To All, I'm looking for a hitch mounted bike rack. I need to carry a least 4 bikes. Three of the four will be womens frame. At times I may need to carry 5 bikes 4 of wich will be womens. I had a thule 4 bike rack but there seemed to be a lot of sway when loaded and it's tough to get a womens frame on to it. Any recommendations? I thought of a trailer but that makes parking tough. Has anyone had any experience with Saris's rack that hold the bike by its wheels or any other brand like that.
To All, I'm looking for a hitch mounted bike rack. I need to carry a least 4 bikes. Three of the four will be womens frame. At times I may need to carry 5 bikes 4 of wich will be womens. I had a thule 4 bike rack but there seemed to be a lot of sway when loaded and it's tough to get a womens frame on to it. Any recommendations? I thought of a trailer but that makes parking tough. Has anyone had any experience with Saris's rack that hold the bike by its wheels or any other brand like that.
Thanks Dan
I, too, had the problem of a flimsy hitch rack that would sway and dip when loaded with more than two bikes at a time. I finally bit the bullet and recently purchased a Sportworks Transport hitch rack for a two inch receiver. With add on extenders, it will hold up to 4 bikes as steady as a rock with no sway whatsoever. Loading each bike takes about 30 seconds, and no additional bungees or other straps are needed. I currently haul 3 bikes at a time (one recumbent, one road bike, and one mountain bike) without a problem. This is the same rack that our city buses use to transport bikes for bus passengers. Very heavy duty, but a little expensive. This will be the last rack I will ever buy because this thing is built to last a lifetime. Take a look at http://www.sportworks.com/ for pricing and different models.
<landon2 wrote: (clip) Loading each bike takes about 30 seconds (clip) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ This is an important point that is easy to overlook until you get home and start using the rack. I am happy with my Yakima, but that is one thing that could be improved. The rubber "chain-bands" and the somewhat complex frame holders work very well, but they seem to hang up on every cable and attachment on the bikes. You foresee loading several bikes--it's even worse when inexperienced people are trying to help you. They always seem to be pushing when you are pausing.
I'm looking for a hitch mounted bike rack. I need to carry a least 4 bikes. Three of the four will be womens frame. At times I may need to carry 5 bikes 4 of wich will be womens. I had a thule 4 bike rack but there seemed to be a lot
You need a pickup truck, or maybe a van. Failing that, a hitch rack _and_ roof racks may suffice. -- Rick Onanian
