Vehicle Bike Rack advice

[intrepid27]

I'm looking at buying a hitch mounted bike rack. Quick question. I've noticed that most have two bars that the bikes rest on but some only have one. Is stability an issue with the single bar style?

The singe bar style looks more appealing as it will be easier to store but I don't want bikes flopping around. Anyone have any experience?

 

[HtownCyclone]

I bought a double mount bike rack where both the wheels sit on wheel slots and are not left hanging. I was told to go with this if you have a suspension in your mountain bike so it dosnt goof it up.

 

[BigBake]

Yes, I have a Yakima with a bar that is strapped to top tube of bike. It's okay but given a second chance I'd get the other style where wheels rest in a tray.

 

[nrg4isu]

This is the kind to go with if you have the cash. It'll work with all kinds of bikes, and it'll support them them way that bikes are designed to be supported: through the wheels.

 

[intrepid27]

Thanks for the input. The ones where the wheels bear the weight do look interesting.

We are not hardcore bike riders and wil not be transporting very far. Bought bikes off craigslist and will probably do the same for rack.

 

[zach]

Been looking at racks too.

Probably will go with the hitch where the bikes ride in the tracks rather than hanging... Any brands better than others? I hear some rust more than others?

Thoughts

Z

 

[CtownCyclone]

Doesn't sound like this will be a problem for you, but if you have a carbon fiber frame, you don't want to be supporting the bike from the frame - could crack it. I'd go with the one that lets the bike's wheels support the weight of the bike to avoid any issues.

I have a pickup, so I just use some Thule BedHed's and rock and roll that way.

 

[MrPeske]

saris bones racks are sweet.... I just picked one up on craigslist for $100, it holds 3 bikes (they make a 2 bike rack too)... I may have overpaid but its a good rack & will work nicely

 

[iahawkhunter]

saris bones racks are sweet.... I just picked one up on craigslist for $100, it holds 3 bikes (they make a 2 bike rack too)... I may have overpaid but its a good rack & will work nicely

I've had one of those for 3.5 years and it works great. It's not hitch-mounted (so it may not be of interest to the OP), but it's very versatile regarding how it can be mounted to a vehicle. I especially like the strap that wraps around the seat-tube to keep the bike from swinging (the two contact points on the top-tube act like a hinge on any hanging-type rack). It seems like not too many racks have this 3rd strap to prevent swinging.

 

[guitarchitect7]

I have this:

I have no flopping what so ever. It straps in three places to stablize, and then I got an extra strap for the tire/handle bar - works really well and stores nice.

The only part I don't like is if your bike doesn't have a straight cross bar, then your bike sits at an angle. It can make getting three bikes on a bit of a chore alignment wise.

But I too would also prefer a wheel based mount - either hitch or on top of car, but of course didn't have the money for it.

 

[bellzisu]

I'm looking at buying a hitch mounted bike rack. Quick question. I've noticed that most have two bars that the bikes rest on but some only have one. Is stability an issue with the single bar style?

The singe bar style looks more appealing as it will be easier to store but I don't want bikes flopping around. Anyone have any experience?

Depends on what type of vehicle you have....

If you have a pickup I wouldn't both with a bike rack. I would buy the extendable bars you put in the bed and put your front fork on. They lock up and are extremely nice cause you don't have stuff off the road hitting your bike and not as much chance of dirt and road spray getting on them.

If you have an suv. Single bars work but I like the ones with a bar at bottom to run a strap between tire and to bottom of bar so your bike is held down.

 

[HawkFanISUalum]

How do those front-fork truck bed mounts work when turning corners or with side winds? Seems like a lot of side-to-side stress to put on just the front fork. Ever had any issues with them getting bent or anything? Or do you use an extra strap across the frame to keep the side-to-side motion at a minimum?

 

[CyinCo]

I have a Thule, Hitch Mounted, 4 bike rack that has two bars extending outward. It works well. It's easy to get bikes in and out. However, it has space for 4 bikes. I've had three on it before and even that is tight. Pedals rub against frames, etc. It works best for two bikes.

If I were to buy again, I'd get the hitch mount where the bike wheels lock into place as shown above in this thread.

 

[drmwevr08]

How many bikes do these usually hold? I just called about a hitch and the only rack they had to hold up to 5 was over 400 bucks. At that price we will be biking locally only!

 

[jsmith86]

I have this:

I have no flopping what so ever. It straps in three places to stablize, and then I got an extra strap for the tire/handle bar - works really well and stores nice.

The only part I don't like is if your bike doesn't have a straight cross bar, then your bike sits at an angle. It can make getting three bikes on a bit of a chore alignment wise.

But I too would also prefer a wheel based mount - either hitch or on top of car, but of course didn't have the money for it.

That is what I have as well. I've used it for moving multiple times, as well as a couple trips to down to Oklahoma and back to Iowa. Never had any problems with it. Also, the reason that I got that kind instead of the kind that holds the bike by the wheels is that I don't like the idea of putting all that sideways force on the wheels when they're meant for strength in the up and down direction.

 

[CtownCyclone]

How do those front-fork truck bed mounts work when turning corners or with side winds? Seems like a lot of side-to-side stress to put on just the front fork. Ever had any issues with them getting bent or anything? Or do you use an extra strap across the frame to keep the side-to-side motion at a minimum?

As noted above, I have this set-up. I have the BedHed's mounted to the front of the bed. This means the bike is pointed forward when driving. I was initially nervous about turns and whatnot, especially with my carbon frame, but I haven't had a problem at all. Since I have the mount placed so high, the bike is positioned such that it always wants to stay where it's at. I'm not suggesting taking turns like a NASCAR driver or aiming for every pot hole, but it's a good set-up. I took my bike from the east side of Houston up to Witchita Falls for the Hotter 'N Hell Hundred before and had no problems at all. No need for an extra strap.

 

[HawkFanISUalum]

As noted above, I have this set-up. I have the BedHed's mounted to the front of the bed. This means the bike is pointed forward when driving. I was initially nervous about turns and whatnot, especially with my carbon frame, but I haven't had a problem at all. Since I have the mount placed so high, the bike is positioned such that it always wants to stay where it's at. I'm not suggesting taking turns like a NASCAR driver or aiming for every pot hole, but it's a good set-up. I took my bike from the east side of Houston up to Witchita Falls for the Hotter 'N Hell Hundred before and had no problems at all. No need for an extra strap.

Good to know. Thanks.

 

[dmclone]

I bought a nice hitch mounted one from shulling a few years back. Works great. On the other hand this one looks nice.

 

[intrepid27]

thanks guys- (bump)

 

[JP4CY]

This is what I have had for a few years:
Amazon.com: SportRack A30901 2EZ Hitch Platform 2 Bike Rack: Sports & Outdoors

Has worked fantastic on my carbon fiber road bike and my big mountain bike. I can put this in the hitch, put my bike on it, and get everything tight in under 5 minutes.
It can also fold up pretty well and easily fit in a smaller space when not in use.