Author Topic: Bike Racks (Read 749 times)

Brigitte · « **on:** June 30, 2011, 12:32:29 pm »

So, I bought a mountain bike recently. While I enjoy it tremendously it while I'm out riding it, the logistics of storage and transportation are annoying the hell out of me.

First part can't be helped - I live in an apartment building, and all we have is a bike room in the garage, which is fine. Storing it in my apartment (no room) or on my balcony (exposed to the elements) are not options. It's also a PITA to get it into the elevator, all the while praying that nobody else wants to get on after me. There - I'm done b*tching about that part.

Second part is where I'm stuck. It's a mountain bike, and therefore needs to be driven to trails. Right now, I'm forced to A) keep my trunk empty at all times, then B) fold down the back seats, and then C) remove the front wheel to get this thing into my car for transport.

So, I was thinking bike rack. But what kind to get? Trailer hitch installation (for the summer), or one of those hang-off-the-trunk-lid-and-remove-when-done-using types. Again, if that last one is a bigger PITA than stuffing the bike into my car, I'm not interested. Roof rack is out of the question, as I park underground. The garage door does not have that kind of clearance.

Would love to hear your ideas and recommendations. Quad, do you rack your bike(s) or do you stuff them into the GTI?

mrthompson · « **Reply #1 on:** June 30, 2011, 12:46:35 pm »

In a nutshell, hitch mount > trunk mount.

Brigitte · « **Reply #2 on:** June 30, 2011, 01:16:38 pm »

I should add that I do not have a hitch on my car. Are those expensive to install?

quadzilla · « **Reply #3 on:** June 30, 2011, 01:25:09 pm »

If you love your car, DO NOT use a trunk mount.

The GTi has a hitch mount. I can't do roof mount due to the underground parking knowing that it wouldn't take me long to forget and try to drive in with the bikes on top. NOTE: My buddy did this and it creates quite the mess.

I'm using a 2 bike Thule rack. I found most of the cheap racks were just cheap and I wouldn't trust them on a long drive. Cost is around $200 or if you can make a trip over to EMS in Buffalo, you might be able to find a deal as they always have sales.

My hitch install wasn't a lot of money, I'm thinking less than $300 (hitch, install and taxes) but I will dig up my bill at home. I hear it can be easy to do but that also depends on your car.

I install the rack once riding season starts and just leave it on the car until the end of the season.

So for around $500 (maybe less) you should be able to setup a secure system.

Railton · « **Reply #4 on:** June 30, 2011, 01:38:53 pm »

You can get it all done here. That's where we got ours done.
http://www.rackattack.com/rack-attack-mississauga.asp

Just remember to watch it backing up.

Railton

Brigitte · « **Reply #5 on:** June 30, 2011, 01:44:06 pm »

Thanks, guys. This seems like a lot of money for just one bike... $:-\$ Bloody hell.

quadzilla · « **Reply #6 on:** June 30, 2011, 01:57:29 pm »

Yes and no. Amortize it over 5 years and its dirt cheap.

You could buy a cheap trunk mount rack and have it destroy your trunk and/or bumper? Might even get lucky and have the bike fall off while driving down the highway.

Brigitte · « **Reply #7 on:** June 30, 2011, 02:40:42 pm »

Quote from: quadzilla on June 30, 2011, 01:57:29 pm

Yes and no. Amortize it over 5 years and its dirt cheap.

I know. I think I'll just keep stuffing it in the trunk for this summer, and budget the rack for next year's biking season. I have spent far too much money on toys this year!

Quote from: quadzilla on June 30, 2011, 01:57:29 pm

You could buy a cheap trunk mount rack and have it destroy your trunk and/or bumper? Might even get lucky and have the bike fall off while driving down the highway.

AND hit the car(s) behind me. What a joy that would be.

tortoise · « **Reply #8 on:** June 30, 2011, 03:14:59 pm »

I've used a trunk mounted rack and they work just fine. Sure they may scuff the paint a little, and only if you're not careful or spend a lot of time on gravel roads. They're cheap, don't need a hitch and can be found on Kijiji for less than $100. They're WAY better than stuffing it in the car.

For you, I'd go that route. But buy a quality one cause the cheaper ones aren't that secure. Your bike won't fall off or anything but they sure don't inspire confidence.

