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08-23-12, 04:03 PM
Hi all. I'm wondering if anyone here has experiences with using a hitch mounted bike rack on a 2012 Ford fiesta (hatchback) or other subcompact car. I generally use a fork-mount roof rack, but am looking for a hitch mounted option to use on longer drives (i.e. over 600 miles) or if its excessively windy (West TX has some decent winds, plus 80 mph interstate highways). While I could remove the wheels and lay two bikes inside (my bikes are small, like 50 - 51 cm), I know I'll start to run out of space I travel with another person, need extra gear, wheels, etc.
I've seen some options on-line and seen some etrailer videos, but looking for more real world experiences with a suitable bike rack. While I would prefer a wheel-carriage bike rack (like I previously used on my lifted Cherokee XJ) - I'm not sure the ground clearance on a subcompact would be sufficient as the road pitch changes (maybe I'm wrong). I think that a rack that is cut relatively flush to the bumper and holds bikes by the top tube would be better. That being said, I'm curious to see what specific hitch-mounted racks (for Fiesta hatchbacks or other subcompacts) are being used by the BF forums, and what issues they've had.
I've seen some options on-line and seen some etrailer videos, but looking for more real world experiences with a suitable bike rack. While I would prefer a wheel-carriage bike rack (like I previously used on my lifted Cherokee XJ) - I'm not sure the ground clearance on a subcompact would be sufficient as the road pitch changes (maybe I'm wrong). I think that a rack that is cut relatively flush to the bumper and holds bikes by the top tube would be better. That being said, I'm curious to see what specific hitch-mounted racks (for Fiesta hatchbacks or other subcompacts) are being used by the BF forums, and what issues they've had.