Hitch Rack Questions

[Mare]

I am going to get a hitch on my car and am researching racks now, but it leaves me with a few questions:

I like the Saris Thelma, but can I open the hatch? It looks like I can because the wheel holders look like they fold down pretty flat.

I never had a hitch mount so I am worried having bikes on the back. On the roof seems so much more secure and out of the way. Am I just paranoid?

Thanks for any input or help!

 

[UtahJoe]

I would go with a hitch mount on my car, but I have a steep driveway and it would scrape everytime. But other than that, I would prefer it over the roof mount. If someone rearends you, new bikes! ya!

 

[alex_k]

a hitch rack protects your car

http://www.mtbnj.com/forum/showthread.php?p=290049&highlight=thelma#post290049

 

[MikeP]

I have a Saris Cycle On Pro with the extra adapter to carry 4 bikes, it's a bit heavy but it's a great rack. It's nice because you can carry 20 thru 29" bikes w/o any changes to the rack.

http://www.saris.com/en/bike-racks/vehicle-racks/hitch-racks.html?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage_images.tpl&product_id=235&category_id=8

 

[ArmyOfNone]

Two advantages to a hitch rack in my opinion is never having to lift a bike over your head and the money is gas mileage you will save.

 

[Norm]

...never having to lift a bike over your head...

There goes your cross training.

 

[ArmyOfNone]

There goes your cross training.

I started doing one arm push ups in place of that.

 

[Norm]

I started doing one arm push ups in place of that.

I'll start that Friday, since I'll have 1 less limb and all.

 

[ebarker9]

Just got a 1up rack after my T2 was destroyed in an accident a month or so ago. I like the 1up because it's really easy to add/remove additional bike mounts. The majority of the time I just have the 1 bike on there and with the rack in that configuration I can open my rear tailgate without having to lower the rack and it also doesn't obscure my license plate. The 1up is also really nicely made and (hopefully) less rust-prone than the T2.

 

[hbpatel]

I just purchased a minivan and had a hitch put on. I went with this hitch rack: http://www.amazon.com/Thule-915XT-Roadway-Hitch-Carrier/dp/B000MRCIPG

My previous car had a roof rack which I thought was very convenient. The only issue with my hitch rack is that the minivan can't fit in the garage with the rack on. Just short by a couple of inches. If my budget was larger I would have gone with a Thule T2 or similar type rack.

 

[Robin]

I was actually trying to find a rack to fit my car - I have a CR-V, where the door swings open rather than a hatchback...I didn't think the door would clear a hitch rack.

This is what Halter's set me up with - the rack actually swings down so that my door can open. Very easy to use - and no need for a step stool! I love it and I've only had it a day!

http://www.thule.com/en-US/US/Products/Bike-Carriers/Hitch/916XTR-T2

 

[soulchild]

Just got a 1up rack after my T2 was destroyed in an accident a month or so ago. I like the 1up because it's really easy to add/remove additional bike mounts. The majority of the time I just have the 1 bike on there and with the rack in that configuration I can open my rear tailgate without having to lower the rack and it also doesn't obscure my license plate. The 1up is also really nicely made and (hopefully) less rust-prone than the T2.

+1

yes, you can open the hatch and yes, you're paranoid

I used a Thelma and it's light but it's all plastic other than the tubing and it wobbles like the dickens behind a car (an suv would block the wind)... I didn't like the wobble so I also used bungee to supplement... after that I had the Saris Cycleon which was great but too big and heavy to take on and off the car all the time... I'm using the 1upUSA rack and it's the last rack I'll ever use... costly for 1 bike, but all aluminum and folds up really small in seconds and sturdy... it's only a 1 bike carrier but the build quality is second to none and at $299 it's only a little more than the Thelma

hope this helps...

 

[gtluke]

This is my favorite picture of all time.

 

[allygadget]

That could only be topped by replacing her with me lol I am considering getting a hitch and rack since I can with my new car. I had no choice with the mini which sucked.

 

[Mare]

Thanks for all the info. I ordered the hitch and I am going to research some of the racks... we'll see how it all goes. I love the roof racks, but I really want to save some gas and some money so I am hoping this will help a bit.

Love the pic, Luke. Good times at Allaire!

 

[jck]

I have a 1upUSA rack with +1 bike extension. Love this rack. Loading and unloading bikes is very quick and easy. I can quickly add or remove the +1 bike extension depending on if I'm riding solo or not. The rack folds up nice and small when not in use. I can also easily switch the rack from my Durangos 2" hitch to my Jettas 1 1/4" hitch with the included adapter.
Only downside...price.
You do get what you pay for tho...

 

[veloduffer]

After using roof racks for years (both Thule and Yakima), I got a hitch and Thule T2 rack. Truly awesome - takes nearly no time to remove and put on the rack, and same with the bikes. It can fit kids bikes as well as road bikes.