Bike rack for hitch

[killa Cali Kid]

Anyone have any experience with either the Thule T2 Hitch Rack or Yakima HookUp 2 Hitch Rack ? Seeking info on how sturdy, swing arm, ratchet system, issue with fat tires, fram size, etc. anything that would be an element of purchase decision.

I have used gear before from both manuf's (both bike and snowboard) and have not experienced any major issues but open to other manufacturers as well.

All thoughts appreciated - thanks

btw - i plan to sell one of my old racks (Yakima pronghorn). Not sure if they still make this model but review can be found at mtbr http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Bike_Rack/product_86681.shtml It's in good condition and any reasonable offer will be considered. (real motivation is to get feedback on above - thanks again)

 

[Jordansrealm]

I am looking at both of these myself so I would love to hear some thoughts!

 

[mtnbikerdude87]

Go with the Thule. Even though I prefer Yakima hitch racks, I like the Thule one a lot better. Its out on display where I work and it looks very sturdy. Plus its the same one as the sportworks t2, thule just bought them out and put their name on it. So my vote for the t2. Get a cable lock too since the locks for the arms are useless. All one needs to do is to take out the skewers on the wheel and your bike is gone.

 

[FoShizzle]

personally, i highly recommend the Thule. I have the Sportworks Transport version but the newest one, so pretty much the same exact thing.

the previous/older version of the Sportworks did have issues in securing bigger rims/tires but the newer version i have (ie, now Thule version) is great. Given the type of binding device for the rear wheel, it can handle really tall rims (ie, some versions have issues in even strapping down over a rim like a Syncros 28 rim. Also, the tray for the front wheel is fantastic....it can easily handle DH tires and 2.3 29er tires which I use. I cant imagine a setup that would give you a problem.

I have even used mine to carry 4 bikes and it works flawlessly. It is very robust and trivial to use.

As for cable locks, if you have a Turner, I would not bother since nobody will want to steal your bike anyway!

 

[erider]

As for cable locks, if you have a Turner, I would not bother since nobody will want to steal your bike anyway!

Something wrong with Turner bikes? Did quality/workmanship drop on them? Is it because Turner had to drop ICT on their newer models? I dont know unless you are just messing around.

As for myself I have a roof rack since I am very much paranoid about tailgaters and rear end incidences. I dont want someone to rear end mine or anyone else's bike while in transport. Its a hassle to pop off the wheel and mount them on the roof of an suv, especially when you arent tall but you get piece of mind in traffic.

 

[killa Cali Kid]

dude87 & Fo -thanks for the feedback. Was leaning towards Thule but wanted a few more opinions. may hold off a few more days to see if anyone else chimes in

eRider - agreed, possible "tap" in back freaks me out a bunch. I bet two rigs replacement cost would be worse than totalling my car. In the past have carried bikes on roof, hitch and in truck bed and i think hitch is scariest in that sense. That said need the room in our SUV and know of a few situations where people "forget" about bike on roof and drive into garage (not a good result for bike, rack and garage).

Thanks again fellas

PS. also if anyone is interested in my old rack (pic below) just pm me

 

[Jordansrealm]

I want to thank people for the opinions too. I am opting for the hitch receiver because I fear the roof top mounting because of clearance issues. Driving into the wilderness often means going through canyons and tree areas which can have low hanging foilage. Just driving around a tall truck often can be combersome so I cant image having several feet of bike above me to worry about. I cant imagine even driving through Santiago Canyon Road in certain parts with a few bikes on top or down Holy Jim Canyon making your way to the parking section a few miles down the dirt road. I guess it depends on where you drive with your bikes!

 

[CalEpic]

Something wrong with Turner bikes? Did quality/workmanship drop on them? Is it because Turner had to drop ICT on their newer models? I dont know unless you are just messing around.

Don't worry about Fo - penis envy. Ever since he became Aqua's b1tch he's a little bitter

 

[killa Cali Kid]

or down Holy Jim Canyon making your way to the parking section a few miles down the dirt road.

maybe that's why I ride in from first dirt parking lot :-k

 

[roadkillross]

yeah i dont like puttin my bikes on the rack especially cuz of the weight
that thiule lokos like it sticks out pretty damn far

im syuprised it doesnt snap

 

[Skeeter]

I want to thank people for the opinions too. I am opting for the hitch receiver because I fear the roof top mounting because of clearance issues. Driving into the wilderness often means going through canyons and tree areas which can have low hanging foilage. Just driving around a tall truck often can be combersome so I cant image having several feet of bike above me to worry about. I cant imagine even driving through Santiago Canyon Road in certain parts with a few bikes on top or down Holy Jim Canyon making your way to the parking section a few miles down the dirt road. I guess it depends on where you drive with your bikes!

