Anybody ever use a Rocky Mount Tandem Rack?

[mtbcyclist]

Anybody ever try one of these?

http://www.bikemannetwork.com/rackbarn/p/AR8023

Was thinking of making my own out of a 2x4 and a fork mount form Tandems East or buying the above mentioned rack.

Any suggestions or opinions? It will go on top of a Nissan Xterra and will attach to the Xterras built in rack.

Thanks!

[Retro Grouch]

I've not used one but I looked at one last weekend at the Prarie State Tandem Rally. It looked to me like a nice solid basic tandem rack. The square tube base attaches to the cross arms with four U-bolts.

[NewbieIATandem]

Yep, we have one mounted to our Ford Windstar. Have only used it about 3 times, but seems sturdy. It would be nice to have the pivoting quick release to load it on top of the minivan, but the difference in price to the pivoting pieces (about $200 vs. $350++) made it an easy decision for me and my lovely stoker. We also got two Rocky Mounts Lariats for the kid's bikes and they work fine too.

[Roadie Rob]

I've used one for 5 years with fair success. You have to really clamp it down tight on the U-bolts or the bar will slide back due to wind drag. If you can, start with the front of the rack right up against the front crossbar (depends on hatch / trunk opening if it hits the rear of the rack).

I've also had to replace ALL of the nuts and washers including the one of the U-bolts due to rust. Not sure why they rusted so quick (off in winter and whenever else I can remove it - not a permanent tray on the roof). I also SNAPPED the original 9mm quick release lever - very cheaply made. Look for an equivalent Yakima, Thule, etc... and dump the original QR.

5 / 10 if I had to rank it. I got mine for cost from a friend but would never have paid full retail. You get what you pay for in this rack.

[MootsRoadie]

We use a Rocky Mount - and it is possibly the one that Retro Grouch was eyeing at the PSTR a couple of weeks ago. I have to say that we have not had any problems with it in the two years that we have used it - quite unlike Roadie Rob.
We also have a tendancy to keep it on the car much longer than necessary so it has exposed to the midwest climate extremes - snow and ice as well as 90+ degree days.
It is basic, but it works.

[mtbcyclist]

Thanks folks. I just ordered it today. Now if I could just get my bike in. If the planets align next week I might just get it by friday. 8-) Most likely it will be the week after 8-(