laughingtoe
New Member
We have just purchased 2 ebikes (Gazelles) and are interested in suggestions for a bike rack for a Nissan Rogue. Thank you!
Bike Rack suggestions
- Thread starter laughingtoe
- Start date
E-Wheels
Well-Known Member
What is your budget
Thule tow bar racks get good reviews from forum members (me included)
Towbar bike racks | Thule | Australia
A towbar bike rack is great for transporting heavy bikes or ebikes. Robust and lightweight, these bike racks take seconds to install on your towbar.
Sierratim
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Nevada City, CA & Paradise Valley, AZ
I do agree with @E-Wheels re Thule racks, solid products all around.
Which model bikes? At least one has a front rack which would preclude the use of a tire clamp style rack. We use a Thule T2 rack that clamps onto the the front tire our our lighter bikes. This has worked well for some years. It looks like it would clamp the tire of any of the models, except the one with the front rack. The Gazelles are just a bit under 60lbs each. The T2 rack is rated for this, though this is the rack's rated limit. We remove our ebike batteries for transport. Doing this would get you comfortably under the rack weight rating. This rack is available in a 2" and 1.25" hitch receiver. It locks to the receiver with a threaded shaft that requires a 3/4" wrench.
For our heaviest bikes we use the Thule EasyFfold X2 rack. It's rated at 65lbs/bike, 130lbs total, a bit better for 2 Gazelles, though more $$. When loaded with bikes this rack can swing down from the car on a balance point using a foot operated lever. The bikes are secured with 2 wheel straps and a frame clamp. It comes with hidden ramps so the heaviest bikes can be rolled onto the rack. The hitch mount has a very secure tool-free locking clamp mechanism. When off the car the rack folds into a compact shape that can be easily rolled around your storage area. This rack comes with hardware to adapt to 2" or 1.25" hitch receiver.
We've keyed our 2 racks and other Thule accessories alike so just 1 key for everything.
laughingtoe
New Member
Excellent information. I'm willing to spend a little more to get something that will last and be as easy as possible. The model is Medeo, one smaller and one larger frame, and do not have a front rack. They do have mounted front lights. We also have 2 heavier bikes (in another state) that might be included in the long run. Can one of these racks handle 4?
laughingtoe
New Member
Thank you. I'll definitely check these out. I'm willing to spend a little more to get what will work best.What is your budget
Thule tow bar racks get good reviews from forum members (me included)
Towbar bike racks | Thule | Australia
A towbar bike rack is great for transporting heavy bikes or ebikes. Robust and lightweight, these bike racks take seconds to install on your towbar.www.thule.com
Sierratim
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Nevada City, CA & Paradise Valley, AZ
One of my sons also has the Thule T2. He has a 2 bike expansion for his that allows 4 bikes total. I believe it's this one; https://www.thule.com/en-us/bike-rack/accessories/thule-t2-pro-xt-add-on-_-1691039 . The EasyFold accepts 2 bikes max.
The issue is going to be the total weight spec. At 130lbs the T2 is nearly at max with 2 Gazelles. I don't see any expanded weight specs for the 2 bike add-on so I'm guessing that it's a no-go for 2 Gazelles and 2 other heavier bikes.
This article discusses heavy duty racks; https://www.switchbacktravel.com/best-hitch-bike-racks . Several can be expanded to 4 bikes though it's not clear that the total weight rating is enough for your needs.
Other threads have discussed motorcycle racks for multiple ebikes. I don't have any experience with these, but it may work for you. Give the search function a try for these threads, and then, of course, to the Google!
Good hunting...
laughingtoe
New Member
Much gratitude for your thorough insights and guidance!
