General Cycling Discussion - Bike Racks and Car Racks

I thought it might be interesting to have a thread dedicated to the good and bad experiences with companies that sell bike racks, manufacturers, and so on.

I recently changed from Thule to Swagman and am glad I did. I find Swagman to be well built, priced right, good looking and solid. Very easy to adjust and lift on and off the hitch etc.

As far as pricing goes, it varies a lot from store to store, but the best prices I have found for Swagman are Here (http://www.swagmanbikeracks.com)

There are several places to check I am just providing one that I found to be the best, that is not to say that other brands or other stores are good too.

That's what this discussion is for. I have two bikes I ride and use a jeep to get me to the trails. I am now using a spare tire mounted rack that seems to be the way to go.

Let's discuss Pro's and Con's of racks such as Hollywood, Thule, Draftmaster, Cora, Swagman and Yakima.

Here is a list of rack sites:

http://www.thule.com
http://www.cora.com
http://www.hollywoodracks.com
http://www.yakima.com
http://www.swagmanbikeracks.com
http://www.draftmaster.com

Please feel free to add to the list and discuss !

Anybody have any experiences with the Chrysler system? I currently have the ski rack, on the removable system, and am wondering how the bike rack compares with other brands.

Had a Yakima Vipor's mount hinge pin work itself almost all the way out. It's a splined thread of some sort... Whatever, been using the passenger side mount because I'm too lazy to contact Yakima. Their website sucks! No links to contact ANYWHERE! So, I'm pretty frusterated, since I've only had the rack for 8 months! I do have my bike up there most of the time though... It shouldn't matter though, that's what I paid $600 bucks for! It's a gad damned bike rack isn't it? I'm pretty pissed off now and I'm gonna launch MS Word and write a letter... gotta' go.

You left out Saris. http://www.graberproducts.com/default.asp?module=saris

They make great racks, particularly the roof rack with auto-centering load bars and the BAT-wing series. Lifetime warranties, great customer service, and I'm nearly positive they're made in the USA. Our shop has had nothing but good luck with them. Oh, and their website is quite useful, complete with fit guides.

I have experience only with hitch mounted racks. I like them for the following reasons:

- They can be removed in seconds without a trace
- No part of the rack or bike touches the car
- They are secure (bike locks to rack - rack locks to hitch)
- You don't have to reach and lift to the top of your car

The downsides that I recognize are:

- The bike(s) or rack may cover up your license plate
- The bikes may get a bit more dirty in the back
- If your car is low, ground clearance may be an issue

That's the extent of my knowledge! Anyone else care to add?? :)

I too utilize a receiver style bike rack, a Rhode Gear flip down. It works great for loading/unloading. My one worry is some IDIOT rearending me and demolishing my bikes! The other issue is that the receiver stub and receiver have a little play (obviously they cannot be a friction fit) so the bikes "rock" back and forth while driving. Takes a little getting use to though, as at first (and for that matter still continues) its a little disconcerting as you drive thinking that the bikes are going to just fall off.

Speaking of bike racks, does anyone have a rack on a Camaro?

Crucifixion12-here's some things you may find of use. I assumed the most recent generation of Camaro.
Roof rack: http://www2.sarisproducts.com/fit/fit_overview.asp
Rear-mount rack: http://www2.sarisproducts.com/fit/fit_overview.asp
You might want to reference the other thread about racks as well.

I have a Hollywood Team Rider (http://www.hollywoodracks.com/2&3.htm#teamrider2) hitch rack. I like it because it will accomodate many alternative frame geometries as well as traditional ones (bents and tandems aside). It probably won't work with with Zipp, Softride or other cantilever beam type frames however. It keeps my bikes secure without the need for wheel removal and it's plenty tough enough to handle going offroad too. There's no sway thanks to expander design of the hitch insert and the bikes don't swing around either. Quality construction. It has a swing down feature so I can open my liftgate without having to remove any bikes or the rack and I can quickly remove it or flip it up out of the way when I don't need it. I currently have the basic 2-bike version but I can expand it to accomodate four if needed. The thing it does lack is the ability to lock your bikes in but that's easily solved with one or more Kryptonite cables.

