hitch mount rack suggestions

[Flat Broke]

Well, my lead on the Yakima RimRoc (discontinued bad ass model) fizzled out a few weeks ago and I haven't been able to find another since. Loading my rig onto the roof with the left wrist all locked up is a total PITA and my roof setup won't accomodate my bro's Yakuza anyhow, so I was looking for a a hitch mount rack for 2-3 bikes for my WRX wagon.

Budget is a concern as well as space when the thing isn't on the car, so I'm leaning away from the Thule T2 or Yakima Hookup models.

Has anyone had experience with the Hollywood Sport Rider model, or the Performance Xport Flatbed series racks? They're definitely easier on the wallet, but I also don't want to see my bike get run over in the rear view mirror. As far as weight/bike handling, the beefiest thing I'd ever put on the rack would be Spookydave's Brooklyn. My rig is mid/upper 30s, and Hack Jobs is right around 40 so it's not like I need to haul 3 full on DH bikes.

Any input you guys have (especially fellow Subyphiles ) would be greatly apreciated.

Thanks,
Chris

[allison]

For ease and heavy bikes... my suggestion is the T2. I love ours. We had a Hollywood rack that held 4 bikes, but it wasn't really easy for me to put the bikes on.

Yes, the T2 is pricey, and yes the T2 is bulky, but we never take ours of the truck.

[J_Sims]

Originally Posted by allison

For ease and heavy bikes... my suggestion is the T2. I love ours. We had a Hollywood rack that held 4 bikes, but it wasn't really easy for me to put the bikes on.

Yes, the T2 is pricey, and yes the T2 is bulky, but we never take ours of the truck.

Best rack I have ever used................

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by J_Sims

Best rack I have ever used................

but sold it when I purchased my truck. I installed some hooks in the garage to hang it and didn't take up much room at all.

I say $pend the $$$ and get the best!

[Steven Jackson]

My Ford Pinto has enough room for my motiv in the back.

[mntbiker12]

I've had Performance XPort on my 4Runner for several years now and I've had no complaints. It was cheap and it works!

I have the three bike model, but I don't know that I've ever put three on there. Carries two bikes no problem.

The only concern for the one I have is that sloping top tubes are a no-go unless you buy an attachment that runs from seatpost to stem. My buddy's bike is this way but once you get the bar, no problem.

[Sprockethead]

I've been using a Hollywood Team Rider (before the sport) rack for 7 yrs now. It converts to a 4 bike carrier pretty easily and my rack has taken a lot of abuse. (4x4'ing and it's been run over by a truck). I've been very happy with it but, with the racks out there today and the cost, I'd say go with the Thule T2. It's easier to use.

The only thing I don't like about the T2 is, you can't lock your bikes safely. Yeah, there's locks on the carrier, but if you let the air out of the tires, you can slide the wheel right out. However, if a thief wants your bike, he/she is gonna get it.

Oh yeah, I wouldn't worry about getting rear ended. I know more people who have driven through garage/garage ports with their bikes on top then people who have been rear ended with bikes. ::::knocks on wood:::

[mntbiker12]

Agreed. I am always more nervous when the bike is on top of my other car, than when it's behind my 4Runner. Although once my buddies from tire did scrape the ground when we went through a sharply angled dip. Didn't cause any damage, but I careful when going through any similar dips.

Originally Posted by Sprockethead

Oh yeah, I wouldn't worry about getting rear ended. I know more people who have driven through garage/garage ports with their bikes on top then people who have been rear ended with bikes. ::::knocks on wood:::

[Warmtread]

PM sent- deal available!
The RimRoc was discontinued in 2006, the Hook-Up will be discontinued for 2008 due to a replacement from Yakima. Hopefully the new one would have some form of bike lock.

Also, isn't your WRX limited to a 1.25" hitch?

[OTHRIDER]

I followed Sprockethead's advise a while back and bought a T2. It's great. 1-1/4" and 2" are available. I'm using my bike cable lock when the Heckler is alone for a few moments.

[Flat Broke]

Originally Posted by Warmtread

PM sent- deal available!
The RimRoc was discontinued in 2006, the Hook-Up will be discontinued for 2008 due to a replacement from Yakima. Hopefully the new one would have some form of bike lock.

Also, isn't your WRX limited to a 1.25" hitch?

Yes and no. From a tounge weight perspective, no one makes a 2" receiver for the WRX. But I was just going to grab a std 1.25 hitch setup, cut the 1.25 receiver tube out and weld in a 2" tube with some extra gusseting. I'm never going to tow with the hitch, so I'm not worried about putting the bigger receiver on there.

I got your PM and sent one back.

Thanks,
Chris

[J_Sims]

Originally Posted by Sprockethead

I

Oh yeah, I wouldn't worry about getting rear ended. I know more people who have driven through garage/garage ports with their bikes on top then people who have been rear ended with bikes. ::::knocks on wood:::

I took a Klein Quantom Pro into my garage door years ago and to this day will not umm let me rephrase that [SIZE=6]NOT[SIZE=2]put another bike on top of a car [/SIZE][SIZE=6]period[/SIZE][/SIZE]