Hitch mounted Bicycle racks

I saw this write up comparing bicycle racks on Expedition portal:

http://expeditionportal.com/hitch-rack-shootout/

What is everyone using if not storing the bikes in the bed?

I know some of us throw them in the bed, but for those that go camping, don't have a trailer, and have a bed full of gear, where do you store your bikes?

Wife and I have been contemplating getting a set of bicycles for exploring when we go camping, but I don't know anything about hitch mounted racks for transporting them when the Tacoma bed is full of gear OR when I use the 4runner - brands, etc.

Thoughts please..

(this may turn into a group buy - I want one)

 

Hi Ramon, the hitch rack shootout article was a good read. Really nice bike racks.
I have a Saris Bike Porter. http://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Bike-Racks/Saris/SA604B.html

It's good, not great. The biggest issue is the bike wheels hang down low enough to make contact if you were going off road with any decent cambers to get to your bike trails.

Good luck.

 

When I'm not using my rail-mounted fork mounts, I have a cheap Bell hitchrack. It worked fine when we bought it, but I wasn't a fan of the threaded hitch pin a lot of those racks use. While it did completely eliminate any wiggling at the hitch, it wasn't lockable. I drilled out the threads so it could accept my normal locking hitch pin, then had a buddy help weld a few plates on the top/sides so that it didn't have much room to shake around.

Normally I just use the hitch rack for going to and from school and the fork mounts for when we're actually going to trails, so I'll admit I haven't used it over distances longer than like 10-15 miles.

 

I have a Küat NV. So far it has worked out really well for me.



The only issue I have found is when you need to lower the tailgate, it barely rests on the bike rack itself.

 

I also have the Küat NV. Great rack, quick and easy to use.

 

I was looking at hitch bike racks, but didn't really want to hang all of that gear off the back. I just bought this for $86 with the 2 fork mounts and you can use it to secure other loads like coolers, SCUBA tanks, etc. You can also add more fork mounts to it easily. Additional mounts are $28 ea.

 

who makes this rack? Price is good, most I have seen like this are $200+.

 

I was going to make my own with fork mounts on a 2x6, but when I went to the bike shop to buy the mounts the guy showed me that cargo bar and it is so much easier and more versatile. I think you can just go to Home Depot and buy a cargo bar, then order the fork mounts for the bar online. To answer your question, Summit is the manufacturer of that particular bar.

 

I've been running a 1UP 2-bike rack for about 5 years now. No complaints, bikes are held rock solid and it's easy to use. The caveat is that the original design relied solely on friction on the glide bars to retain the bike and I found that they'd eventually work loose off road. 1UP changed the design of the bar to ratchet and since changing out my original parts for the new notched glide bars the rack is 100% reliable. Love it.

 

Yeah, they do make ratchet bars that may be more secure. I see those online as well.

 

That notched bar is standard now so if you buy a new rack that is the way it will come. Mine is older so I had to change them out.

 

My rack is from allen sports, it folds down

 

I have not seen fork mounts that attach to a bar like that yet. I thought the unit came all together as one.

Thanks for the reply.

 

I have a Yakima two tray bike rack. If you have a full suspension bike or a DH bike it is def preferred and wont take off on the highway!

Coot

 

I took a 10 day trip through the Rockies a few years ago. I had a Yakima Double Down. My bike was ruined at the end of the trip. The draft created behind my truck swirled around the back end and coated my bike in dust, and mud when it was wet. A cover might help, but I transport my bikes on the roof of my Tacoma now using a Yakima Raptor.

 

I am sorry to hear that man, how was it ruined if I might ask? I have had three friends lose their dh bikes due to high winds on roof racks so Im scared of those things. Nothing is worse then running over your buddy's bike on the way to a resort.

Coot

 

Kuat Sherpa here. Great rack and will last a long time.

 

The wind/draft created by the truck circulates debris around the tailgate and back glass (if you have a topper) especially on dusty roads, and wet pavement. Having the bike mounted up top keeps it relatively clean and safe from picking up road debris. Just stay out of the draft of a big rig. Hitch mounted systems are ok, IMO if you are going a short distance, especially if the bike is supported by the wheels, not by the frame like the Double Down.

 

I agree, wouldn't buy another Doubledown. It's just ok. It says it can hold 4 bikes but more than 2 requires work to keep everything from banging into each other (I usually just have one of mine or mine and one other so that's fine). I like the locking feature and the fact it can fit a 2" or 1.25" receiver and the built an bottle openers come in handy. If you have a bike with weird tube shapes the cradles won't hold your frame without an adapter. Next time I'll pay more and get a Kuat like the NVs shown above, they seem to be better.

Hitch vs roof is a tough call, I have both and switch back and forth. I think roof is more secure for long distance hauling but hitch is easier/more convenient loading. I can drive into the garage and close the door with my bike on the hitch rack and take a shower/drink a beer before I unload it. Roof rack with bike on it and I have to remember not to drive into the garage. There is a reason they sell devices which alert you if you try to drive into your garage with your bike on top of you car. Also on a hitch mount you can peek in your rear view mirror every few miles and make sure the straps are tight and nothing is bouncing around too much.

 

I still have a roof rack and bike trays but I prefer hitch mount. It's faster and a lot easier than trying to line up the through axle 7 feet in the air. I don't really notice any difference in wear and tear. The bike does get dirtier from being in the wash back there but there's no more coatings of bug or rock chips. So to me it's kind of about the same.