General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Hitch mount bike rack - which style? Rss Feed  
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2012-04-30 5:19 PM

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Subject: Hitch mount bike rack - which style?

Need a hitch mount bike rack. Kinda leaning toward the platform style as opposed to the rack style. Anybody got any opinions on these two different types?

It seems that the platform style would do less damage to the bike frame. The rack style that I see most people use seem like they would be more apt to rub and mar the bike frame. Also, with multiple bikes, wouldn't they tend to swing and bang against each other with the rack style. I'm kinda OCD about stuff that I spend good money on. I'd like to go with something that'll take good care of my ride.



Edited by Dave 2.0 2012-04-30 5:21 PM


2012-04-30 5:55 PM
in reply to: #4182095

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Subject: RE: Hitch mount bike rack - which style?

I was under the same impression as far as platform racks go, and just minutes ago was looking at the "Swagman Racks" online.  They're local to me but sell all over north america.  You can atleast look at the sight to see what they offer.

On the weekend I participated in a "Prefondo" ride with my brother-in-law and we carried both our bikes on his platform rack and it seemed pretty ideal to me...IMHO.

2012-04-30 6:32 PM
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Subject: RE: Hitch mount bike rack - which style?
I have a Kuat NV and I love, love, love it.  The only thing I would change about it, is to have the 2" receiver on my SUV (Both the 1.25 & 2" are available).  It's easy to load, lift, drop and it has a workstand.  Pricey, but well worth it.
2012-04-30 6:33 PM
in reply to: #4182095

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Subject: RE: Hitch mount bike rack - which style?
I have a rack but am going to change to a platform.  A friend has a hollywood rack style that has little levers that sit on the downtwube, preventing the swinging motion, it is pretty solid.
2012-04-30 7:09 PM
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Subject: RE: Hitch mount bike rack - which style?

I had a rack, used it once and it rubbed some paint off my bike. Carbon bikes have wider top tubes, and I was told (rumor?) that if the straps are too tight it's not good for them.

Now I have a Thule 990xt platform hitch and it's great. A little heavy, but sturdy, no sway when you drive, and the bike is completely locked in, no movement at all.

eta: it was $238.95 on Amazon and free shipping with my Prime account, which was a really good deal.



Edited by BrianRunsPhilly 2012-04-30 7:09 PM
2012-04-30 8:04 PM
in reply to: #4182095

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Subject: RE: Hitch mount bike rack - which style?
I prefer the platform style.  I use the Saris Thelma 3 bike rack.  The rack only touches the tires and rims.  Note:  I don't use the rack with my carbon race wheels.


2012-04-30 8:10 PM
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Master
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Subject: RE: Hitch mount bike rack - which style?
We own a Thule hitch mounted rack, and it's been fine.  Of course, I too, hate to have my paint chipped off from the bikes touching during transport.   The only place our bikes seem to come into contact is from the skewers touching the other bike's frame.  That's about my only complaint about the rack system.  The platform system has caught our eye, though; we'll likely go with a platform system next time.
2012-04-30 9:56 PM
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Subject: RE: Hitch mount bike rack - which style?
Been very happy with my Hollywood rack.
2012-04-30 9:56 PM
in reply to: #4182095

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Regular
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Subject: RE: Hitch mount bike rack - which style?
Been very happy with my Hollywood rack.
2012-04-30 9:56 PM
in reply to: #4182095

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Regular
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Subject: RE: Hitch mount bike rack - which style?
Been very happy with my Hollywood rack.
2012-04-30 10:23 PM
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Master
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University Park, MD
Subject: RE: Hitch mount bike rack - which style?
I've never tried a platform style carrier. But I really like my Thule Revolver rack. The rack allows the bikes to swing out while mounted to the car, allowing full access to the rear of the vehicle. We did a 5000 mile road trip with 4 bikes on the back last summer, and it worked like a charm. No issues with chipped paint etc.


2012-04-30 11:57 PM
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Subject: RE: Hitch mount bike rack - which style?
I also have a Saris Thelma and love it.  Very easy to get bikes on/off. 
2012-05-01 7:56 AM
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Subject: RE: Hitch mount bike rack - which style?
I have a Saris CycleOn pro. The only issue that I have with it is that its a little heavy. So I am the only only that can take it on and off.  Other than that I love it!
2012-05-01 8:10 AM
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Subject: RE: Hitch mount bike rack - which style?
I have the Yakima Double Down.  It has 3 places to lock the bike down.  2 on the top tube.  The 3rd holds the seat tube and prevents the bike from swaying when I stop and go.
2012-05-01 8:10 AM
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Subject: RE: Hitch mount bike rack - which style?

I am using this one a platform  by sportrackhttp://www.sportrack.com/a30901lr/

Aside from the velcro wheel straps its been great, the straps are ok but I bungee over just for my piece of mind, it does rock a bit on rough roads but the bike is firm in it with no movement. It is one of the cheaper platforms out there availible in a 2 and 4 bike version as well.



Edited by RRH_88 2012-05-01 8:12 AM
2012-05-01 8:54 AM
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Subject: RE: Hitch mount bike rack - which style?

I have a Thule - http://www.thule.com/en-US/US/Products/Bike-Carriers/Hitch/917XTR-T2 and love it. Works great with all of my different bikes and no paint is ever touched.  

Here's a thought from the Surly Bike blog to address some of those OCD tendencies with your bikes. 

