car racks

[cjscott]

Who makes a good 2" hitch style car rack for 2 bents,
I have an Action Bent Tidal Wave 2[short wheelbase uss]
wife has a Cannondale Bent1 clwb 50.5"

[srw2249]

I've recently researched this in great detail. I think you have two good choices. 1upUSA makes a very solid rack - they will modify it to fit the sizes of your bents at no added charge. The other choice is Draftmaster which is also rock solid. I've talked to them both by phone and they are very helpful in configuring what you need. I ultimately chose the Draftmaster because we've just added a tandem and I think it is the best hitch choice for that size wheelbase

[desmobob]

I just bought the Performance Bike Xport Flatbed. It is adapatble to fit a 2" or 1 1/4" receiver and the wheel trays have a lot of adjustment range. It was on sale and inexpensive ($130!). I've been using it for a week and I'm very happy with it.

One little niggle.... the rack bolts into the receiver; you need a 3/4" wrench to put it on and take it off. But any thief with a 3/4" wrench can also remove it. You have to cable or chain the rack to your hitch for security.

I don't know how the other manufacturers deal with this issue....

Good riding,
desmobob

[bikeopera]

Desmobob, have you add any of these problems with your Xport Flatbed
- handle bar of one bike damaging seat of other bike
- tire of inside bike getting heat damage from the exhaust?
How does it handle for you at high speeds/on a highway?
RE security, etrailer.com might have a locking bolt for this...
thx

[desmobob]

Desmobob, have you add any of these problems with your Xport Flatbed
- handle bar of one bike damaging seat of other bike
- tire of inside bike getting heat damage from the exhaust?
How does it handle for you at high speeds/on a highway?
RE security, etrailer.com might have a locking bolt for this...
thx

- I've only had one bike on it so far (61cm Bianchi Axis cyclocrosser)
-the exhaust on my vehicle ('97 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 pickup) is pretty far below the bike and exits on the side of the vehicle, so no problems.
- handling seems great; I can't tell it's there.


I really think this rack is a great bargain, if you're willing to work with the security issue.

Good riding,
desmobob

[bikeopera]

coolio, thx. i'm fixin to get it tomorrow.
i just got a hitch lock from these helpful folks
http://www.etrailer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=E&Category_Code=l2

[desmobob]

coolio, thx. i'm fixin to get it tomorrow.
i just got a hitch lock from these helpful folks
http://www.etrailer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=E&Category_Code=l2


You can't use a normal hitch lock with the Xport Flatbed; it bolts to the receiver through one of the receiver's hitch pin holes. If you want to secure it, you have to chain or cable it, or find a special bolt similar to the special lugnuts they used to provide with expensive aftermarket wheels for cars/trucks.

Good riding,
desmobob