TripleB67

Getting ready to order my first bicycle rack: Traveler XC2 - Platform-Style 2 Bike Rack -Swagman

I know there are better/more expensive hitch bicycle racks out there but this is about as much as (and even probably a little above) I can spend right now. I know some of the more expensive ones have wheel straps built into the rack, this one does not.

So what is the best way to secure the wheels to the rack?

Thanks for your help!

TripleB67

rmfnla

I don't think you need wheel straps; it looks as if those downward-facing hooks hold the bike in place...

alcjphil

I have a very similar rack, there is no need for straps to hold the wheels in place. The hooks hold the wheels in place

TripleB67

Do the hooks hold the wheels in place very securely?

Not necessarily on this model, but I've read some reviews on similar bike racks and they mention if they go over a bump the bike hops up out of the wheel holder and ends up on the road. Just want to make sure that doesn't happen to me so I figured some straps would be an extra precaution.

Also, do you wrap anything around the hooks? Some reviews had mentioned marring of the paint on the bike due to the bike moving and the hooks rubbing the bike.

Thanks for the help!

TripleB67

Craptacular8

I don't personally have this style of rack, though do have a similar tray style rack hitch that came with plastic ratchet straps for the wheels and top tubes. Even with plastic ratchet straps for the top tubes, I wrap a sock around the top tube before I tighten down the strapping. For the hook style closure, I'd probably just slide a sock over the hook. Using this kind of a soft "liner" under wrapping straps, even with a lot of hauling, we've not had any pain rubs. I've had racks similar to the one you've posted parked next to us, and those have often had velcro cinch straps for the wheel trays. I think some of the more expensive versions of this rack allow the bikes to be secured (locked) to the rack, and have a ratchet straps for the wheel trays.

FBinNY 

Yes, the rack is very secure ---- as long as the upper hook is pulled down and presses the wheels into the slots slightly. Even if the hook is a bit high, the bike can't pop out unless there's enough room for it to bounce up a 5-6 inches. However without some pressure compressing the tires slightly, the bike may rattle around a bit.

This is actually a nice functional rack and will serve you well until you're tail ended.

Retro Grouch 

If you are concerned the price of a few velcro straps is well worth the peace of mind they will provide.

rmfnla

At least then it's the other guy's fault, unlike when you drive into the garage with bikes on a roof rack...

02Giant 

I have a tray type and use 1" x 12" hook & loop straps.

TripleB67

I think so as well...thinking about using these: Softride Soft Hook-and-Loop Tie Down for Bike Racks Softride Accessories and Parts SR18679Softride Soft Hook-and-Loop Tie Down for Bike Racks Softride Accessories and Parts SR18679

True rmfnla...this would definitely happen if I used a roof rack - my wife, knowing me well, said, "You're not getting a rack for your roof are you? You'll ruin our garage!"

Thanks for everyone's input!

TripleB67