Showing posts with label hitch-mounted. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hitch-mounted. Show all posts

9/18/2012

Saris T-RAX Basic 5 Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Recevier) Review

Saris T-RAX Basic 5 Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Recevier)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I have owned this rack for 5 years and it is without doubt the strongest, most reliable and durable product I have ever used. Too bad the photo is the 2 bike version with the 1 and 1/4" hitch. It really doesn't do this rack justice.
I have the 2" - 5 bike version and I can honestly attest to carrying 5 bikes on it without any problems. If you have a womans bike with the low swooping step through bars, you WILL need the Saris top bar adapter. Get over it! There is no way to make it work without it. This is not a design flaw there is no way to accomadate these kind of bikes!
I have a carbon fiber road bike and it gently keeps it in place and with the 3rd vertical tie down it keeps all bikes from swinging. I have taken all of my friends and their bikes to various road rides and carried them trouble free and rock solid. I have 4 grandkids with bikes and carry them equally as well.
If you have a large group of bikes to carry......BUY THIS RACK! period. You won't be disappointed. The only con that I have with it is I had to buy a seperate anti rattle device so when the bikes were on the rack it would not wobble from side to side. Obviously a 2" receiver and a 2" rack are going to be slightly different sizes so they fit into one another. (See photos).
After that it is rock solid with up to 150 pounds of bikes. I leave it on all summer and only take it off to go through car washes. I bought a 15' security strap with a stainless steel master lock and attach it to the rack and hitch for use when I leave the bikes unattended....dinner/shopping and any other pit stops.
I am sure that the smaller versions of this rack are just as nice so don't hesitate to buy whichever one fits your needs. It may not be the prettiest rack around, but it does what it is supposed to do flawlessly. There is something to be said for things that work as advertised.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Saris T-RAX Basic 5 Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Recevier)

You can empty your garage in one fell swoop, and be on the trail before the dew has burned off with this 5 bike receiver hitch mount bike rack from Saris. Made from strong and lightweight 2-1/2-inch steel tubing, the T-RAX features a 2-inch receiver hitch mount engineered to accommodate up to five bikes of almost any size with a tongue weight of 300 pounds and a carrying capacity of 35 pounds per bike.
The HitchTite base connects easily to your hitch receiver, and allows the rack to be tilted for rear door access. The soft rubber hold-downs and pivoting anti-sways ensure that the rack doesn't make direct contact with the bike frame yet are adjustable so you can eliminate the wobble and pitch that can damage both of your vehicles. The ratcheting carrier arms with QuickTite knobs secure your bike in one smooth motion, and make it possible to fold them out of your way when they're not in use.


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6/10/2012

Saris T-RAX Basic 4 Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Recevier) Review

Saris T-RAX Basic 4 Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Recevier)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Saris builds bike racks like a brick-you-know-what. The T-RAX is no exception. I regularly haul bikes all over the mountains and by-ways of the Pacific Northwest, this four-place hitch-mounted rack works with my Prius perfectly. I have had this rack for three-plus years and it is going strong. Straps that hold on both the vertical and horizontal axis to keep the bikes in place, there is no issue about rubbing - and they go on and off in seconds. With no hitch-wobble due to the screw-down pin system (seriously, the only major concern I have with my Prius is that I forget bikes are back there). I have been very happy with the Saris T-RAX, it was a bit more than several bargain racks - but has none of the issues which can make hauling bikes a pain, or even dangerous. There are more expensive rack systems available, my opinion (based on several years of use) is that Saris is all-that and more. It is so strong, I leave it on during the week to discourage those who parallel park by braille - no one messes with my back bumper anymore!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Saris T-RAX Basic 4 Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Recevier)

So you and your friends want to go and do some road work? Load 'em up with the T-RAX four-bike two-inch receiver hitch mount bike rack from Saris. Made with many quality features such as a strong and lightweight 2-1/2-inch steel tubing frame, the T-RAX has a tongue weight of 300 pounds with a carrying capacity of 35 pounds per bike. The two-inch receiver hitch mounts is engineered to accommodate almost any bike size. The soft rubber hold-downs and pivoting anti-sways ensure that the rack doesn't make direct contact with the bike frame, yet is adjustable so you can eliminate the wobble and pitch that can damage both of your vehicles.
The HitchTite base connects easily to your hitch receiver, and allows the rack to be tilted for easy rear access. The ratcheting carrier arms with QuickTite knobs secure your bike in one smooth motion, and make it possible to fold them out of your way when they're not in use. Safe and secure, the T-RAX from Saris is a sturdy and easy to use hitch mount carrying system.