http://www.neebu.net/~khuon/cycling/bikes/K2/1999-OzM/images/K2_OzM-Jeep_ZJ-2.jpg

I use a Yakima Roc 2. It's easy and fast to install - really simple. Haven't had any problems in the last year and a half with it and I'd recommend it with confidence to anyone who needs a 2" rear hitch bike rack.

goforthegold- good post, welcome to the forums. I have a rack that I built for the back of my Jeep. I built it out of 2" sqaure tubing, it can carry 3 bikes, well actually it is strong and heavy enough to carry about 20 bikes ;) but it has room for 3 bikes. I'll dig around and see if I can find a picture.

Waldo, thanks for your reply and links!

That's what I'm here for. In case you didn't see the other thread, our shpo sells Saris racks and has had nothing but good luck with them. Good solid designs backed by good people.

Heard good things about the draftmaster rack's to.. they also make a tandem version.

Man am i glad i looked at this thread ! I went to the saris site someone linked to and found i can get a small simple rack that just fits right on the rear trunk lid and can be removed simply. It holds 2 bikes and is only something like $79 list !

When i decided to get into MTbiking and bought my stumpjumper a few days ago, i was worried about the hassle of fitting it in my car. Turns out it's a major headache. This rack will be a real time and trouble-saver, not to mention i can tote my bike and my buddy's so that he won't have to drive every time. (he has a truck, i have a civic)

Thanks for the info !!

Boy everyone ! Thanks, this is really great, in fact already it seems one of the best forums to discuss racks pro's and con's.

I have learned a lot already and hopefully I can also share a lot.

Would be great to see pictures in action. That hollywood rack looks pretty tough, and the built and home one ! Wow, you guys are good !!

Hit the trails this weekend, was very nice a chilly 11 celcius but actually just right for some strong riding.

Dazco,

Did you mean Swagman - this is the link you may have been speaking of: http://www.swagmanbikeracks.com/store/64095.htm

It is actually pretty good for couples etc. or riding with two, for only $79 USD.

I looked on the Saris site but could find anything for that price. Will compare some others and see. I do have a friend with this rack, the 2 bike from swagman, so I may be slightly prejudice towords it as I like its functionality, look and support.

No, it was sarisproducts.com

But i'll check that one out too....thanks.

I've used many roof racks over the years and each progressively felt easier to use. Until I purchased a Yakima Roc-N-Gate hitch mount.

It's fantastic, no brainier and takes 5mins to install.
It carries up to 4 bikes with adjustable padded rattler strap cradles. I have a Top Tube for our mtb's which installs in a minute which allows me to hang mtb's on the racks. Three well placed straps holds each bike in place with no rattles. It solidly fits my 2” receiver hitch with no tools and has a no brainier quick hitch key stratalock that keeps the rack secure. It does NOT hinder rear vision and hangs far enough away from back of vehicle that I am able to access my rear flip up window.

What's great is the quick release pin, and easy swing away feature that locks out of the way, allowing full access to flip up rear door and it's built like tank.... I've had 3 bikes on the back and been driving off road and all held in place with no problems.

The only negative I can find is due the length, when I take it off my vehicle, it's a pistol to store until the next time. Oh well, nothings perfect.... :)

I use the Saris Bones 2-bike rack on the back of a minivan. It fits well and holds the bikes securely. The bikes do pick up a coating of dust on gravel or dirt roads, though. I think it cost between $70 and $80.

I use a saris 901 (? - can't remember model ##) roof mounted rack. It's nice because a single person can isntall it with no problems in just a few minutes, and it can fit a lot of stuff. I'm pretty sure I can fit a max of four trays on it, as well as being able to buy a cargo box / etc.

I just took some pics of it on my car (beware, it's dirty and there's tape all over it becuase I was too cheap to get the wind fairing) for another forum:

http://rhino-x.net/images/rack1.jpg
http://rhino-x.net/images/rack2.jpg
http://rhino-x.net/images/rack3.jpg
http://rhino-x.net/images/rack4.jpg
http://rhino-x.net/images/rack5.jpg
http://rhino-x.net/images/rack6.jpg

I used to use a rode-gear to attach to the back of my car that was simple to use and locked down the bikes. But was not very sure that if I needed to stop somewhere to eat after a ride that they would still be there. So, bought a van and now do not have to worry about bikes being stolen or falling off car..:beer:

Rhino-x:
You can get a max of four trays on that, and there is the option of a fork mount as opposed to the wheel mount. You can get ski or snowboard carriers, canoe/kayak carriers, and a cargo box as well.

