Car Rack For Step Over

[Chopper]

Hi guys,

I have an older style car rack that supports/suspends the bike via the top tube only. Would you recommend this type of rack for transporting my commuter no more approximately 10kms (sealed roads) ? My bike weighs approx. 22kgs without the battery. Do you think it will damage the frame? My bike is a Merida espresso 300

 

[Brian-s]

At almost 50 lbs, i'd definitely want something more durable.

 

[mrgold35]

Is the hanging bike rack attached to the hatch/trunk area or the type that comes out of a 1.25" or 2" hitch?

I like platform rack from a hitch over hanging bike racks. It can be easier and faster to mount/dismount an (e)bike with a platform rack with minimal bike prep (no extra straps to secure, don't need to remove battery, bike is more steady at speed and over rough terrain, less risk of damage to hatch/trunk area, easier access to trunk/hatch with hitch bike rack, etc...).

I started out with a Softride Dura4 hanging rack for my pedal bikes. I just didn't like:
- had to prep bikes and use Velcro straps to steady the front wheel/handlebars (tires would spin or handlebars would turn)
- adjusting the pedal to limit impact with rear bumper
- more nylon straps to limit swinging and bumping against the rear of vehicle
- bike tires can touch the ground starting up steep inclines or over large bumps
- having to add a top tube adaptor for the wife's pedal bike because of the step thru design

Started out with Saris SuperClamp4 platform rack for 2" hitch for years and recently upgraded to QuikrStuff Mach2 bike rack last summer. The QuikrStuff and 1UP racks look and operate very similar with mount bike, clamp wheels, and drive ease of use capabilities.

 

[Chopper]

Is the hanging bike rack attached to the hatch/trunk area or the type that comes out of a 1.25" or 2" hitch?

2" hitch that fits into the tow bar slot. I'm more concerned about the bike rather than the rack. The rack is heavy duty capable of holding 4 bikes, so weight of my 1 bike isnt the issue. My concern is for the top tube of the bike and any potential issues it may cause the frame.

I cant attach pics for some reason - I get an error message saying; The upload failed because the file could not be written to the server. The site administrator will need to resolve this before any files can be uploaded.

 

[Nvreloader]

I prefer that the bike be held DOWN with 4 ratchet straps for either a high bar or step thru, the bike wheels are fitted into wheel pockets, so the bike CAN'T come loose.
My carrying bike rack has a 500# rating and has a 6' long folding ramp for easy loading/unloading.

Amazon.com

and has this 6' folding ramp,
https://www.amazon.com/Pit-Posse-Folding-Loading-Aluminum/dp/B007LHW2R4
ymmv

 

[Roamers]

See if there is something similar to this with a higher capacity ( only 45#). I have 2 that are no longer used; work great.

Can't load picture: Yakima Tubetop