Car bike racks

[libbygrl109]

Anyone have recommendations for bike racks? I am getting a new car this week, and DH and I were talking about getting a trailer hitch rack. One sticking point is that we would only need it for 3 bikes, and most that I've seen are for 4. Not sure what brands to look at.

[sadlebred]

I have a Kuat. I've had the Sherpa 2.0 and now have the NV Base. The NV Base has been great! It's easy to use and has held up well. It comes in a 2 bike configuration, but you can add a 1 bike addition. The Kuats can hold multiple sizes of bikes.

1Up is another really good bike rack. Like the Kuat NV 2, you can get the rack as a 2 bike configuration and add on a 1 bike extra.

The Thule Helium Pro 3 is an option if you want a different style of race. It has exactly 3 bike holders. The Saris Bones trunk rack is a favorite among cyclists. They have a hitch option as well. Bonus, it's under $200 retail. Other brands to consider would be Hollywood and Yakima. Hollywood racks had a moment about 5-6 years ago; I haven't heard anything about their current racks. Yakima has been around forever. I've seen a couple of 3 bike hitches on Amazon by generic brands. I can't speak to their quality or ease of use. If budget is a big concern, I'd choose the Saris with it's name brand, reputation, and warranty over anything generic on Amazon.

Warning: A really good bike rack is NOT CHEAP. One other thing to make sure is to buy the right size rack for your hitch. It will most likely be a 1.25" or a 2" hitch.


Kuat NV:
www.competitivecyclist.com/kuat-nv-base-2.0-1-bike-add-on

1Up:
www.1up-usa.com/product-category/bike-racks/

Thule:
www.thule.com/en-us/bike-rack/hitch-bike-racks

Saris Hitch 3
www.saris.com/product/bones-hitch-3

[melmel48]

Sadlebred is definitely more well versed about these things, but my friend swears by anything and everything Thule, including his bike rack.

[moreace01]

We have a Yakima fullback. No complaints. Goes on in about five minutes. It is not compatible with carbon frames.

ETA. Totally didn't read your post all the way through. The fullback is not for a hitch and only carries two bikes.

[Susie]

When I looked at hitch racks, they were mostly 2s and 4s, and the hitch that you had (1.25" or 2") impacted whether you could carry the weight of the 4 or would max out at 2. Right now I just use a Saris Bones trunk mount rack, works on either the sedan or SUV, and it's easier. I am still able to get the dog out the SUV hatch with the bikes on, when we are road tripping. Just requires careful opening and closing.

[libbygrl109]

Sept 21, 2020 19:49:03 GMT -5 Susie said:

When I looked at hitch racks, they were mostly 2s and 4s, and the hitch that you had (1.25" or 2") impacted whether you could carry the weight of the 4 or would max out at 2. Right now I just use a Saris Bones trunk mount rack, works on either the sedan or SUV, and it's easier. I am still able to get the dog out the SUV hatch with the bikes on, when we are road tripping. Just requires careful opening and closing.

We have a Saris trunk mount now and find it a little cumbersome to use. We were thinking that a hitch mount may be a little easier? I wish we could actually go look at them, but I’m sure stock is limited in local shops. We may just wait until spring - hopefully the world will be a little less crazy by then.

[sadlebred]

Sept 21, 2020 20:58:11 GMT -5 libbygrl109 said:

Sept 21, 2020 19:49:03 GMT -5 Susie said:

When I looked at hitch racks, they were mostly 2s and 4s, and the hitch that you had (1.25" or 2") impacted whether you could carry the weight of the 4 or would max out at 2. Right now I just use a Saris Bones trunk mount rack, works on either the sedan or SUV, and it's easier. I am still able to get the dog out the SUV hatch with the bikes on, when we are road tripping. Just requires careful opening and closing.

We have a Saris trunk mount now and find it a little cumbersome to use. We were thinking that a hitch mount may be a little easier? I wish we could actually go look at them, but I’m sure stock is limited in local shops. We may just wait until spring - hopefully the world will be a little less crazy by then.

Hitch racks are a lot easier to use with SUVs. I mentioned several that you can use with just 3 bikes in my previous post.

[libbygrl109]

Sept 21, 2020 21:21:49 GMT -5 sadlebred said:

Sept 21, 2020 20:58:11 GMT -5 libbygrl109 said:

We have a Saris trunk mount now and find it a little cumbersome to use. We were thinking that a hitch mount may be a little easier? I wish we could actually go look at them, but I’m sure stock is limited in local shops. We may just wait until spring - hopefully the world will be a little less crazy by then.

Hitch racks are a lot easier to use with SUVs. I mentioned several that you can use with just 3 bikes in my previous post.

I really like the Kuat because of the ability to add on.

[smsm24]

I have a Kuat transfer 3. It’s a great hitch rack for 3 bikes. Works on either 1.25” or 2” hitch receiver and carries anything from a 20” wheel to 29”.

[CrazyLucky]

Let me tell you, we have a bike rack that holds four bikes. It is a PAIN IN THE ASS to put four bikes on it. Which is to say, you may want to get the four bike rack and just put three on it, because that would be easier.
What size bikes do you have? We used to have a bike rack with 2 arms. But the kids bikes were too small and couldn't go over both arms. Right now we have one that just has one point of contact, in the middle, so we can fit smaller bikes. It's just a pain when you're trying to get pedals and handle bars arranged to make it all fit.
This is a similar style to what I have, but for 3 bikes. I also like that it's lockable.
www.automotivestuff.com/swagman-64152-original-3-bike-standard-hitch-mounted-bike-rack-for-2-receiver.html?utm_source=google_shopping&gclid=Cj0KCQjwtsv7BRCmARIsANu-CQcHgDiGb_OXGd_NuUY1z8yl0U43Ww-uh46eRfBs6588YhvIDvR2XBoaAui_EALw_wcB