"A pristine bike free of dirt, scratches, and wear marks makes me sort of sad."

Another thought is to do what I do and start mountain biking.  Between the dents, scratches, mud, and blood you'll get over the pristine bike stuff really quickly.  



2012-05-01 9:43 AM
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Subject: RE: Hitch mount bike rack - which style?
It seems to me for people who have a solid rear wheel a platform rack that requires you to use a wheel strap isn't a great way to go. What are people using for a hitch mount bike rack that have solid wheels?
2012-05-01 9:44 AM
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Subject: RE: Hitch mount bike rack - which style?

I have had a Hollywood rack for about 10 years.  I use bungee cords to hold the top tube.  The cords have rubbed the decals on my Litespeed.  The bare metal of the bike is not affected.

I recently got a Trek Madone with an absolutely gorgeous paint job so I invested $400 in a Thule T2 platform hitch mounted rack.  It is well-built and secures the bike very well as indicated by others.  The wheel clamp just locks down on the front tire.  It takes a couple of tries to adjust the tightness of the rear wheel strap just right.  But even then, it is a few seconds to load the bike.  Nothing touches the frame.  It has a cable lock for the bike frame but I probably won't use it because it looks like it might scratch the paint.  I will probably use the hitch lock.  The bike in the rack is rock solid. 

I bought this particular model rather than other platform racks because the cross arms can be moved left and right or in and out to keep bikes from touching. 

I just assembled this rack yesterday and tried it out for the first time so no long term info on durability of parts but the warranty looks good.  We shall see.

2012-05-01 9:48 AM
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Subject: RE: Hitch mount bike rack - which style?

bradaskins - 2012-05-01 10:43 AM It seems to me for people who have a solid rear wheel a platform rack that requires you to use a wheel strap isn't a great way to go. What are people using for a hitch mount bike rack that have solid wheels?

I don't have a disk but you would have to put a conventional rim wheel to hold the bike.  A deep profile, fragile carbon rim might also be vulnerable to damage by the strap.  I would use a training wheel on the rear and put the high-priced wheel in its wheel bag in the trunk. 

2012-05-01 9:56 AM
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Subject: RE: Hitch mount bike rack - which style?
tech_geezer - 2012-05-01 10:48 AM

bradaskins - 2012-05-01 10:43 AM It seems to me for people who have a solid rear wheel a platform rack that requires you to use a wheel strap isn't a great way to go. What are people using for a hitch mount bike rack that have solid wheels?

I don't have a disk but you would have to put a conventional rim wheel to hold the bike.  A deep profile, fragile carbon rim might also be vulnerable to damage by the strap.  I would use a training wheel on the rear and put the high-priced wheel in its wheel bag in the trunk. 

I do this, and it's actually part of the fun when getting to the race. Out comes the wheel bag, swap the wheels, ready for battle. Don't forget about the brakes, especially if you have carbon pads for the carbon wheels. And the brake release, unfortunately forgot this a couple weeks ago and had to stop just out of transition and fix.

2012-05-01 11:10 AM
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Subject: RE: Hitch mount bike rack - which style?

I've have both a Saris 4 Bike Porter (Rack Style) and a Saris CycleOn Pro (Platform Style)

If you are OCD I'd definitely shy away from the rack style.  When fitting multiple bikes on the rack, it's definitely tight and you could possibly get some rubbing if it's not secured correctly.

On the other hand, the way I see the cycleon stray the bike on the rack, I am still fearful that I'll hit a bump and the bike will go flying.  The way it gets secured on is not through straps, but strictly by force (not sure how better to explain it).  However if you're carrying multiple bikes, they're clear from rubbing each other and it's much easier to get the bike on and off than the rack style.

 

 



2012-05-01 11:14 AM
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Subject: RE: Hitch mount bike rack - which style?

We have the Thule 990XT and give it two thumbs up.  Easy to install. Bikes are secure and can be locked.  Does not touch the car. We can still open the hatch/trunk with the bikes on there. Perfect for our two Cervelos.

We used to have the Sariso Bones 3-bike rack and it totally destroyed the paint on my car.

2012-05-01 3:35 PM
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Subject: RE: Hitch mount bike rack - which style?
Thanks for all the input. Lots of suggestions for the Thule 990 and the Hollywood and some others. For anyone wondering, I almost pulled the trigger on the Hollywood but after alot of research I settled on the Thule SportRack 2EZ. For the price, it seems to be the best option for me. We'll see how it holds up.
2012-05-01 8:09 PM
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Subject: RE: Hitch mount bike rack - which style?
With the Thule 990XT, do people notice the rack bouncing around a fair amount? I saw someone postin an adapter to stabilize it and make it non-ridgid. Anything wrong with the slight bouncing from the hitch receiver to the actual rack?
2012-05-01 8:18 PM
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Subject: RE: Hitch mount bike rack - which style?

Dave 2.0 - 2012-05-01 4:35 PM Thanks for all the input. Lots of suggestions for the Thule 990 and the Hollywood and some others. For anyone wondering, I almost pulled the trigger on the Hollywood but after alot of research I settled on the Thule SportRack 2EZ. For the price, it seems to be the best option for me. We'll see how it holds up.

I would consider the  2 EZ premium for a few bucks more it comes with a hitch lock and  keyed post locks for the bikes I think it runs about $20 bucks more. worth the extra few bucks in my opinion I have been happy with mine folds and stores away easily too.



Edited by RRH_88 2012-05-01 8:25 PM
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