Casualcyclist

I am looking for a hitch rack that is not likely to damage the bikes or their finish, easy to use would be nice too.

I am looking for recommndations based on first hand experience.

I have been looking at these, but am not limited to them;

Yakima Holdup

https://www.yakima.com/racks/bike-rac...ers-only).aspx

Swagman XTC 2 Bike Rack

https://www.swagmanbikeracks.com/shop...age=1&featured

Thule T2

https://shopper.cnet.com/bicycles-sco...-17842053.html

DScott

The T2 doesn't touch the bikes anywhere but the tires. I think it's a fantastic rack. I wouldn't want a rack that grabs the frame in any way.

johnny99

All the major brands have hitch racks that grab the bike only by the tires/wheels. Any of them should be fine. Just avoid the type that grabs your bike by the top tube.

Casualcyclist

Thanks, that confirms my suspicions from looking at the design (no experience with bike racks, I am just used to analysing mechanical designs, looks like I was on the right track ).

liferider

I have the T2 and it's great. You can put a bike on and secured within 30 seconds and the bike stays very secure when traveling. It also folds up easily and quickly when you're not using it. One of the things I like best about it is that when the bikes are loaded I can still access the trunk of my car (07 Honda Civic) without moving the rack. I recommend it!

Cleave

Hi,

I have an older version of the Yakima rack. It only touches the tires and it works pretty well. My biggest complaint is that the rack is very heavy and I don't like to leave it on my car because the weight. However, because of the weight and my skinny, cyclist arms, it is a pain to remove and store in my garage.

Regardless, I've been using the rack for about 5 years and I've never had a problem with how it functions.

Finally, I never buy racks that touch the frame. Too much opportunity to damage the frame.

Casualcyclist

Thanks, everyone.

I can see the potential for finish damage, or worse with something that engages the frame, even with padding, plus I could see it comressing the fork's suspension.

Also the frame griping rack would not work with my wife's Navigator 3.0 WSD unless a tempoary bar was installed for transoprt, I have seen these at a shop but they introduce more contact points with the fram.

I have watched an online video of the Thule T2 and was very impressed, none of the things I have mentioned in this post would be an issue with it.

c0lnago

+1 on the T2...it's seen a lot of miles with zero issues.

Pugsly

I have a T2 and love it. The only issue is where it clamps the rear tire, across the rim - over time this will wear off the finish on your rim. I have one wheelset where this is very noticeable.

These days I use a cloth or something to prevent scuffing the finish on other wheelsets.

jzsoup

I have the Xport version of that Swagman rack you referenced. It's not as quick as my buddy's T2, but it's completely solid, no sway, no bouncing. I'm satisfied with it, and the cost is much less than the T2.

CrimsonKarter21

I've got the Swagman and LOVE IT! They could charge an extra $100 and I'd still buy it. I've had the rack on my car for the past 4000 miles and have hauled tons of bikes, including mine and my customers' bikes, on it with no problem.
2 40 pound beach cruisers? No problem.
$8000 of bikes? Nothing.

I'm being serious. You can dole out the cash for some big name like Yakima, or you can snag a killer rack for cheap from an upstart company.

brian416

We have this rack, holds the bikes very securely
https://www.hollywoodracks.com/hitch-...hitch-rack.htm

Casualcyclist

Thanks, I did wonder about that when I looked at the design.

One thought I had was to use a small piece of that foam, split tube water pipe insulation material (the stuff used on household 5/8" copper water lines) as a pad.

Stray8

https://www.saris.com/p-302-cycle-on-pro.aspx

https://www.sicklines.com/reviews/sar...cycle-on-pro2/


.

Casualcyclist

Thanks, that one's interesting too.

fazzman

Thule T2 holds the bike by the tire. Love mine.

dendawg

I just bought a Saris Thelma. They make a 2 bike or 3 bike model for 1.25" or 2" hitches. Holds the bike by the wheels and folds up easily when not in use. Love it.
https://www.saris.com/p-298-thelma.aspx?skinid=1

nitropowered

check out raxterracks.com too

Rippin

I have the Thule T2 as well and I'm quite happy with it but if you're not in a rush to buy one I'd wait to see this new rack by Küat:

https://www.velonews.com/article/9819...yne-and-trigon

On paper, it seems to have a few advantages over the T2.

1. It's aluminum, so it will be way lighter than the 56lb T2
2. An expanding wedge anti-wobble device built in to the rack's receiver area. So hopefully you don't need to wrench on a stabilizer pin
3. Built-in cable locks
4. It includes a telescoping bike work stand!

fazzman

Wow thats nice. I like how you can use it as a repair stand. Also the T2 could benefit some alu in the construction it is a bit heavy.

AtlBentRider

Raxter. https://www.raxterracks.com/

Grasschopper

I just got the Holdup about a month ago and it is vastly superior to the Xport Flatbed (same as that Swagman XTC) rack I had before it. Love everything about the Yakima.

Terex

I got the T2 for about $100 less than "typical" prices. Keep your eyes peeled for sales.

saratoga

I've got the performance version of that swagman thing. It works good, but I want one like the T2 that does not touch the frame. It's hard to find a 4 bike carrier like that which doesn't stick out a mile and a half.