bike rack

[bassnailer]

My wife asked me what I wanted I want for my birthday, and I want a bike rack. What are deli-folks using for bike racks these days? Any suggestions?

[thedjjack]

Hitch mount (2" receiver)

what type of bikes?

Road Bikes: I would get on that supports the bikes from the wheels.

Mountain Bikes: I like the North Shore Rack ($$$) but great design for big fork bikes.

Lots of used racks available. The trailer hitch will be the expense if you do not already have one.

[joedelica]

For both my 300 and 400, I have bought an old Grabber rack off of Craigslist and Ebay
for two reasons. If you have a ladder and don't mind drilling two holes, the swivel arms of the rack fit
perfectly and can be placed in the down position when not in use. If you do not have a ladder, the Grabber
is tall enough to have the base sit on the rear step, distribute the weight better, and still keep the bikes far
enough up from the ground. Cheap and clean solutions vs. the NS rack or a receiver hitch.

Joe

[CREGAN]

For both my 300 and 400, I have bought an old Grabber rack off of Craigslist and Ebay
for two reasons. If you have a ladder and don't mind drilling two holes, the swivel arms of the rack fit
perfectly and can be placed in the down position when not in use. If you do not have a ladder, the Grabber
is tall enough to have the base sit on the rear step, distribute the weight better, and still keep the bikes far
enough up from the ground. Cheap and clean solutions vs. the NS rack or a receiver hitch.

Joe

Hey Joe, I like the sounds of this one. You wouldn't happen to have any pics would you?

Craig

[trialsmaster2]

I agree with thedjjack if you're hauling mountain bikes. I got an E & H hitch and picked up a North Shore Rack the same, rather expensive day! Those NSR racks come in 2-bike, 4-bike, and 6-bike models.

Here's a pic of the rack in use:

[joedelica]

Hi Craig,

No photo's; sold my 300 with the Grabber mounted/ bolted on to the ladder. Not sure if the fellow that bought it is a member on here.
And I don't have the Grabber on my 400, as I only use it when I have too many bikes that can't be hauled inside. Waiting for a ladder from
Mardy at Amazing Auto, so that I can bolt it onto the ladder. If you are looking to bolt it on to a ladder, you only need the Grabber swing out arms
and the mounting hardware, everything else is junk.

Joe

[sasquatch-hunter]

North Shore Rack rocks!

[bassnailer]

I don't have a ladder and I'll be carrying roadbikes, (a couple of pricey ones too, if that matters). So one that supports the bike via the tyres, you suggest?

[thedjjack]

This style that holds the bikes by the wheels (saves frame damage on highend bikes):



http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_deta ... 4302692829

[nxski]

This style that holds the bikes by the wheels (saves frame damage on highend bikes):



http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_deta ... 4302692829

You have to be careful with this type of rack as if the tire is too large and you are going on a long trip you can warp it, if too small it can but strain on the rims (in my opinion they all seem to wobble though). You should find a carrier like this that is appropriate for your specific bike or use another system. Also, if you're looking for advice on products you'll want to go to a rack specific dealer as mec employees are typically enthusiastic but have way too many things to know about and are thus not all that knowledgable about anything in particular (Jack of all trades master of none)

I personally like this one...you can get adapters to make all bikes work and as long as you make sure they aren't swinging you're good to go!

[ilikemax]

nxski or anyone else who can offer some insight

Do you have experience with that simple hatch mounted rack that you put into your post? I have an L400 and need to carry 4 bikes. I have been looking at the fancy Yakima and Thule racks that have the swing away function for easy hatchback access - http://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Bike-Rack ... 02422.html

They are pretty sweet but pricey. I'm trying to justify the value and not really sure how useful this function would be - How often would I need to access the back with bikes loaded? I know this is something I need to figure out myself but just checking to see if anyone has already dealt with this issue arlready. If it doesn't really add value then I wont bother.

I could save myself a few bucks and get a more basic swing down style - like this: http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4 ... ?locale=en - there are also plenty of used ones like this on craigslist. While considerably cheaper than the swing away style, you have to take the bikes off the rack to fold it down when opening the hatchback door.

max

[nxski]

I have never owned a rack like that but have used them before. They work well, the only thing I didn't like about them was that the don't lock the bikes to the rack and the plastic straps that hold the frame WILL break over time so you want to buy from a company that you predict will be around for a while so replacements won't be hard to come by.