Choosing a Hitch Bike Rack
Most bike racks fit into one of three categories: 1 hitch mounted, 2 roof mounted, and 3 trunk mounted. A few (usually designed for high-end, recumbent, or tandem bikes) combine features from multiple categories, others are designed for pick-ups, inside SUV’s, or to mount on the spare tire or ladder on the back of a van. Because we are trailer hitch specialists and the mind-boggling number of products on the market, I will be focusing on hitch bike racks. Hitch mounted bike racks are easiest to install, take the least effort to load bikes onto, are extremely versatile, and deliver the greatest value. What that means is, you can easily load bikes and go without breaking the bank. Simple consideration prior to purchasing a rack will help you narrow the field down to a hand full of choices that can fulfill your needs. Understanding product features and benefits will be the key to finding the rack that fits you, your vehicle, and your bikes best. In this article I will discuss some considerations that will help you select a rack, and the various types of hitch mounted bike racks available. So, let’s start by looking at what we already have.
First, what type of vehicle do you have? Starting with your vehicle is the first step in choosing any style of bike rack however, since we are focusing on hitch racks, examining what type of hitch we will be connecting to is more important than the type of vehicle. One of the beauties of hitch bike racks is that they are easily interchangeable between vehicles.
Second, how often will you use the bike rack? Everyday use is far more demanding than once a year, while I am on vacation, use. If you plan to keep your rack for a long time, it’s worth it to buy a higher end rack.
Third, how important is the security of your bike and rack? In the city you will want to keep everything locked up to prevent someone from walking away with your gear. On the other hand, convenience is more important in isolated areas. Most hitch rack manufacturers provide locking hitch pins with the bike rack.
Fourth, what type of bike / bikes will you need to carry? If your bike is a recumbent, tandem or if the frame is a unique size you can narrow the field.
Fifth, is versatility. Is carrying other gear (ski / snowboards or kayaks) on the same rack or moving the rack to multiple vehicles in the plans. This is all possible with the right rack.
Last but not least, the budget. Finding a rack that offers the most in quality, function, and value is the goal.
Hitch bike racks
If your vehicle already has a trailer hitch you can begin choosing a rack. The cost of adding a hitch is a concern for people without one on their vehicle. Installing it yourself is easy and it can help you stay within your budget.
Hitch racks start under $90.00, find an average price of around $250.00 to $300.00 and plateau at $500.00 to $800.00 for top of the line and specialty versions. Hitch bike racks mount 4 different ways. The largest selection comes in the most common mounting style where the rack slides directly inside of a 2” trailer hitch receiver and uses a hitch pin to secure it in place. Many of the options available for the 2” style mount are are also available for a 1.25” trailer hitch receiver. The third and forth styles are designed for specific applications. One is designed to allow simultaneous rack use and towing. A towing rack slides over a 2” ball mount instead of replacing it. It is not the only way to allow for rack use and towing but, offers an easy cost effective solution. The final design bolts directly to the hole in the ball mount.
Beyond how they connect to your vehicle hitch racks come in different bicycle mounting styles, top bar cradle, wheel tray, and combination fork mount/wheel tray. Top bar cradle is most common and allow for bikes (2-5). Y bikes and women’s bikes may hang crooked or require adaptors. These hitch racks are easy to use, simply set your bike in the cradle and strap or clamp it in tight. Many of the popular top bar cradle bike racks can be converted into ski and snowboard carriers as well. Prices for top bar cradle racks varies but, from $100.00 to $180.00 you can get 2 and 3 bike stationary racks and $200.00 to $300.00 for 5 bike and tilt away hitch racks (Top of the line retail about $400.00). Wheel tray hitch racks accommodate recumbents, children’s bikes, downhill, cruisers, full suspension, bmx, Y frames and much more without hassle. Top models allow for up to 4 bikes. Prices for wheel tray racks start around $100.00 to $150.00 for a 2 bike fixed hitch rack. $200.00 - $275.00 steps up to features like tilt away and 4 bike racks. Top of the line retail is around $300.00 - $400.00 The combination fork mount/wheel tray work for all bikes, require the front wheel be removed and get expensive. This type of rack keeps your bike most secure and effects vehicle performance the least. They are essentially a roof style rack that slides into a trailer hitch receiver. The combination racks start at around $400.00 for a 2 bike rack, $475.00 to $550.00 for 4 and 5 bikes ($850.00 for top of the line retail).
Why I like hitch bike racks
Simplicity. Just slide it into your trailer hitch and you’re ready to go. If you can lift your bike off of the ground you can secure it to the rack. Less chance of scratching or denting the vehicle. They are not vehicle specific and transfer easily from one vehicle to another. There is an application for everyone. The bottom line is that a hitch rack is more secure and less damaging to your vehicle than a trunk mount, even if you do not have a hitch on your vehicle you can get a one, and a bike rack for less than most decent roof racks. They are easier to use and you can take them with you as you change your vehicle. This is the first blog on hitch racks. I will be following it up weekly with topics like new products side by side comparisons in each category, and specialty applications e.g. (recumbents or y frame).
Here are some reviews:
XC 2-Bike Hitch Rack - 2″ by Chris Hibbitts Date Added: Saturday, April 19, 2008
Great bang for the buck. Needed to carry a step through frame and cross bar frame bike. Did not like the bike adapter bar idea with the single bar type hitch bike carriers. This bike rack is very solid and an excellent design. The bikes load and unload in seconds. With the center bar hold down the bikes cannot touch each other and are held solid. Could not ask for a better solution for carrying two bikes and the price is great also.
Rating: [5 of 5 Stars!]
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