Brigitte · « **Reply #9 on:** June 30, 2011, 03:21:48 pm »

I was originally looking at this one - it's about $150. Note the "demonstration" vehicle.

http://www.rackattack.com/product-pages/thule-910xt-passage-2-bike-strap-rack.asp

mrthompson · « **Reply #10 on:** June 30, 2011, 03:24:04 pm »

Brigitte · « **Reply #11 on:** June 30, 2011, 03:24:50 pm »

quadzilla · « **Reply #12 on:** June 30, 2011, 03:39:28 pm »

Quote from: Brigitte on June 30, 2011, 03:21:48 pm

I was originally looking at this one - it's about $150. Note the "demonstration" vehicle.

Take a look through Kijiji and Craigslist to see if there are any used ones available.

When using these IF you don't secure it properly or IF one of the straps happens to come loose (even slightly) you can possibly do damage to your car. It just takes a strap to be off by 1mm to cause enough vibrations. I'm not saying it will happen to you but I have seen it happen time and time again to friends. Just wanted to warn you.

Now get on your bike and ride!

mrthompson · « **Reply #13 on:** June 30, 2011, 04:01:18 pm »

I had a cheap-o trunk rack back when I was a poor college kid. I used ropes and bungie cords to supplement the crappy straps and attachment points. And yes, my trunk was scratched from use.

My Focus is fitted with a Class I hitch, which is the normal hitch for most cars. However mine has the 1 1/4" square receiver as is used on Class II hitches. I have a Sportrack 2 bike rack that slides into the receiver and uses a threaded pin with a cotter pin. It's a pretty slick set up. I carry the rack from my shed to the car, slide the rack into the receiver thread the pin and fit the cotter pin. Place the bikes on the rack and away I go.

Brigitte · « **Reply #14 on:** June 30, 2011, 04:53:38 pm »

Quote from: quadzilla on June 30, 2011, 03:39:28 pm

Take a look through Kijiji and Craigslist to see if there are any used ones available.

When using these IF you don't secure it properly or IF one of the straps happens to come loose (even slightly) you can possibly do damage to your car. It just takes a strap to be off by 1mm to cause enough vibrations. I'm not saying it will happen to you but I have seen it happen time and time again to friends. Just wanted to warn you.

Thanks. It's definitely a consideration, although Miss Jetta is now 11 years old and is pretty scratched up as it is. When she goes, it will be as a trade-in. Brand-new car would be a different story altogether.

Quote from: quadzilla on June 30, 2011, 03:39:28 pm

Now get on your bike and ride!

That had better not be a "Fat-Bottomed Girls" reference.

johngenx · « **Reply #15 on:** June 30, 2011, 04:54:27 pm »

I went with roof-rack mounts, and they're a serious pain in the arse. Getting a muddy bike up there sucks, and my cheap bike weighs something like 800lbs, so it's a struggle. A friend of mine has a Jetta and he uses a roof rack mount, and loves it, but his $6K Tri bike weighs 3grams...

Brigitte · « **Reply #16 on:** June 30, 2011, 04:55:03 pm »

Quote from: mrthompson on June 30, 2011, 04:01:18 pm

I had a cheap-o trunk rack back when I was a poor college kid. I used ropes and bungie cords to supplement the crappy straps and attachment points. And yes, my trunk was scratched from use.

My Focus is fitted with a Class I hitch, which is the normal hitch for most cars. However mine has the 1 1/4" square receiver as is used on Class II hitches. I have a Sportrack 2 bike rack that slides into the receiver and uses a threaded pin with a cotter pin. It's a pretty slick set up. I carry the rack from my shed to the car, slide the rack into the receiver thread the pin and fit the cotter pin. Place the bikes on the rack and away I go.

Thanks, Mr. T. What do you (and Quad) use for security? Is the hitch safe from theft? How about the bikes? Just a regular lock will do?

ktm525 · « **Reply #17 on:** June 30, 2011, 05:09:06 pm »

We have a Swagman platform rack. This rack works well with oddly shaped frames. It hauls the wifes Electra Cruiser and mountain bikes. Obviously need a hitch.

airbalancer · « **Reply #18 on:** July 01, 2011, 11:13:39 am »

http://www.yakima.com/shop/camping/rear/superjoe-3

we have used this on our 3 series with no problems witn 2 bikes
The long drive was 3400 km trip

aquadorhj · « **Reply #19 on:** July 01, 2011, 12:09:34 pm »

huh. i'm considering bike rack as well. trunk mounted ones i saw do not clear the rear spoiler on my jetta. $:-\$

are there ones that clear 3-4 inches on top of the trunk? and they look rather dangerous, weighing down the top of the rear bumper.
but don't have the coins to go with hitch.

wow that is expensive. never knew.

disassembling the bike and shoving it into my jetta was actually easier than i thought it would be compare to my girlfriends rabbit though. surprisingly.

oh well.