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5/21/2012

Rola 59400 Two Bike Hitch Mount Carrier Review

Rola 59400 Two Bike Hitch Mount Carrier
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
The carrier seems to be (Have not used yet) well designed but
the quality control was lacking. There is a folding arm with a
locking pin to lock the arm in the up position but the pin would
not go in until I relocated the centering bushings. Unfortunatly
this was easier than sending the product back. Once this was center-
ed correctly, the pin worked as it should.

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5/03/2012

Thule No-Sway Cage Accessory - 2 Pack Review

Thule No-Sway Cage Accessory - 2 Pack
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I was skeptical. How effective could these actually be? But for the price I figured "why not give them a try?"
Worth the extra $20 or so. Although there was little to no sway with the Thule rack in the first place (I love my Thule rack - the 912), these keep the bikes extra firm and in their place when you're on backroads. But, I think most importantly, these cages keep the bikes from banging into each other and causing unnecessary frame dings.
Cons:
A little bit of a hassle to put on and take off - maybe 5 minutes extra to secure two bikes.
Also, you have to throw them in your car rather than leave them on the rack - too easy to steal so why risk it.
I like them - I recommend as long as they're less than $20.

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4/23/2012

Hollywood Racks HR9200 Traveler 5-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Receiver) Review

Hollywood Racks HR9200 Traveler 5-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Receiver)
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The 9200 is an inferior version of the 520. I ordered the $169 HR9200 first and was dissapointed with the amount of sway, the lack of ability to use a locking mechanism to affix it to the car and the lack of straps that come with it.
I sent the 9200 back and am quite happy even though I had to eat the $25 return mail fee. It is definitely more heavy duty..I think it weighs 15-20 pounds more than the 9200. The anti-sway of the 9200 just didn't cut the mustard.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Hollywood Racks HR9200 Traveler 5-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Receiver)

Featuring durable rubber cradles with anti-sway stabilizers, this heavy-duty rack mounts on a 2-inch hitch and holds five bicycles. The rack tilts down for cargo-area access, and the arms fold down when not in use. A "no-wobble" threaded hitch pin prevents rack sway. The rack carries a limited warranty against defects.
About Hollywood Racks Hollywood Racks started in 1973 when they began making trunk racks in the back of our bike shop in Hollywood, CA. As a retailer, the company knew exactly what people needed: good quality products that were easy to use. They earned a great reputation fast and began selling racks to other dealers, and later to the bike companies. Today, Hollywood Racks builds racks the only way they know how: simple, strong, and secure.
Hollywood Racks are built with top-quality materials including high-strength steel, aircraft-quality fasteners, and thick powder coats to withstand the elements. Generous amounts of padding protect bikes and cars, and all of their products are fully covered with a limited warranty. The company's products continue to receive accolades from all the major outdoor sports magazines, and are in demand by everyone from recreational cycling families to weekend warriors to race teams on the road and off.


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3/24/2012

Saris Bike Porter Hitch 4 Bike Universal Hitch Rack (4 Bike) Review

Saris Bike Porter Hitch 4 Bike Universal Hitch Rack (4 Bike)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Saris.com seems to edit out any review that isn't all "positive" about their bike racks...so I'll post it on here. Overall the rack is very sturdy and well built, HOWEVER...
I bought a 1.25in hitch specifically to get away from trunk racks. Spent a bunch of money on it, then spent a ton of money on this rack...(the 4 bike version-locking)...only to get it and right on the box it says the 4 BIKE RACK is limited to 2 BIKES on a 1.25in hitch. Carrying 4 bikes was also the main reason to get a hitch rack...so according to the box I have the same carrying capacity as my cheap trunk rack. It doesn't say on the website, nor the installation manual, that it is limited to 2 bikes. ONLY on the BACK of the box. This is horribly lame and mis-leading.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Saris Bike Porter Hitch 4 Bike Universal Hitch Rack (4 Bike)



