I need to purchase a new bike rack for my car. I currently have a U-Haul hitch that my (heavy) bike rack slides into and then a pin slides in to hold it.
Does anyone have any recommendations for a bike rack (i.e., hitched vs. strap-on trunk type) and the best place to purchase them? I once used a cheap strap-on bike rack that actually dented my trunk and would prefer to avoid having that happen again.
(09-28-2009 09:19 AM)debbieb Wrote: [ -> ]I need to purchase a new bike rack for my car. I currently have a U-Haul hitch that my (heavy) bike rack slides into and then a pin slides in to hold it.
Does anyone have any recommendations for a bike rack (i.e., hitched vs. strap-on trunk type) and the best place to purchase them? I once used a cheap strap-on bike rack that actually dented my trunk and would prefer to avoid having that happen again.
I have also been looking. Cheryl has one that attaches to her Reese hitch that I like. It supports the rear wheel, and attaches to the front fork (taking the front wheel off of course). I asked her about it, she gave me the name, but I could never find that model. I believe it was "Rhode Gear". I prefer the racks that support the bike, rather than hang on the frame, but that's just my opinion. I've even considered buying a van to haul the bike(s), but that's a little extreme!!
Let me know when you settle on a rack. I've been using the 2" receiver on my truck for a heavy duty bike carrier. Don't want to take the truck every time I want to haul my bike. Car gets nearly twice the mileage as the truck! I'd like something that allows you to lock the bike on, so you're not worried about leaving it in a parking lot for a short while. Anyway, let me know what you find that you like.
(10-09-2009 10:06 PM)DonP Wrote: [ -> ]Let me know when you settle on a rack. I've been using the 2" receiver on my truck for a heavy duty bike carrier. Don't want to take the truck every time I want to haul my bike. Car gets nearly twice the mileage as the truck! I'd like something that allows you to lock the bike on, so you're not worried about leaving it in a parking lot for a short while. Anyway, let me know what you find that you like.
I was considering putting a 1.5" receiver on the Subaru Outback and use one of the racks I mentioned. Most take a 1.5", and can adapt to the 2". Seems like it would be easier to lock the bike on one of these too.
No personal experience, but I've seen the Saris "Thelma" racks in action and they look really well-made and supportive. People entrust some pretty high-end equipment to them, and they fold up very small when not in use.
A friend recommended the Yakama rack. I'm going to visit The Bike Source tomorrow evening to check out both the Yakama and the Saris Thelma rack. Bike Source supposedly has both. I have a feeling this isn't going to be a cheap purchase even if I purchase off the Internet. I'll report back. Thanks to all for your comments.
(10-13-2009 09:22 AM)debbieb Wrote: [ -> ]A friend recommended the Yakama rack. I'm going to visit The Bike Source tomorrow evening to check out both the Yakama and the Saris Thelma rack. Bike Source supposedly has both. I have a feeling this isn't going to be a cheap purchase even if I purchase off the Internet. I'll report back. Thanks to all for your comments.
If you're going to BikeSource and you're a COP member, don't forget you get a 10% discount if you show your card. (I always forget... and it does add up on big items like that.)
The Saris Thelma is interesting looking. I've yet to see a Yakima that cradles the bike, but maybe there's one out there. Most that I see are roof rack type, which will allow the "Ken Effect", when you forget the bike's up there and zoom into your garage!!
Debbie...did you make a purchase?
I stopped at BikeSource on Sawmill and spoke with Kurtis, the store manager. He walked me through most of the racks they sell. He highly recommended the Thule Helium rack (
http://www.thuleracks.com/product.asp?de...&sku=970). Its pricey at $330+ but he said he thinks its one of the better ones out right now. It claims to be 40% lighter than most racks, which is what I'm looking for. The rack I currently have is a workout in itself just lifting it and getting it hitched up. I also stopped at a couple of shops in Newark but wasn't very impressed with the selection.
Bike Rack suggestion: If you are considering a rear rack that mounts via a receiver hitch, you might want to take a look at the "Draftmaster" brand of bike rack. The same manufacturer has a well-engineered roof-rack called the "Topper". Here's the link to the website: <http://www.atoc.com/>. Hope this is useful. I own an older Topper tandem rack that I purchased used a few years ago. It works well and is secure.