Biker's of t4r: How do you transport your bike?

[theoutbackdream]

Hello all,

I'm an avid rider and I've been thinking about purchasing a roof rack, or hitch rack for my 4th gen. However, I also thought about rolling down the rear window and storing the bike out the rear window, almost like a pickup truck. Has anyone thought about transporting their bike in this manner?

If so, how do you do it?

If you haven't or think it's a bad idea, what solutions have you come up with?

Thanks!

 

[BRUIN8124]

I have a Thule hitch rack. I am unsure of the model. Parkway I think?

I am happy enough with it. My only suggestion would be if you do get a hitch rack, get one that can swing outward while loaded so you can access the rear hatch. Mine does not do that. It is kind of a pain but really no big deal.

Sometimes if rain is in the forecast and I have the space. I just fold the back seats down and throw it in.

 

[ecally]

Yakima hitch rack. It has a pivot so you can swing it out of the way and open your rear hatch. And I purchased a locking pin so hopefully it is still attached to my vehicle when I return from my ride. The pin also has screw threads so that the rack tightens in place and is very solid and quiet.

 

[DZNUTS]

I'm not a fan of roof racks, too high potential for frame damage due to road debris. I just told my seats down, however I have been eyeballing those hitch racks


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[JPF25]

I use a hitch rack, the Kuat NV2, to be specific. It also has a pivot point that allows it to rotate downwards and you can open the rear hatch with no clearance issues, even when the bike(s) are loaded. I've always liked the roof mounted applications; however, with the 4runner being so tall, it is kind of a pain to load and unload. More importantly, wind noise from roof mounted rails can be annoying sometimes. A cheap and effective way to carry your bike inside would be to buy a 2x4 cut to proper width and install fork mounts on it. There are plenty of great options, I prefer hitch as it is simple to handle and it keeps the interior free of mud and dirt from my mtb rides.

 

[madeinhb]

I've been looking for a hitch mount but I'd like one where the mount locks the bike so no one can steal them if you need to run into a store or something

 

[backcountrymedic]

I've got a Yakima hitch mount that holds up to 4 bikes. Doesn't swing to the side, but does swing down, and it has a lock system built in to keep bikes secure.

 

[03v8raleigh]

I have used all of the methods. Bike inside or wheel out the hatch is the easiest, quickest method when just getting around town. Roof racks are nice because I put the bicycles up there and the mototcross bike on the hitch carrier. But if all you're doing is driving to the trailheads with a muddy bike, hitch carrier is probably the way to go. A lot of good options out there. I just got the cheapest one I could find at Performance Bikes, and use an extra tie down on it for extra safety when traveling over a few miles. Any of the options work fine, some are better than others depending on the circumstances.

 

[rich045]

i throw mine inside, theres plenty of space. lol

 

[IRONLUNG]

I'm not a fan of roof racks, too high potential for frame damage due to road debris. I just told my seats down, however I have been eyeballing those hitch racks


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You could get rear ended just as easily......:bump2:

 

[kyle_uran]

I picked up a Thule hitch mount for two bikes from Craigslist for under $100.

 

[blkexp98]

I made a mount in the cargo area for mine. Its basically a 1x4 with fork mounts mounted to it. Then I have two threaded rods with knobs to secure the board to the floor I carry two mountain bikes normally and can keep the 40 side seat up but its tight. I like it for the security because most of the time we are out of town with them. Someone on here has a mount similar to what I did.

 

[camp332]

Yakima hitch rack. I have a family of bike riders. I've been using this, and it's pretty damn awesome so far.

 

[DRO-T4R]

We have a Yakima roof rack, a nice Thule roof rack, a Kuat NV hitch rack, and a 1Up USA hitch rack. We've had a few others in the past - we've just about tried them all...

Here are my observations:

I tried the front bike wheel over truck tailgate thing for a while, and I just didn't like it. I always felt like I was on the verge of damaging the bike (or the truck). With a 4runner, getting part of the bike through the rear window seems like a hassle. And what if it's raining or snowing (we ride bikes in the snow here )

On a 4runner, I definitely prefer the hitch racks - they are plenty stable, the bikes are more protected (IMHO - I'm not paranoid about being rear-ended, and If I am, the other guy's insurance will probably be on the hook). Also, getting bikes, particularly beefy mountain bikes on the roof of a 4runner is not trivial...my wife can't do it.

Of the hitch racks I prefer the 1Up - the build quality is pretty crazy, they are stupid simple, every part is replaceable, and I love the staggered tray heights. It can really help with bar/saddle interference. And with the factory extender gizmos, they are truly fatbike friendly!

Downsides of the 1Up: Expensive, and no integrated lock for the bikes. But a basic cable lock does the trick.

Also, the idea that there is no pin through the receiver hitch on the 1up freaked me out for a while. I actually thought about trying to drill a hole for one. But I think there's good reason you never hear horror stories of one of these falling off the back of a vehicle - it does not budge, thanks to the proprietary securing mechanism.

If you have to go with a roof rack (we need them because we often tow a camper), Thule over our Yakima here. But that's a closer call...I just absolutely hate the yakima rear wheel straps.

 

[pliance04]

I transport my bike inside. Take the front wheel off and put in on my inside bike mount. Picture is on the forum, i dont know how to re-post it here. sorry

 

[unevolved]

Check out the 1UpUSA racks. I got one a few months ago, and I love it.

 

[swanny]

Another vote for the Kuat NV2 here.

 

[Slowgoat]

Yakima 2 x hitch rack for me (Yakima Holdup 2).

I had a Thule for years, and it was great, but I like the Yakima a bit better. They are both heavy steel. I'd get a lighter one if I had more money to throw around. Some of these new racks are pretty light.

I don't like roof racks because I'm forgetful and I know too many people that have driven into their garage with them. One guy did it twice!

Beware the roof rack!! :lmao: