack all the way. It has everything you will need. It has a thread hitch pin that bolds to the receiver so its rock solid. The pin also has a cylinder lock. The rack holds 4 bikes but like cencyc mentioned you really can only get 2 bikes on a 4 bike rack. A 2 bike rack means you can only get 1 bike on it. There are two levers that allow you to fold the rack down and to tilt the rack backwards (away from the truck). This makes opening the rear hatch very easy. In fact I have tilted the rack with my bike still strapped in. The Ridgeline has anti-sway cages so your bike will not rock back and forth. 70mph on the expressway or 20mph offroad without any trouble. It also has a built in lock. However unless your bike is cheap I would not trust it. Make sure you buy yourself a good lock to strap your bike to the rack and the rack to your truck. A lot of bikes get stolen off of bike racks. And Thule makes this rack in the US. I think they have a plant in Franklin Park, IL
The only bad thing about this rack is after 2 years out in the elements year round: rain, mud, snow, salt, etc, it is starting to rust a bit. But nothing some new paint can’t touch up though.
Mtneer001
New member
If you haven't bought one yet, I have this one. Its a great price and it is very sturdy.
XPORT Flatbed 2-Bike Hitch Rack - Bike Transport
XPORT Flatbed 2-Bike Hitch Rack - Bike Transport
patrickd72
New member
you pay more but 1 up usa has a nice bike rack. Simple, solid and made in America. Kuat also makes quality stuff.
danny4runner
New member
I got mine at Checker for $98! Holds 4 bikes... I have no issues with it. no plastic parts to break like most other brands. folds down with bikes on it to open the tailgate... pic in sig
Uneek
Super Moderator
I got the Yakima HoldUp from Rackattack.com.
To add my .02. I like Yakima/Thule for some things, but a bike rack's not that hard. When we needed to expand beyond the 2 bike Thule that my wife had before we met, I went with a 4 bike Swagman with towing bar...about $120 delivered from of all places, Overstock. Seems like it was even made in Canada, which I suppose is the next best thing to made in the US. I can't see a 3x difference between it and our Thule.
-Brent
-Brent
jlmilligan
Member
I would say Thule. I have had 2 somewhat self induced problems with there products. With me giving a full explanation and asking for a price for the parts both times, they offered to send a new part once and a new kayak rack the other time. Brand new, no charge, both times. They even paid for shipping. Customer service is TOP NOTCH. :bigok: You may pay extra for it, but you will never have to buy it again.