Dont forget about approach and departure angles while off-roading. The rear hitch rack will be much more limiting off-roading then the rooftop one.
If you have a truck and with a bed available get an in-bed mount like CalEpic has, it is the best for off-roading.

 

[roadkillross]

im just gonna buy a truck

 

[killa Cali Kid]

im just gonna buy a truck

Truck is the so the way to go - I just throw my bike in bed.

This rack is for "other" family hauler for trips with family to far off lands

 

[ECOdork]

my dos centavos:

I've got a Yak 4 biker similar to the one pictured in which the bikes "hang" from top-tube or top-tube adapter. Big problem I encountered is that the mounts screwed-up the stickers on the frame and occasionally leave black marks on my frame. Not after 1 use, but after a couple 1000-mile road journeys it started. Not the end of the world, but irritating when your bike is new or freshly cleaned.

CalEpic has a similar hitch for special occasions that has a "plusher mount," (if that makes sense...) that I imagine is easier on the paint/decals. But more expensive than the one I have.

As RSMLA said, regarding off-roading and the T2/Hookup style racks: Those hitch racks with the trays are cool; probably more secure, easier on the paint job, and super easy to use, BUT I'd be wary about banging those on steep hills/bumps. Probably a rarity, but I know I've been in otherwise modest-trail situations (even just driving on Main Divide or out to Holy Jim) where an extra couple of feet on the back of my truck would have been scraped to sh!t. And those suckers really stick out, even with just 2 bikes....if you want to add a 3rd (or 4th) bike, it is an expensive proposition and really extends the butt-end of your vehicle. Going "out" without going "up" will leave you very vulnerable to scrape-age... 8-[

Obviously pros and cons of each design, so you just gotta figure out what works for ya'!

 

[Pain Freak]

Don't worry about Fo - penis envy. Ever since he became Aqua's b1tch he's a little bitter

LMAO!

Fo is just waiting for a 9er Turner.

 

[FoShizzle]

LMAO!

Fo is just waiting for a 9er Turner.

you homers are my biznitches.....it is you who await my niner, biatch!

 

[dirttorpeedo]

go with the thule......turner just came out with an all carbon fiber kickstand,looks reely lite and sterdy...

 

[Jordansrealm]

Dont forget about approach and departure angles while off-roading. The rear hitch rack will be much more limiting off-roading then the rooftop one.
If you have a truck and with a bed available get an in-bed mount like CalEpic has, it is the best for off-roading.

Yup, considered that. I know a few things about offroading

This would be more for when I wanna use the Xterra instead of my other 2 trucks. Nissan also makes an interior bike rack they might be sending me so if that happens I wont go with the Thule.

 

[FoShizzle]

Yup, considered that. I know a few things about offroading

This would be more for when I wanna use the Xterra instead of my other 2 trucks. Nissan also makes an interior bike rack they might be sending me so if that happens I wont go with the Thule.

i have an Xterra and have both the Sportworks and the Yakima interior bike rack. Heck, if I put a some bike racks up top I could easily carry 10 friggin bikes on/in the Xterra in racks

The interior rack is pretty basic.....and it works great. Sometimes you have to readjust the straps to shift the actual bar fore or aft depending on the bikes.....and if long travel forks, sometimes an issue with hitting the inside of the roof but generally, a great item.

 

[Jordansrealm]

Thanks for the tip. I am waiting to hear back from Nissan on this because the Xterra is our magazine project vehicle. They offered to supply whatever Nissan genuine accessories we wanted to showcase in the magazine and on the vehicle just havent received any yet. Sounds like that might be a good option. if I can carry atleast 2 bikes in there id be happy.

i have an Xterra and have both the Sportworks and the Yakima interior bike rack. Heck, if I put a some bike racks up top I could easily carry 10 friggin bikes on/in the Xterra in racks

The interior rack is pretty basic.....and it works great. Sometimes you have to readjust the straps to shift the actual bar fore or aft depending on the bikes.....and if long travel forks, sometimes an issue with hitting the inside of the roof but generally, a great item.