I'm looking for a trailer hitch bike rack that will slip into my soon-to-arrive 1.25" Class I receiver hitch for my hatchback. I'll most likely going to buy a Trek 7.3 FX hybrid bike. A local bike store sells a couple
Saris trailer bike racks (Thelma and T-Rax). I know Saris is a big name, but I'm not sure if there are other better value manufacturers.
My requirements, in arbitrary order, are as follows:
- Capacity of 2 bikes.
- Easy to install and remove the bike rack to/from the receiver hitch.
- Easy to put and remove bike on/off bike rack.
- Reasonably priced (< $200).
- Easy to secure bike rack and bike with a lock.
- Won't damage the bike or paint job (I'm willing to use a washcloth to protect the cables from the frame).
- The bike rack won't break through normal wear-and-tear of installing and removing from receiver hitch.
I also browsed the selection of hitch mount racks at
performancebike.com, but I'm not familiar w/ those brands.
Any help and advice would be appreciated. TIA.
Edit:
Here's an update.