89MustangGX

(Cross-posted in Road Cycling)

Hello,

I currently have a Performance XPort Truck Bed rack. Currently until tomorrow hopefully. This is my second one. The first one lasted a mere 14 days before the entire lock assembly on it fell out. Figuring it was a fluke, I returned it for another one. This one has lasted an incredible 25 days before doing the same thing! Fortunately both times I did not need the bike secured, so I have not lost anything, but this could have easily been worse!

https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=4413

At this point, I am not impressed with the Performance brand rack. Especially since other than putting the rack on the truck, I never even functioned the lock! I am hopeful they will stand behind their satisfaction gaurantee and allow me to return it.

What I would like is a rack that will fit inside my truck bed (full-size), secures itself (I would like to be able to secure the bike to the rack), and is not outrageously expensive or invasive.

I paid $50 for the Performance rack on sale, but I understand it is pretty cheap, so I am willing to spend more.

I was looking around and came across the Thule #822 Bed Rider rack. I've heard of this company before and believe they have a good reputation for quality. The rack is $150.

https://www.thuleracks.com/thule/prod..._id=22&sku=822

Can anyone comment on the Thule rack or make a recommendation for similar products?

Thanks!

Adam

Bruce Lowekamp

I have the performance rack that you have, although I haven't had any problems. (I don't take it out very often, either.) If I had to do it again, though, I would just take a fork mount bracket and bolt it to the front wall of the bed. There's another guy around here who bolted fork mount brackets to a board he slides into the slots in his liner. If security is important, you can still take a cable and lock it to a tiedown bracket.

Bruce

TrekDen

In my last pick-up I installed a couple of these Thule Low-Rider 821. They go for around $20.00 apiece. I changed the mounting hardware by using bolts with smooth rounded heads, and some loc-tite on the nut side of the bed. Not totally tamper proof, but somebody would have had work a little harder to get them off. Plus you can run a cable through them, and the bikes for more security. I believe you can buy a version with skewer locks as well, but I would still use a cable also.

Splat-NJ

EDIT: I got this for my van bed: https://www.deltacycle.com/hitch/bhpro.php . You bolt the mount to your pickup bed or wall using locknuts, secure the bike fork to the mount, lock it, throw the wheel into your truck and you're good to go. My buddy picked one up for his pickup and loves it.

89MustangGX

Well, I went back to Performance and they were great.

They took back their rack no problem. Then I started asking about the Thule rack.

They offered to order the rack for me for $120 (instead of $150), give me a $10 credit for the time that I am without a rack, and then let me use the 20% off web coupon on top of it all. Ended up being about $85 when all was said and done - and then my $50 from returning their rack made it a $35 upgrade.

I couldn't pass that deal up, so I will give that one a try. I have a feeling it is a much better rack and I will be happy with it. Will be back to let you know if not!

Thanks,

Adam

Paniolo

Thats what I do ... easy to remove if the space is needed. Just use a cable lock to tiedown bracket or mount an eyebolt. Around $10 of parts.

4SEVEN3

Thats exactly what I did too. I cut a extra peice of 2x4 to fit snug in my bedliner and a $15 fork mount. I drilled holes and mounted the bracket with stainless hardware and even stained the board (using extra deck stain) to look good and hold up to weather a little better. invested maybe a hour in the entire project and it works beautiful! If I kept the board in the bed while not using it I undid the QR and kept it in the glovebox. I was also able to use it on my Ranger and Toy SR5 with no modifications to the truck or board!