Hitch Rack choice
 

I have been researhing hitch racks to hold 4 bikes for our Honda Pilot. Have done a lot of reading and narrowed to the Thule 996 Expressway and the Softride Access DX. Both seem very good and are within about $50 of one another. Any experience with them or advice in purchasing one over ther other?

thule :D I've heard nothing but praise for this brand.

After tons of research I decided to go with the rack that continually gets the best reviews. It turns out it was no mistake. I bought a Sportworks Mod Series. It is top rated at Mountain Bike review. What makes this rack and others that are similary designed, superior to others is the ease of getting the bike on and off. You can literally mount the bike in 15 seconds or less. No removing the front wheel, etc. like many other racks.

Also it is much better to have the bike secured by the wheels than the top tube like many other carriers, like the Thule. I just hauled my bike again this weekend at speeds near 80 mph and it is solid as a rock. My rack also has the folding hitch so it can fold up when you don't have the bike on or fold down if you need to access a rear hatch etc. (not an issue on my car since there is room to access trunk with bike mounted) I HIGHLY recommend this rack!

http://xs9.xs.to/pics/05536/IMG_1634.JPG

After several months of researching I went with this rack as well. I am still waiting for it though as I just ordered it a week ago.

You'll be glad you got it. Very versatile and you can expand it if the need arises. The Transport series is probably a little better rack, since it has the ratcheting front tire mechanism. I looked at one in the store but couldn't justify spending the extra $$$. The spring loaded mech. on the Mod series works just fine for me. Funny thing though....I have have seen a couple reviewers that downgraded the Mod series because they thought it was "too hard" to get the spring arm up over the front wheel.

They must be major Wussies, because i think most Grandmothers could do it. As a general rule, if you aren't strong enough to pull the arm over the front wheel you should probably not be out cycling.

I have a Rhode Gear rack that mounts using the top tube.....and I couldn't agree with you more!

Well, unfortunately still confused.

I thought that I was settled between the Softride and Thule standard tube hung models, but so many of you highly recommended a skid mount model that I have been questioning that decision. I really need the ability to carry 4 bikes (wife and kids). I really did not want to spend $5-600 which is what you end up doing with Sportworks, Hollywood or Saris.

The only thing that I could find that will hold 4, is hitch mountable, uses the skid type configuration and is under about $300 is one by Performance [/URL] http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=4411 for $200.

I am a little concerned though as it looks kind of light. Any other thoughts?

I Appreciate the help. :rolleyes:

Yakima 4 bike holder(cost about 180$ at REI) fits into 2" receiver on my Ranger P/U holds by the tubes, VERY securely in 3 places, easy on, easy off. Seems like the above pictured unit might place undue twisting on the wheels, maybe not, just curious.

I am thinking about getting this Cabelas rack. Cabelas bike rack It appears that TrailGear makes it. I've never heard of the company before. The reason I like it is it folds so I'll be able to get to hatch of my Jeep and I can still tow my boat with it on since it has an extended section for a trailer ball.

Anyone own it or another TrailGear product? Thanks for any info.

http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Bike_Rack/

There is a guy here somewhere on these forums that uses the 2 bike version of the Performance rack and really likes it.

Check out mtbr for their reviews of racks. Nothing really wrong with tope tube type racks, just different. I like the featrues of the skid type as you put it, but I see lots of the top tube rack in use so they can't be all bad :D

Performance xport 4 bike rack

Here is the post by the guy that uses the Performance rack
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ighlight=xport