Originally posted by crucifixion12
Speaking of bike racks, does anyone have a rack on a Camaro?

I use a Rhodes trunk mount on my wifes Z28 and it fits under the spoiler and ontop of the rear bumper.

We have hauled road bikes, softrides and our tandem on it with no problems.

YEAH YEAH I know a solid black Z28 with blacked out windows, tuned exhaust driven by a grandmother hauling a tandem is not normal.....but hey normal is just a setting on a washing machine!

That is very neat what the saris has to offer, I will look into Thule for a trunk mount, although I think swagman may have these but not sure yet, I will check and compare and report back.

I, too, have a jeep and have been using a spare mounted bike rack to carry my ride to and fro. Recently, I have come to loathe that bike rack. I removed it and have been humping my baby in the back like some cargo. I then tookk it upon myself to design an overhead bike rack for my Wrangler. It is still in the design stages and can only be used when the top is down but I am liking the idea more and more. For me, I will not throw a coupla hundred dollars towards a rack company when I can design and install a rack myself. My old man taught me this. May sound crazy but I might be on to something here. I'll get some pics up when it is done.

I use a 2" receiver rack after great dissatifaction with trunk and roof racks. Boughy it in the Performance Bike store in Colorado Springs after pitching away my trunk rack. No brainer. Easy and simple to use and everything is lockable (rack and bikes). Minimal lifting and don't need to remove wheels. I took my road and MTB back from Colorado from NJ last summer and averaged 75+ on the Interstates. No fuss, no hassle. Very secure with a couple of shock cords to keep the wheels from rotating in the breeze. Just the thing for the back of my land yacht.

wyobiker - there is a device sold that 'locks' the receiver and hitch so the rack does not sway. Mine doesn't have this problem, but one of my riding companion's does. Once I can dig up the company I will post on this thread.

As far as storage, mine either lays flat in the bottom of my trunk (if I am too lazy to put in the shed) or stands against the wall inside my storage shed. Once I get around to it I will put a couple of 20 penny nails in the wall studs of the shed and hang it along the wall. Can't imagine a rack taking up less storage space.

Only drawback I have found to the 2" receiver rack is the weight of the thing. Is make of steel tubing and probably weighs in at about 30 lbs. Very substantial.

Found it. For those who use receiver racks and have problems with them rattling and swaying, Nashbar sells something called a "stablilizer" that locks the rack and receiver in such a manner as to stop this. As this is not limited to bike racks, you may also find at your local trailer hitch store.

The lock that ParamountScapin is referring to can be found at any U-Haul, hardware or boat store. It's used to lock the stinger (the term for the part that fits into the hitch). I bought one for my 4Runner and I believe it's around $20.

I have Yakima roof racks and have been impressed. I use them for both cars and it's nice to be able to quickly switch them back and forth. Does anybody know of a good website to buy miscellaneous parts for a yakima rack? I need the plugs that go on the ends of the bars and the screws.

Originally posted by ParamountScapin

Only drawback I have found to the 2" receiver rack is the weight of the thing. Is make of steel tubing and probably weighs in at about 30 lbs. Very substantial.

Yeah, mine's pretty heavy too. I take some comfort in that it is though. It's pretty sturdy due to the amount of heavy guage steel used. There's one company that sells a rack that has a similar design to mine in that the rack is expandable by removing the endcap from the central beam and simply sliding another 2" compatible hitch extension into it. They also market a heavy-duty bumper attachment that goes in the same fashion. I'm not sure how strong it is but I suspect it would save your bike(s) in a low-speed rear-ending.

