Bike Rack

[RLB2444]

Everyone has been so helpful to me and I appreciate. I got my Giant LaFree+1. Rode it for the first time yesterday morning for 50 minutes. Did about 6 miles in the neighborhood. I would have ridden longer but my butt started aching. New seat is on my list now!

Here's my dilemma that your input would be most appreciated. To get to the greenways I am going to get a rack. The hitch is being installed this weekend. The dilemma is an affordable rack for one bike. I had narrowed my selection down to the Kuat Transfer. The price is around $200. Don't want to spend much more if I can help it. I am paying for my granddaughters college education. Six years at $3000 a month has put a dent in my cash flow. Good investment though.

The problem with the Kuat is the weight capacity is 40 pound max. I think the LaFree weighs 55. I t have spent hours looking through the net and at the local bike dealers. REI has a nice selection but the Transfer is the only one that is for a single and in my budget.

Does anyone know of a now popular brand of single bike racks with 2" hitch connection. I don't want the hanging type of rack but I may have to go there.

Thank you...Bob

 

[hurricane56]

It's outside your preferred budget, but a 2" super duty rack by 1up is a great option. I just got rid of my Thule in favor of a 1up due to its compact setup.

https://www.1up-usa.com/product/2in-super-duty-single-bike-rack/

The other option is to get a motorcycle rack from Harbor Freight, but you won't have the convenience of having an integrated system of holding down the bike. You'd have to use tie-downs or ratchet straps to secure the bike. I think these racks can be found for around $100 with coupon.

 

[Marci jo]

Congrats on your ebike!
I use a Saris Freedom 2. It holds 2 ebikes and comes with both 1 1/4 and 2” models. It might be over your budget at $350 on Amazon. What I like is it’s only 28 lbs so me with my whimpy arms can lift it. Some of the other ebike racks are 50-70 lbs.
Also check out etrailer.com. Lots of choices and their customer service is fantastic if you need to call them.

 

[vincent]

I have not looked at them but thought the hollywood racks had some good weight ratings at good prices

Unless i am mistaken hanging racks are weighted lighter and you should not use them with ebikes

The only correctly weighted option would be a hitch mounted platform style rack

The motorcycle racks tend to be cheap and obviously could handle the weight

I have 1up racks and can say they are worth the money

 

[johnt3]

I have a Hollywood rack made for two electric bikes. I have used it for two long trips ( Tn. to Hilton Head, and Tn.to Grayson Beach Fl) . The rack handled the bikes the distance with no problems, and I felt at ease with the setup......I did check everything at every stop however. The Hollywood rack is kinda heavy and a little hard to handle by myself, but I m 67 and managed alright. Both of those destinations are great bike riding also!

 

[niteman]

Congratulations on your purchase. I use a trunk mounted Thule Raceway rack without issue, however I would recommend that you take heed of all the great suggestions above, and pursue them on craigslist,ebay, offerup etc. I've seen many excellent products, used a year or less and sell for half or better. Good luck on you quest and stay happy.

 

[RLB2444]

Great information “Hurricane 56!”

I will check it out. I have missed that one!

I hadn’t thought about Harbor Freight. I don’t have a problem strapping it down. I doubt I will ever drive it more 10 miles.

Thank you


Bob

Congratulations on your purchase. I use a trunk mounted Thule Raceway rack without issue, however I would recommend that you take heed of all the great suggestions above, and pursue them on craigslist,ebay, offerup etc. I've seen many excellent products, used a year or less and sell for half or better. Good luck on you quest and stay happy.

Thank you "Niteman" for your suggestions. I have seen severral users of the Thule trunk mount racks and have inquired about them. They don't recommend because of the weight of the bike and damage to vehicle. You obviously have not experienced these problems. The vehicle I will use the bike with is an "18 Subaru Crosstrek." I spoke with a rep from KUAT yesterday. The TRANSFER model would be perfect but has a 40 pound limit. I think my bike is around 55 pounds. I could remove the battery and save some weight. I did find a 4 bike Thule on Craigslist locally for $100 but I will never use more than one bike with it. Still an option. I will check offer-up and Ebay. Thanks again.

 

[AguassissiM]

@RLB2444

Have a look here it just may be what you`re looking for, it supports 90 lbs (2 bikes @ 45 lbs each).
Just got one myself, have not had a chance to use it yet, need to modify the tire holders to fit the 4" tires of my ebike (70 lbs).

 

[RLB2444]

AguassissiM...thank you. This is a good suggestion. My light just came on regarding my bike which will affect the options I have. It's a step through and would be curious if the gripper that that secures the bike will tighten around the lower arm on the step through. I suspect they have bars that will attach to the handle bar post and the seat mount to convert to a regular bike. Great option. Thank you!

 

[AguassissiM]

The sliding locks do go way down, have a look at the picture you can secure a very small bike


went to local store and found these CCM Fat Tire Wheel Holder for my fat tire bike, works like a charm and it will hold a 5" tire.

edited to add info and picture

 

[RLB2444]

Yes...it appears to go down far enough to lock it down. I have been looking at their website. I think it will work...thank you very much for your help.

 

[AguassissiM]

You`re welcome, the good thing with amazon is that you can always return the item if it does not fulfill your expectations.

 

[ez3putt]

This is what I use. I just completed a 2650 mile trip with it. 400 lb capacity and under $150.00 from Discount Ramps also sold through Amazon. Straps are cinch straps from Harbor Freight. I find them easier to use than ratchet straps. Includes a detachable ramp, so no lifting. The rack only weighs 34 lbs.