bike / snowboard rack

[jcee76]

Yo's and Hello's

I'm looking for a bike and snowboard rack solution. I have a 4runner '01 3rd Gen I believe. I do not have roof racks and do not have a trailor hitch.

I was thinking of getting a trailer hitch and buy a rack that attaches to that. But I believe that would be a good amount of $. Any suggestions / ideas. I want the best bang for the buck. Why would people rather have roof rack instead.. for access to the trunk? Anyways get back at me. Thanks!

-Jay.

 

[Uneek]

Depending on the types of bike(s) you have. The bike racks that hold a ski/snowboard adapter won't be able to carry a bike with a non-traditional frame design. Most bikes such as downhill bikes or something like a Specialized BigHit won't fit on those bike racks. Bikes with non-traditional frame design probably will work best for racks that have trays for the the wheels.

I've contemplating back and forth with this. Ultimately, for me I will probably get a hitch mount bike rack has trays for the wheels and can accept bikes with a non-traditional frame design and probably a roof top storage box for my snowboard if I decide to take four others with me.

Thule and Yakima both make bike racks that will double as ski/snowboard racks.

 

[jcee76]

links?

links?

 

[Uneek]

Yakima's adapter for hitch mounted bike racks:
http://www.yakima.com/product/8002418/hitchski.aspx

Thule's adapter for hitch mounted bike racks:
http://www.thuleracks.com/carrier_snow2.asp?location=3

That price is just the adapter, doesn't include the bike rack.

 

[jcee76]

lack hitch

Those are nice but my '01 4runner lacks a tail hitch. Are those expensive to buy / install? Bolt on hitches?

 

[CannondaleMan]

When I had my Highlander we bought a trailer hitch from these folks:

http://www.suspensionconnection.com/cgi-bin/suscon/hitches.html

No muss, no fuss - just a little cursing when teh bar comes and weighs about 90 pounds and takes to 2 put on because of the weight. Actually worked quite well. They have frequent sales as well.

As for a rack, I have this to carry our Cannondales. Since they have odd frames and a Lefty fork (making tire removal a pain in the arse) it works very well for us.

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=22745&subcategory_ID=4411

Also note that they are running a sale where you get another 15% off and frequently have good or low/no shipping deals. If you bought it and took off 15% you will have a 2 bike rack for $100. Less than $250 for both a rack and hitch. Not bad at all. Expecially if you have an expensive bike.

 

[jcee76]

Did you put the hitch on yourself? Bolt-on?

Does that rack also support snowboards?

 

[CannondaleMan]

Did you put the hitch on yourself? Bolt-on?

Does that rack also support snowboards?

I did put the rack on myself with the help of the wife just holding the bar and me aligning it with the holes. Took about 20 minutes.

As for the snowboard, it is for bikes only. I think that you will be hard pressed to find a hitch mounted rack that will carry both, whereas you can get a roof rack for both, or just put the board in the back on a towel.