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3/20/2012

SportRack - A30604 - Hitch'n'Drive 4 Bike Rack - (For 1.25"/2" Receiver) Review

SportRack - A30604 - Hitch'n'Drive 4 Bike Rack - (For 1.25/2 Receiver)
Average Reviews:

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The rack is OK, but I have two problems with it:
1. The design of the hitch mount that lets you use 2" or 1.25" receivers makes the rack cumbersome to install.
2. The rack uses a threaded bolt, instead of a hitch pin, to attach to the receive. The bolt is an odd size, so it is impossible to lock the rack to the receiver.

Click Here to see more reviews about: SportRack - A30604 - Hitch'n'Drive 4 Bike Rack - (For 1.25"/2" Receiver)

Single arm bike carrier designed to fit race, mountain or touring bikes

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Schwinn 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack Review

Schwinn 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This a good rack for the price. It is made solidly, easy to install, keeps the bikes well secured, and looks pretty good. It is also very convenient to be able to bring your bikes along, but still have all the storage in your truck bed or SUV for passengers and stuff. There are a couple other things worth mentioning, though...
The 'drop-down' feature is nice in theory, but a pain to use in reality. Since you have to have the rack empty anyway, it's easier to just un-bolt the whole thing instead of fighting it.
All of the negative reviews mention the bikes in the rack "swaying", but I've never seen it happen. I've only loaded two bikes on it, but never seen them move much. Maybe the other reviewers didn't follow the instructions... there's a plastic piece that holds the nut in place (one moron reviewer used tape! no wonder it didn't work well...), and there's another plastic piece to use if you have a 2" hitch receiver (another idiot reviewer tried to use "shims" - again, no surprise that it didn't work...). If you follow the directions, the rack is very stable! One more thing - the people saying that it isn't secure might not have tightened the bolt that goes through the vehicle's hitch mount! You can't just thread it enough to slide in the cotter pin - you need to tighten it down all the way WITH a wrench! The cotter pin is only there in case the bolt works itself loose - so the rack will wobble instead of dumping all of your bikes on the highway!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Schwinn 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack

Get your motor running and head out to your favorite bike trails with the Schwinn 158R hitch rack, which can carry four bikes. Perfect for sedans, minivans, and SUVs, this rack is designed to be installed quickly and without tools. It offers easily adjustable support arms, bike hold-downs that separate and firmly hold the bikes, and a narrow frame configuration that fits a wider array of bikes. Its fold-away design allows for rear vehicle access, and it completely folds down for compact, convenient storage. This rack fits 1-1/4" and 2" square hitches.
About Schwinn Founded in 1895, Schwinn is an American icon that has been synonymous with quality and innovation. They have built some of the best-known and best loved bikes of numerous generations--Aerocycle, Paramount, Phantom, Varsity, Sting-Ray, Krate and Homegrown. Today, Schwinn continues to be a leader in the industry with innovative bikes such as the new Sting-Ray, Rocket mountain bikes, and Fastback road bikes. With a continued dedication to quality, forever synonymous with the Schwinn name, America's most famous bicycle brand looks forward to providing another century of innovation, freedom and performance to people of all ages.


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1/23/2012

Reese Towpower 44006 2 inch Class III / IV Professional Hitch Receiver Review

Reese Towpower 44006 2 inch Class III / IV Professional Hitch Receiver
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Installation of this went fairly smooth with the exception of having to deal with a broken bolt due to vehicle rusting. Directions were consistant and correct, however while this hitch specifies it is for ALL caravans including AWD, it does not take into account that the AWD vehicle will have a full size spare tire. (This is not a problem with vehicles having the "spare donut") The full size tire fits, however it has to be convinced to fully retract and seat a little off center due to the angle of the hitch edge. Other than that, I have yet to see how this does towing a trailer.

