Bike rack suggestions March 17, 2014, 07:46:01 pm Yahoo Message Number: 145379We've purchased two bicycles and are now in the market for a hitch mount bike rack for the back of our LD. Anyone have any suggestions?Thanks, David 05RK
Re: Bike rack suggestions Reply #1 – March 17, 2014, 08:09:25 pm Yahoo Message Number: 1453811.Avoid Saris 2. Consider the tray concept. there can be a lot of whipping around, much less so if your bikes are supported by their own wheels. good luck. Mark
Re: Bike rack suggestions Reply #2 – March 17, 2014, 09:57:53 pm Yahoo Message Number: 145383Me three. Except mine is a three-wheeler, one of those folding trikes from Camping World. Any suggestions to carry that plus a regular bicycle?
Re: Bike rack suggestions Reply #3 – March 19, 2014, 01:33:58 pm Yahoo Message Number: 145395I've owned about every type of bike rack out there and have concluded that the rack with the swing arm that locks in the front wheel are the best. Thule and Yakima both make a version of this rack. You basically have a tray that the front wheel and back wheel fit. The back wheel is held in place with a strap (not much is needed here). The front wheel is held in place by an arm that swings up and over the front wheel and then cinches down. Expect to pay $300 to $400 for a rack of this type, but it is worth it. You can load two bikes in less than a minute and not worry about rub points on the bike or where to put the front wheel. They are absolutely trouble free and you will use your bikes more because it is so easy to take them on and off. Pay the big bucks, you will not be sorry!Rob Adams SOB Boise, ID
Re: Bike rack suggestions Reply #4 – March 19, 2014, 05:58:24 pm Yahoo Message Number: 145397Rob hit the nail on the head here. I am the fat old man that might ride a mile or two. However, in the past I did a lot of riding and considered my bike a primary form of transport for work. My wife still rides.I spent the money on the Thule (just because it was on sale and could get a better price over the Yakima) and am very happy with it. When it is time to do work on the bikes it makes an ok work bench as well for some things. (read it beat the heck out of sitting on the ground, bending over, scrubbing the handlebars and seat on the road surface.)With respect to kadovnotvodka's question about three wheelers. My Thule has an optional extension, also very expensive, that is met to allows two additional bikes. If the three wheeler does not collapse enough to use the standard setup the optional add on might be made to work. Take the bike to a dealership. I got my rack from REI. JohnRob Adams SOB Boise, ID
Re: Bike rack suggestions Reply #5 – March 19, 2014, 10:08:08 pm Yahoo Message Number: 145398Thanks for the input. Another case of you get what you pay for. I'll begin my search. David 05RK
Re: Bike rack suggestions Reply #6 – March 25, 2014, 09:46:58 am Yahoo Message Number: 145460Hey Mark, What are your concerns with Saris? Saw a hitch mount model with a tray for the tires at a local bike shop that seemed pretty good.Thanks, David 05RK
Re: Bike rack suggestions Reply #7 – March 25, 2014, 10:00:04 am Yahoo Message Number: 145461We have a Saris, after a long search. You are correct, there is a tray for the bikes. It is very easy to install on our Subaru as well as our Lazy Daze. It is sturdy and folds down easily to get in trunk, with bikes off. We bought the 2-bike style. We have had no problem with it, and best of all it's made in the USA.Linda and John Presently in Westminster, CO
Re: Bike rack suggestions Reply #8 – March 25, 2014, 10:11:09 am Yahoo Message Number: 145462Hi. I purchased one about 5 years ago. It was about two years old at the time. Really nice design, and substantial , rugged appearance. They were selling them at REI, so I assumed they were OK. After one use , one of the attachments failed, and I went looking for a replacement. Could get no help from Saris. And I mean NO Help. No reply at all to my enquiries. Went back to REI to see if I could order through them. They were no longer carrying the brand. I explained my problem to the salesperson who rolled his eyes and repeated that they were no longer carrying the brand. Like an idiot I decided to persevere with what I had. The second attachment failed on the road and I trashed two nice bikes. Expensive lesson. It's encouraging that they have adopted the tray concept, not available when I was in the market. Good Luck if you choose to go that way. Knowing what I know about their total lack of customer service, I could never do business with them. YMMV.
Re: Bike rack suggestions Reply #9 – March 26, 2014, 09:29:22 pm Yahoo Message Number: 145490Linda / John,Thanks for your input also. Although Mark made a very good point about Saris customer service I am still leaning that way mainly because I will be dealing with a local bike shop. I'll be sure to relay Marks experience prior to making the final decision.Thanks again, David 05RK
Re: Bike rack suggestions Reply #10 – March 26, 2014, 10:08:15 pm Yahoo Message Number: 145491Mark, Thanks for your input, I can see where poor customer service can really sour someone on Saris. If I decide to get the Saris I will be buying it from a local well established bike shop and will definitely lean on them should something go wrong. I really like the tray idea as well as the made in the USA aspect.Thanks again,David 05RK
Re: Bike rack suggestions Reply #11 – July 13, 2014, 08:45:14 pm Yahoo Message Number: 147334UPDATE ON BIKE RACK. I did purchase the Saris two bike rack and so far it has worked flawlessly. Each bike tire sits in a tray. Straps hold each tire in the respective tray and one strap per bike holds the bike frame to the vertical part of the rack. Fairly easy to install on the LD as well as our 4 Runner and is sturdy.. The outside bike mounts very easily however the inside bike may be just a little challenge if you can not pickup the bike. My wife would have a little challenge using the inside mount but could easily load a bike on the outside mount. The price of the rack was around $250 which was pretty much middle of the road price wise. It has worked well and continues to meet our needs. Hopefully I will not need to contact Saris and experience Marks poor customer service issue. Happy trails to all.David 05RK
Re: Bike rack suggestions Reply #12 – July 14, 2014, 10:45:34 am Yahoo Message Number: 147348We also have the Saris two-bike carrier. I added Velcro straps (double-sided, cut-off Velcro) to back-up the wheel base straps. Fast in and fast out for this short lady. Have used it for 3+ years. My bike store provides some support. Saves space and keeps the LD cleaner.Diane Carlson
Re: Bike rack suggestions Reply #13 – July 14, 2014, 11:58:30 pm Yahoo Message Number: 147381I think you made a good purchase. We have the Saris for 2 bikes and have carried them on LD, as well as our Forrester. They are easy to use and have performed flawlessly. And they were made in the USA.Linda and John Presently in Alaska
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