fishdaddy

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.

arej00dazed

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.

cyclist2000

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?

simonaway427

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

cyclist2000

+1 I like the tray type, I feel that I will have less bike damage if rear ended. I have an older one from thule that can hold 4 bikes. I'm not sure which racks will hold 5 bikes many will hold 4.

AndrewP

I have the Swagman like this. https://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.

fishdaddy

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.

simonaway427

The holdup has an attachment to hold 4 bikes (only with a 2" receiver)

GeorgePaul

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.

Camilo

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.