Bike Rack Recommendations
I am having a receiver hitch installed onto my van and am in the market for a 4-5 bike rack. I have been looking at Yakima products. Are there any other companies I need to look at? Any features that I need? I know I want one that folds out of the way so that I can get into the back of the van when I need to. I have never owned a rack before so I could use some help.
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good luck, I have problems getting answer to questions like this. All I can tell you is to look at the Hollywood racks. They have a 4 bike rack that the arms AND entire rack will pivot down, allowing access to the back of the van (once bikes are removed). And the 4 bike rack costs bout $180.
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Thule is another brand. Go on the different rack manufacturers web sites and do the fit the vehicle process it should show a lot of options for hitch racks.
The thule revolver can carry 4 bikes and swing out of the way of the rear hatch without removing the bikes, it does require a 2" hitch and cost alot. A similar rack by Yakima is the Swing Daddy and is in the same price range. How about roof racks? |
There are a lot of different racks which you can look at. Do you want one that clamps down on the frame? Or a tray style that holds the bike by the wheels?
I personally have the yakima holdup - its a tray style that clamps down on the wheels instead of the frame. Pros: - no damage to the bike frame - no need to secure the handlebars preventing the front wheel from swinging around - fits ANY bike regardless of weird frame geometry - easy to mount the bikes - folds up when not in use - folds down to allow trunk access with bikes mounted - has a locking mechanism to prevent theft of the bikes AND the rack itself - Yakima lifetime warranty Cons: - expensive - heavy to mount http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...at16-32-48.jpg http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...at16-33-17.jpg |
Originally Posted by simonaway427
(Post 10773438)
There are a lot of different racks which you can look at. Do you want one that clamps down on the frame? Or a tray style that holds the bike by the wheels?
I personally have the yakima holdup - its a tray style that clamps down on the wheels instead of the frame. Pros: - no damage to the bike frame - no need to secure the handlebars preventing the front wheel from swinging around - fits ANY bike regardless of weird frame geometry - easy to mount the bikes - folds up when not in use - folds down to allow trunk access with bikes mounted - has a locking mechanism to prevent theft of the bikes AND the rack itself - Yakima lifetime warranty Cons: - expensive - heavy to mount http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...at16-32-48.jpg http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...at16-33-17.jpg |
I have the Swagman like this. http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1273175524389 It holds the bikes well and is easy to use. The centre post will swing down to the side for access to the back of the car. I saw a 4 bike version last week.
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Thanks for all the replies. I have to carry two adult bikes and two kids bikes. I like the idea of the hold up but hadn't seen any that would hold four.
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The holdup has an attachment to hold 4 bikes (only with a 2" receiver)
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I just purchased a Kuat NV rack, 1.25 receiver version. It has the same advantages as the Yakima Holdup listed by simonaway427 above, plus:
1. All aluminum construction, for relatively light weight. Note: It's still a heavy rack. 2. Comes with integrated repair stand, called the "Trail Doc". This is a unique feature. The 2" receiver version will have an optional add-on to hold more bikes -- not yet available. |
Some of the tray type (as pictured) hold by the wheels only. Another type has a vertical support that holds the top tube. If your bike has fenders, you probably need that type. I would prefer the wheel-only type but both my wife and I have commuters that have fenders that we have to carry every now and then. I've fashioned a protective, padded tube to put over my good bike's top tube to allow it to be used safely w/o scratching or damaging the top tube.
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