I have Yakima roof racks and have been impressed. I use them for both cars and it's nice to be able to quickly switch them back and forth. Does anybody know of a good website to buy miscellaneous parts for a yakima rack? I need the plugs that go on the ends of the bars and the screws.
rackwarehouse.com has them and they are pretty good to deal with. I just bought a Yakima system from them and they seem to be a top notch vendor.
www.rackwarehouse.com/y7026.html
Try this url.

I'll be purchasing a bike rack soon for our Pathfinder, most likely a fold-down hitch mount (2").

My biggest concern is that the top tube on my bike will fit correctly onto these racks. I have a Stumpjumper FSR- here's a pic: http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?san=03StumpjumperFSR&bl=mountain&my=2003

Will the shape of my bike cause a problem with some racks? Anybody out there with similar story?

I realize something like the Hollywood Teamrider, http://www.hollywoodracks.com/hr275lg.jpg is a way around that problem, but it's about twice the price I wanted pay.

Thanks in advance!

http://store5.yimg.com/I/rack-warehouse_1733_19639350
You'll need one of these frame adapters to go from the seat post to the stem. I use a Saris model but several companies make them.

JDM

I have dealt with several places but have found some great deals at http://www.swagmanbikeracks.com - in fact these guys know what they are talking about so even if you don't buy from them they should be very helpful to direct you to the right place or brand. They have been excellent to myself and other friends of mine in the past.

Hope that helps - Their toll free number is:
1.877.490.8090

I want to revive this thread. I am considering a Thule roof rack for my '98 Altima and Performance has "refurbished" feet for less than half what new ones cost. Does anyone see any drawbacks to this? I guess warranty would be a potential issue, but I guess it's not any different than buying used.

Just want some opinions or experiences. Thanks!

ive been using a thule setup because it was first given to me as a hand-me-down for my old school 86 escort. I used it first for skis but also needed a bike attachement for it too as i did have one of those $30 specials from rhode gear. After the escort made the passing to the big parking lot in the sky, i just put down $100 for some new feet to fit it on my jetta and sold the old gutter feet for $50. now, third vehicle to have it on is my grand cherokee and i never take it off. I still have the old feet because my fiance has a GTI which uses the same mounting kit as the jetta. The rack now mounts directly to the roof rails on the jeep with no contact to my truck. i dont really use the ski attachments anymore so just leave the fork mount rails on the roof. the feet lock to the jeep and the fork mount clamp locks the bikes down so its virtually theft proof.

Anyone use the hitch mount Thule Trailblazer? It swings away, allowing access to the back hatch. A little more expensive than the non-swing-away version, but I think it might be worth it?

I have a Yakima Big Horn bike rack on the back of my 2003 PT Cruiser. It is attached to a 1 3/4 inch trailer hitch. The bikes remain clear of the ground and the back of the car and the license plate can be seen.

I was going to get a yakima until i priced them, so i went to my local jeep dealer and got a rack. the rack was not ment for the stock system, but with a little milling it fits just fine and for 1/3 the price of a yakima system :)

-Ross

Yeah, the Yakima rack and hitch were expensive. Got a good deal on the PT Cruiser though!!!

I have a Yakima Roof Rack on my Jetta, with a steelhead bike mount , the only thing that touches the car is 4 very soft plastic pieces. Those Saris ones look junky. The trailer ones are good but not worth getting a trailer hitch installed for, and the trunk mounted ones kinda stink if you are a daily user, and i have had one break with 2 light bikes on it and the bikes went bouncing down the highway behind the car, and that was a really good rack. Its funny that 1 in 5 trunk racks i see are actually on the car right. But when it comes to price the trunk ones win, my roof rack was $400 total for 1 bike, I can use it for skis, snowboard, kayak, bikes, cargo, etc, and its locked so it can stay on for long amounts of time.

I guess I will pump a little more life into this thread. I will soon have an 1 1/4" hitch on my car. I looked at the Yakima's today but am concerned about top tube mounting system. Can this be hard on the top tube/cables? Are they stable?

I was considering the Sportworks Mod Series (http://www.mtbreview.com/reviews/Bike_Rack/product_78550.shtml) because it holds the bike by the wheels. However i can only carry 2 bikes (1.25 receiver). Anyone have any fresh opinions on the subject?

