General Cycling Discussion - Please Help! Which trunk mounted car rack works best on a Trek T-900 Tandem?

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TwinBicyclesNY
09-02-09, 07:38 PM
I have been researching all over and called up the different companies. The best fit i found to help store the Trek T-900 TANDEM was the Hollywood Gordo Rack. This rack i found out will be compatible with the 2009 nissan versa hatchback. I only have the option for a trunk mount because the versa has no hitch receiver.

T-900 picture (http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/bike_path/tandem/t900/)

(picture of the rack below, please copy and paste to view image)
http://bicyclesource.us/product/hollywood-gordo-56764-1.htm

In your opinions do you feel that this rack is secure enough to carry this type of tandem. Max weight at most for the tandem is about 50-60 lbs. The frame is made out of an aluminum material. Any comments and opinons would be greatly appreciated!

I have also heard that the Saris bones rack works pretty well for tandems even though the company wouldnt advise it, but i felt that the hollywood gordo rack might be a better fit due to the long carrying arms. Please help me out guys! What do you think? You think the gordo can work vs the bones? What would you prefer?

(picture of the bones rack, please copy and paste to view image)
http://www.saris.com/p-300-bones-2-bike.aspx

Bianchigirll
09-03-09, 04:18 PM
Hello have you leaned your tandem up against the back of your car? if not I suggest you do that then hop in your neighbors car and drive up behind it and take a look. I think a tandem is way too long for a trunk rack. it will stick out too far on each side. weight is not so much an issue here as lenght and side clearance. better off with a roof rack
Berg417448
09-03-09, 04:28 PM
Hello have you leaned your tandem up against the back of your car? if not I suggest you do that then hop in your neighbors car and drive up behind it and take a look. I think a tandem is way too long for a trunk rack. it will stick out too far on each side. weight is not so much an issue here as lenght and side clearance. better off with a roof rack

Just take the wheels off. I do it every time with my bike rack.

TwinBicyclesNY
09-03-09, 06:31 PM
yes i have heard that taking the wheels off helps save 6inches on each side but i do know what you mean bianchigirl. If the wheels were left on..then it would be virtually impossible to not sideswipe objects along the way. I am thinking about the gordo due to the long arms but when i do get it hooked up ill post some updates on what my reviews are all about. Thank you guys means alot!
TwinBicyclesNY
09-03-09, 06:31 PM
bianchi your from mt laurel eh? *drools* thats the home for nfl films!
Retro Grouch
09-03-09, 06:53 PM
Hello have you leaned your tandem up against the back of your car? if not I suggest you do that then hop in your neighbors car and drive up behind it and take a look. I think a tandem is way too long for a trunk rack. it will stick out too far on each side. weight is not so much an issue here as lenght and side clearance. better off with a roof rack

Not so much. A typical car is about 6' wide. A tandem is 8' long. If you remove the front wheel there's only 12" difference, 6" on each side. About the same as your side view mirrors.

I'd be more concerned about using the strap-on rack. I don't trust them.