Siu Blue Wind

Anybody have suggestions and performance opinions for a hitch rack that will hold the bike by the tires instead of the frame?

Thanks in advance.

cryptid01

Thule (formerly Sportworks) T2.

Loads and unloads very quickly, bikes are super secure, add-on options allow you to haul 3 or even 4 bikes.

link

Hank Rearden

Thule/Sportworks T2

dminor 

If you want rails, the T2 does look good, per Gastro's post. If you want a post-type on (like the Thule Hitching Post), I'd go with the Stealth Hitch instead. I have an older Hitching Post, but I think the Stealth cradles have a better design.

Flak

Guy i ride with has a Thule T4 (its just like the T2 but holds 4 so im just guessing at the name)

Very secure, even on long trips, havent lost a bike yet

a2psyklnut

I was checking out www.northshoreracks.com Very interesting design and yet simple!

Siu Blue Wind

Thanks everyone for the tip on the Thule. I was doing a little searching. Has anyone tried this?

https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=4411


Looks kinda cheapie compared to the Thule. And there's a great price difference. Just wondering if any of you have this one and feels it performs well.

MattP.

I have the same one, just rebadged by Coleman. No complaints yet. It held up well w/ 2 bikes on a 400 mile trip...

Michigander

Instead of a bike rack I opted to remove my back seat. Its a lot more free than a bike rack.

Siu Blue Wind

I plan to pack 2 bikes, 4 people and everyones stuff. I usually use my pick up or fold down the rear to carry my bikes.

mlh122

I've had that one about 2 years. The only problem is that the arms that hold the bikes down can come loose pretty easily. I dropped my bike on the freeway once, and dragged it several feet before I figured out what happened. To fix that I have a bungee cord that i use to tether the bikes to it, and then i put my bike lock on it with absolutely no play, so if the little arms come up the bikes don't go anywhere. Since I've put on the bungee and the lock i've had no problems. oh, and mine has a nut welded inside that you use to bolt it to the hitch, this nut makes it impossible to use a cotter pin or locking rod like the sawproof one from Masterlock. I've thought about hammering the nut out of there but I decided not to because i'd think a cotter pin or something would allow it to bounce more, vs. when cinched down with a nut and bolt, it doesn't make any noise.

Portis

I've got the Sportworks Mod series, now Thule. Damn fine rack. I've used it countless times and it never gives a fuss. It is steady and sturdy as a rock!

Portis

Here are some pics.

jiiiim

portis, your car looks like a 4x4 offroad sedan

flair1111

I bought a Swagman that holds 4 bikes. It holds the tires and also has an upside down "U" hook that slides down over the top of each bikes top tube to keep them from moving around. Its a very secure hold and doesnt allow the bikes to touch each other. It cost me $280. I can load 4 bikes in 45 seconds if I speed through it, and they dont move not 1 mm when Im done.

Heres a link to it
https://www.swagmanbikeracks.com/64665.html#

P.S. Looks like I got ripped good at the LBS I bought it at by $90. Im going the net route from now on.

Siu Blue Wind

Thanks flair for the link. It looks a lot like the performance one I was talking about. What do you think?

flair1111

It does doesnt it...

May very well be the same design.

wheelhot

well i love the Thule Roof Rack, expecially the lowest end version, its has a U shape stuff to hold the frame and you can lock it. And you dont need to take of the tyres.

Hank Rearden

WTF does that have to do with hitch racks? What prompted you to once again pollute the forum with a nonsensical reply?

I do appreciate the humor though. Thanks.

wheelhot

My mistake, I dont know people in this forum is so serious with their replies.

Hank Rearden

It has nothing to do with being serious and everything to do with not responding to the question that was posed.

It's akin to someone asking about the quality of Shimano splined cranks and some fruitcake replying "well i love the Shimano square taper cranks, expecially the lowest end version, its has square shape stuff to hold the bottom bracket and you can tighten it down."

Lone Ranger

I have a Saris Cycle-on that is very easy to use and has been great. It is very strong. The only downsides are it is quite pricy and somewhat heavy.

WannaGetGood

Pedal there.

Minesbroken

my cats breath smells like cat food!

jiiiim

and by cat.. you mean hitch rack right...?