No more (bike) junk in my trunk

October 3, 2008 6:41 AM

Shopping for trailer-hitch mounted bike rack for my road bike, with room for two additional ones. What should I look for? Who do you recommend? Who or what to avoid?

I've grown tired of putting my road bike in the back of my SUV, so I'm shopping around for a trailer-hitch-mounted rack. I've seen my fair share of Yakimas and Thules, but I really love how the Saris models look.

But seriously, what should I know? What should I look for? Currently, I have a road bike, but I can foresee needing space for two more bikes for my family or cycling trips with friends.

To add more confusion, I don't currently have a trailer hitch, so I'd need to get one - it looks like 1.25 or 2".

Side-question: can I make do with a standard gate-mount rack, rather than such a big $$$ investment for a hitch and rack?

FWIW, it's a '97 Ford Expedition, with factory roof rack (which I don't want to use), no trailer hitch.

posted by fijiwriter to sports, hobbies, & recreation (6 comments total)

I think the hitch racks are all pretty much the same. Mine is a "sport rack" brand, holds 3 bikes. Come to think of it , it is a bit hard to install & remove on hitch, have to bang it with a hammer as it is very tight fit. Also your bike will get very dirty if you drive on dusty roads.
posted by canoehead at 7:05 AM on October 3, 2008

Thule make the best racks, in my opinion. I've had the revolver 4 bike carrier and it works great, plus they sell an attachment to make it a ski rack as well. However the doubletrack style is much easier to use, just won't accommodate the third bike you want to carry.
posted by wile e at 7:17 AM on October 3, 2008

Take the rack off when not in use as people *will* back right through it in parking lots.
posted by lothar at 8:15 AM on October 3, 2008

nthing the Thule Revolver.
posted by Incognita at 2:51 PM on October 3, 2008

I actually didn't read the full question earlier, what about using an interior bike rack? I have one on my 2000 Pathfinder and it would definitely fit in your expedition. Like this one. However I never used that one, I actually made mine from parts from a bike shop for cheaper. No bolting necessary, it just sits inside with your bike attached to it (front wheel detached of course). And being you have an expedition, you might not need to fold down the 2nd row seating to make it fit.
posted by wile e at 11:45 PM on October 3, 2008

Wow, ignore above comment. I didn't fully read above. nm.
posted by wile e at 11:49 PM on October 3, 2008