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The best one I've found at a great price has been from a little known brand: Allen Sports. In particular their Deluxe Quick-Install Hitch Racks. I have the three bike version. A little basic but it is durable and what it does it does well. The only thing I've noticed is that the hitch itself seems heavier than the other bike racks I've used in past years.
The best one I've found at a great price has been from a little known brand: Allen Sports. In particular their Deluxe Quick-Install Hitch Racks. I have the three bike version. A little basic but it is durable and what it does it does well. The only thing I've noticed is that the hitch itself seems heavier than the other bike racks I've used in past years.
Good way for a minor rear end bump that wouldn't cause any noticeable damage to your car alone, to destroy several thousand bucks worth of bikes. Not worth it in my opinion. Get a roof rack (yes, I know, you said ”no roof racks” but the rear mounted racks are just a bad idea no matter how you cut it).
Good way for a minor rear end bump that wouldn't cause any noticeable damage to your car alone, to destroy several thousand bucks worth of bikes. Not worth it in my opinion. Get a roof rack (yes, I know, you said ”no roof racks” but the rear mounted racks are just a bad idea no matter how you cut it).
Sure there is a risk to anything.... not everyone has thousands invested in their bikes and just looking to transport. My petite GF back in the day had difficulties raising bike high enough to get it safely on a roof rack. There's also the cost and hassle of attaching the appropriate racks. If you are an avid cyclist that frequently transport bikes, it certainly can be worth it. For those that are looking for something of occasional use, then a hitch bike rack is a great option. Certainly more secure and easier to install/remove than trunk mount racks. Really into cycling?? A pickup with appropriate bike racks installed in the bed is the way to go.. but again.. cost of pickup/truck ownership.
If they rear end you, their liability insurance should cover the cost of damage to the bikes. Many policies will cover bike racks and bikes under their comprehensive coverage. Other times its covered under homeowners or renters insurance. You have to check with your insurance agent.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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I don't remember what brand mine is, but it works well except for one thing to watch out for. In order to easily install/remove it there is a bit of slop in the fit into the receiver. We use a couple of strong bungies from the bikes to where the safety chain hook on, so that the bikes don't get bounced about.
It cost a little bit more, but it is a solid rack, with no play in the hitch. I've had it for about 8 months now, leave it on my truck, use it almost everyday and it shows no sign of wear or paint fade.
Good way for a minor rear end bump that wouldn't cause any noticeable damage to your car alone, to destroy several thousand bucks worth of bikes. Not worth it in my opinion. Get a roof rack (yes, I know, you said ”no roof racks” but the rear mounted racks are just a bad idea no matter how you cut it).
You're kidding, right? When is the last time you were rear ended? I can tell you that in 50 years of driving it's happened exactly once, and that was at such a low speed that no damage was done.
Oh, and BTW, if someone did rear end your car and damaged your bikes, that's an insurance claim against them too. So maybe you get new bikes out of the deal.
To top it off, have you ever driven a car with bikes on top into a parking lot with a low roof? I have. Did no favors to either my bike or my rack.
I don't remember what brand mine is, but it works well except for one thing to watch out for. In order to easily install/remove it there is a bit of slop in the fit into the receiver. We use a couple of strong bungies from the bikes to where the safety chain hook on, so that the bikes don't get bounced about.
Many hitch bike racks have a "no wobble" bolt to take up the slack at the receiver. The Allen one I linked has one but it is a feature many brands have these days.
the only thing about the no wobble bolt is that it isn't a quick release. So it requires a wrench to put on and off the rack itself. Definitely something to consider when shopping though.
The Kuat Sherpa rack has a big knob that moves a wedge to stabilize the rack. Works well.
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