Bike Rack

kmorr2586

New member
Looking to buy a bike rack for my 04 SR5, either the hitch style or the roof rack style. Let me know thanks!

Kyle
 
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I prefer hitch mount and have a Saris Thelma and a Saris Cycle-On. Both have been great racks. However they do not swing out of the way of the hatch so you have to take the bikes off to open the hatch. Thankfully that takes about 3 seconds with either rack.
 
I have the 4 Bike (2+2) Sportrack 2EZ rack that I got off ebay for under 200. Less than what you'd pay for a 2 bike rack Thule T2 or Yakima tray rack. I love the tray rack. I think I have the previous model based on current pics. The downsides are the hitch is a little loose in the receiver and it doesn't fold down to access the rear cargo door. I store one of the 2 slot racks outside (since i rarely use all 4 spots) and it has held up pretty well. Some signs of rust near the receiver and also where the holding arms slide up and down.
If you have 300 bucks to spare but only need a 2 bike holder, go with the T2- my parents have it, fixes the problems i explained with the sportrack. The 2 bike sportrack is probably about 150-175- about half the T2.
 
Sorry...I didn't look at cannondalemans link- thats the one I was referring to. the Xport and the Sportsrack 2EZ are the same (at least as far as manufacturer's pictures). I think the brand i got off ebay was Xport.
 
Go with a hitch mount tray rack. It'll hold your bikes securely and they fit all frame geometries. The only issue is if you wanted to use a ski rack back there too, as the the tray racks don't come with adapters.

P1010643.jpg~original
 
Choices

The tray racks are excellent and the Thule T2 is argueably the best of the breed. As pointed out, they are slightly easier to mount the bikes on and hold all geometries without top tubes or other adapters.

That being said, we went with a top tube carry rack for three reasons:

1) Since we often bring our (mountain) bikes on camping trips, for us the swing-away rear access is essential.

2) The tray mounted racks tend to ride a bit lower and decrease departure angle somewhat when going over rough terrain.

3) We often bring our youngest daughter (and sometimes one of her friends) and her (their) bike(s) on outings and the four bike capacity is a nice advantage. No need for the added expense and length of the add-on adapter.

We went with the Yakima Full-Swing 4 which has been slightly modified this year to become the SwingDaddy 4. Not cheap, but a quality unit. We use Yakima top tubes on some of our bikes with no or angled top tubes. I got mine for $300 on eBay last year.


http://www.yakima.com/racks/bike-racks/product/8002422/swingdaddy-(2-receivers-only).aspx

Rackoutfitters.com is great place to compare (and buy) racks:

http://www.rackoutfitters.com/car-r...addy-4-Bike-Rack-For-2-Inch-Hitch-24p1811.htm

Like everything else, it comes down to your individual requirements and preferences.
 
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Yes, do that if you like puzzles....and clanking bikes....and scratched frames. And you will probably need more than 2900 for a rockjumper cuz i've never seen one.
 
hulk311 said:
  1. Get this for $100 http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10812001
  2. Use the remaining $2,900 for a Specialized RockJumper + other goodies
    [/list=1]


  1. Or I could spend $150 on my rack, take the other $2850 and buy a Cannondale Rush, Prophet, or Rize and have another sweet Lefty fork baby! :cool:

    Sweetest riding fork I have ever ridden - and we have 2 of them.



    http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/09/cusa/mountain.html

    http://www.cannondale.com/suspension/09/why.html

    http://www.cannondale.com/suspension/09/index.html#6
 
No no no, rocky mountain slayer or giant reign :)

You'll be happy if you get a tray rack- i've never had an easy time loading onto a frame holding rack, but maybe they've changed in the last several years. IF you DO get a frame rack, buy a stabilizer bar to keep the bikes from swinging around.
 
in may09 i got a yakima swingdaddy and I love it. I haven't had any problems yet and it seems to be very sturdy. i haven't seen it move when im on the highway either
 
Yakima Fullswing 4 on a 2007 T4R

Bought it used off of Craigslist for $125. Previous owner had paid close to $500 he said.

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I have a roof mounted bike rack it's a Yakima Viper, it's compatible with disc brakes, or none, it's a great bike rack I love it. My bike doesn't sway or move at all it's solid. Mine is on Yakima Load Warrior Cargo Basket, but if you get Yakima cross bars that will work to.
 
Go with a hitch mount tray rack. It'll hold your bikes securely and they fit all frame geometries. The only issue is if you wanted to use a ski rack back there too, as the the tray racks don't come with adapters.

P1010643.jpg~original

+1 - same rack here for my 2008 Jamis Dakar XCR Sport

p.s. nice bike!
 
Hitch mounted rack for many reasons, the following being key: no height clearance issues, less likely of a mishap resulting in damage to the 4Runner, and/or bikes and a lot easier to load.

I went with a tray style rack because of the frame design on my Stumpy FSR, which would require an adapter or the bike to be mounted at an angle. I've heard incidents of the bike either making contact with the rack or another bike resulting in damage to the bike or the adapter not securing the bike.

I got the 2009 Yakima Holdup, model# 8002433. Watch for some retailers that sell the Holdup for less, most likely it's the '08, model# 8002419. The improvements for '09 are there's a pull pin to fold and lower the rack, rather than requiring the removal of a supporting pin and safety clip (similar to a hitch pin setup)--making it really easy to change the rack position, especially when bikes are loaded. The other is the StrongArm (the tire grabbing hook) doesn't rotate past horizontal preventing it from hitting the ground.

I looked at the Thule T2 as well, and I really the fore and aft and side to side adjustability offered by the T2. This makes fitting any bike super easy and eliminating any possible bike to bike contact. Both the T2 and Holdup have 60lbs per tray/bike capacity. However with the expansion for four bikes the T2's total capacity is 160lbs, 240lbs on the '09 Holdup and 200lbs on the '08 Holdup. Can't go wrong with either the T2 or Holdup.

IMO, tray style hitch rack is the way to go. It'll carry any bike regardless of frame design with ease.

BTW, seen some bike names mentioned. My next upgrade will be an Intense Tracer VP or Uzzi VP. :love:
 

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