I am starting to think this is more controversial than chain lube. :D

Well, my opinion isn't fresh, but it's one that has not shown up on this particular thread. I had a bike get totalled once when I got rear-ended with the bike on a trunk-mount rack. Both cars were beaters; the bike was probably worth as much as either car. And it got the brunt of the damage. I've used roof racks ever since.

To exhume some really old content on this thread, let me throw in another "vote" for Saris. Their customer service is every bit as good as has been stated here. I've had two things repaired free by them, no questions asked; they don't even ask for a receipt, or when I bought it. 'Course, it helps that they're headquartered here, and their offices are right off one of our most popular bike paths. I threw a 50" load bar into my bike trailer and took it down there a coupla years ago to be repaired (free, on lifetime warranty); they were amused, if not impressed. And yes, they're made in the US. Even their narrowest load bars (the 50" 901) will indeed hold four bikes. My rig includes two fork mounts and two full upright mounts. Both work great. You can lock the upright mounts. I've even come up with a way to haul the tandem by putting two wheel trays together, with some overlap, and holding them together with zip-ties, to create one long tray.

If you go roof rack, a fairing makes a world of difference. It's amazing that even though the bike(s) is(are) entirely above the load bars, and you'd expect a lot of aerodynamic drag from it(them), and the fairing only fills in the space between the bars and the roof, it makes a tremendous difference. Not only is there noticeably less drag, but it's WAAAAY quieter. I used to get weird buffeting and whistling noises without it.

I've seen Saris racks of various kinds (hitch, roof, rear "Bones") on eBay for considerably less than retail. The lifetime warranty is only supposed to cover the original owner, but I bought the load bars used, and they didn't even blink when I brought the one in for warranty repair.

I guess I will pump a little more life into this thread. I will soon have an 1 1/4" hitch on my car. I looked at the Yakima's today but am concerned about top tube mounting system. Can this be hard on the top tube/cables? Are they stable?

I was considering the Sportworks Mod Series (http://www.mtbreview.com/reviews/Bike_Rack/product_78550.shtml) because it holds the bike by the wheels. However i can only carry 2 bikes (1.25 receiver). Anyone have any fresh opinions on the subject?

I am starting to think this is more controversial than chain lube. :D

You might also want to check out the Delta BikeHaul (http://www.deltacycle.com/transporter/bikehaul.php). It's similar to my Hollywood Team Rider which seems to have been discontinued. :(


One nice accessory for the Delta rack is the bumper.

http://www.deltacycle.com/images/hitch/popups/bike_haul_on_suv.jpg

Unfortunately, it is also limited to only two bikes with the 1-1/4" hitch version.

Thanks to all who posted on racks for the car. The reason I want a rack is that my spouse wants to sleep in the bed of my truck, not with my bike... Has anyone put a trunk rack on the *front* of a truck? I don't see any mention of carrying a bike in front...

I have experience only with hitch mounted racks.

I too favor hitch mounted racks, mainly cause I carry the bikes on a Honda Odyssey so roof mount is tad too high and that leaves hitch mount. I use a Bauer four bike (actually 2+2) on a swing arm. The bikes can be secured and still swung away from the rear door. Strong, extremely sturdy, each bike locks to the carrier, and the carrier locks to the hitch.

Note, I did have to add an AirLift 1000 to the rear suspension. At 30 lbs psi, it "levels" out the Odyssey even when fully loaded. By this I mean, four mountain bikes, Yakima Rocket Box on top, rear seats up or down, 4 passengers and tons of cargo (the thing is packed). When you look at it from the side, it sits perfectly level ... the way it should.

Best.

Since this thread has been revived I thought I'd ask for information regarding a rack for my car. I have a 2001 Acura CL with a spoiler. Any thoughts? I don't mind spending a few extra bucks to avoid scratches and dents on my car. I only plan to haul one road bike but perhaps there will be 2 eventually.

Thanks in advance.

Does anyone know if you can use a Saris Bones 2 on a 1995 Chevy Blazer? Has anyone ever used a trunk mount rack on an SUV? Does anyone know of a trunk mount rack that is compatable with both a car and an SUV? Thanks!