Hitch Mounted Bike Rack Question

[1engineer]

Obviously mine is a 3rd gen, but these measurements may help you. Standing on level ground, the highest point on my bike is approximately 48 inches (I used the top of the stem because you could always drop the post if you had to). Sitting on my Yakima Holdup, that same point is approximately 47 inches from the TOP of the hitch. I'm pretty sure I remember seeing that Yakima has either discontinued or redesigned the Holdup, but you may be able to snag one on clearance or even used. I've used all manner of racks over the last 13 years, and the hitch mount tray type is by far my favorite.

Rims??? Crank Bros?

 

[MONTYMTB]

Rims??? Crank Bros?

Yep, Cobalt 3

 

[1engineer]

Yep, Cobalt 3

Nice. For those of you who don't know about nice mtb components, you could buy four nice rims and tires for your 4Runner for the cost of these two rims. Sorry for the derailment OP, carry on.

 

[Tengu]

Softride dura is the only one that makes sense. Lockable 4 bike, moves out of way and keeps level, reasonable price. I got mine from amazon, there are descent pics there
Amazon.com: Softride 26247 Access Dura 4-Bike Rack: Sports & Outdoors

 

[j_shoe99]

The Saris Thelma 3 sits below the roofline.

I'm diggin' all the other singlespeeds too! [MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION] and [MENTION=46730]MONTYMTB[/MENTION] :bigok:

<a href="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/j_shoe99/media/20130518_083045_zps2c9bf3ad.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q242/j_shoe99/20130518_083045_zps2c9bf3ad.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 20130518_083045_zps2c9bf3ad.jpg"/></a>

 

[desertred]

Oh yeah, I forgot to add this nifty idea for those of you looking for cheap options. I would not believe it had it not seen it with my own eyes :lmao:

Interesting. Do you know if this is available for a 2 inch receiver?

Thanks for all the responses and options. It appears that the pictures posted in other threads are a bit deceiving as to how high the bikes are lifted towards the roof line. I appreciate all of the feedback and options. :cheers:

 

[scanny]

bike attached to my old cheap SportRack definitely doesn't go over roof line:

 

[veloindy]

I don't buy many products worth recommending, but this is the best rack I've owned.

1UPUSA.com :: Bicycle Racks

 

[simonj]

Yakima Holdup

 

[WaySlowWhitey]

You can't go wrong with the Thule T2. It can expand to carry more than 2 bikes and as it mounts by clamping on your front tire and rear wheel it doesn't matter hub type (20mm through axle, standard QR, etc.) or frame design (e.g. interrupted top tube on FS MTB's) road or MTB's. Depending upon the size of your frame/seat height you should have no roof-clearance issues. I run an XL frame and with a 3" lift I have no issues pulling into the garage with the bikes loaded.

 

[joneseyyy]

I use this one...and it is awesome!

1UPUSA.com :: Double Quik Rack Black

Not cheap though.

 

[MTT77]

+1 for Kuat

Kuat is what I have for my bikes, I never hang them from the frame but only use the rack style that allows them to be supported from below. The model I have has a built in cable lock (same key as the receiver lock it comes with) so its really secure. Supports my 29'er just fine and it doesn't come anywhere near the top of the truck.

I am new to this forum, but am an avid mountain biker. The racks from Kuat are expensive but worth it. VERY solid, hold the bikes by the tires, and are below the roofline, The model I have is the Core. It holds two bikes and swings down if needed for access to the back of the 4runner. It also can fold upwards if no bikes are on it. Highly recommended

 

[desertred]

I am very interested in the Kuat racks. I hope to visit a dealer this weekend (tried last weekend, but they were closed for the holiday). I like to look and try out equipment before making a purchase decision. Of the racks I've seen so far, the Thule T2 has my highest interest, but I haven't really ruled anything out yet.

 

[veloindy]

I am very interested in the Kuat racks. I hope to visit a dealer this weekend (tried last weekend, but they were closed for the holiday). I like to look and try out equipment before making a purchase decision. Of the racks I've seen so far, the Thule T2 has my highest interest, but I haven't really ruled anything out yet.

spend some time here Car & Biker before you make your decision.

 

[Ryan1975]

Supposedly you can hold 4 bikes...but I'll be buggered if I could ever get more than three.

 

[DEKA3]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/1165850-post581.html

Been using this for a while. Very happy with it. Keeps the bike under the roof line and still gives enough ground clearance for me.
Also comes in a 4 bike version

 

[TThompson]

Nice. For those of you who don't know about nice mtb components, you could buy four nice rims and tires for your 4Runner for the cost of these two rims. Sorry for the derailment OP, carry on.

Yes, really neat wheels so long as they are in top working condition, but be wary of proprietary designs like the cobalt and many of the mavic wheels. Not to knock the products, but just consider the PITA you might run into if you need to fix one on the trail/out of town/quickly in town. I work at a bike shop and problems like this occur all the time, and almost nobody has the ability to fix proprietary wheels at a moments notice, especially not at the local trails. Good looking bikes though, you single speed guys are crazy!

You can't go wrong with the Thule T2.

Back on subject, the Thule T2, Yakima hold up, and many of the Kuats like the NV or some others are great. This type of rack (T2 atleast) offers the ability to seamlessly move any type of bike from 20" wheel to 29er, road or MTB, full squishy downhill or SS fully rigid. Also, I cannot stress the importance of protecting the bike by securing it by the wheels and not the frame. Hanging racks can damage paint/cables/etc and lead to premature wear on the hubs if you dont secure the wheels down. As you go down the highway the wheels are left spinning, often very fast and they heat up the hubs. Platform style racks are simply the absolute best way and can accomodate darn near any bike made. As far as height goes, any of the platform racks will be below roof line. I have an XL Enduro 160mm that has plenty of clearance, I can get you pics if needed.

Lots of words, but I strongly vote for a platform style rack if you can afford the $250 or so that they cost. I run a T2, and it has integrated cable locks that stow away in the arm when not in use, and it even came with a locking hitch pin. 2" or 1.25" receiver options. Best value rack out there, protect your bike and keep your sanity as well. They are very easy to operate.

If you have any more questions about bike racks let me know, finally a topic that I can contribute too on the boards.


-Toby

 

[adam2562]

i've got a Thule on the back of mine.. the bikes are just below the roof-line.. so it'll go anywhere i can drive!

 

[Quentin]

I like the platform style hitches. Here is my Thule 916XT (2" version) in the folded position.



It does ride a little higher, but the bike is still below the roofline on my 4Runner.



It fits my two Cannondale 29ers, Trek Madone road bike, and Trek Allant city bikes (racks, fenders on both) very well.

Some guy in the classifieds sticky is selling the same rack for $150. Screaming deal.

 

[desertred]

Thanks for the pictures and tip, Quentin. I have pretty much decided that a platform type of rack is the way I want to go. The Thule T2 is one of the contenders. I'm also very interested in the Kuat racks, as well. I haven't seen any of their platform racks yet, but was impressed with the construction of the Kuat Alpha dual arm rack that I was able to play with.