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1/19/2012

Hollywood Racks HR400 Road Runner 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Receiver)) Review

Hollywood Racks HR400 Road Runner 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Receiver))
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I bought this rack at least 10 years ago, possibly 11 or 12. It has actually lasted longer than the Explorer I bought it for. I have it on a new Silverado now and it works like a champ. The release was originally appealing because the Explorer had the hatch style door and it allowed me to get into the cargo area without taking the bikes off. Now with the truck, I can still let down the bed gate and not have to take the bikes off the rack.
I have carried everything from mountain bikes to kids bikes to my big fat beach cruiser and it has had no problems with bowing or swaying. It's made out of some type of heavy duty iron with very solid welding. It's not lightweight, but it's not a workout either.
Now the best part: I recently realized that I stripped one of the turn knobs that allows the bars to go up and down. I called customer service and they allowed me to drive over to their facility and pick up a replacement. How cool was that? A lot of these manufacturers will not sell directly to the public, and they did with no problem. What's even better is; as I was standing out front putting on the part, the owner happened to come out to see if I needed help. He even gave me my money back stating stating that since I drove all the way over there and it was a little part, he wouldn't charge. I couldn't believe it! I tried to refuse, but he kept giving me back the payment! I was shocked!

The replacement part works great and I am a loyal customer for life. That type of service is unheard of these days. I was happy enough to just be able to get the part immediately. I know this rack will last another ten years, and hopefully I will be able to get other items from this company.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Hollywood Racks HR400 Road Runner 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Receiver))



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12/30/2011

Yakima DoubleDown 5-Bike Hitch Mount Rack Review

Yakima DoubleDown 5-Bike Hitch Mount Rack
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This Yakima Double-Down 5 bike rack is not all that it is cracked up to be. It swayed terribly. Every time we went over a roughness in the road the whole rack of bikes bounced up and down. Finally, the extender bars were only 26" long. This did NOT accommodate our children's 5 bikes. We could only get 4 bikes on it. After a few weeks of being very frustrated, I took it back to the store and told them that it swayed far too much. I also told them that it did not hold 5 bikes.
While there at the store, I noticed a Yakima King-Pin 5 bike rack. This is the Yakima that preceded the Double-Down. I measured its arms and they were 31" of bike-carrying length. The store allowed me to trade the Double-Down for the King-Pin.
I am so much happier as the King-Pin does not sway at all. It fits much sturdier and solid. Also, I have 5 extra inches of bike carrying length which is what I needed to get that fifth bike on it.
I do not recommend the Double-Down. If you can locate a King-Pin (which may be hard since the Double-Down is replacing it), it will work for you so much better.
Overall, we like the Yakima over other leading brands as the bike cradles come with the rack. With other brands you have to purchase these cradles separately.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Yakima DoubleDown 5-Bike Hitch Mount Rack

Easily carry up to five bikes whether you're driving across the country or simply heading to the trail with the Yakima DoubleDown 5 five-bike hitch-mount rack. The DoubleDown 5 is outfitted with a user-friendly TriggerFingers system, which lets you fold the mast easily out of the way when not in use. As a result, you won't have to take the rack off the car just to get a soda from the cooler. The rack also protects your bikes thanks to its standard SwitchBlade anti-sway cradle, which eliminates bike-to-bike contact. And thanks to the RocSteady hitch tongue, the DoubleDown 5 is extremely stable. Other details include narrow arms that fit a wide variety of frames, an integrated bottle opener, and a durable powder-coat finish. Compatible with 2-inch and 1-1/4-inch hitch receivers right out of the box, the DoubleDown 5 carries a limited lifetime warranty.


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12/25/2011

Allen Premium 3-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (1.25 or 2-Inch Receiver) Review

Allen Premium 3-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (1.25 or 2-Inch Receiver)
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(More customer reviews)
She's sturdy. We drove 490 miles with it this weekend and it was great.
Easy installation, quick release allows it to fold down easily, and another quick release allows it to tilt out of the way for liftgate access.
Very satisfied.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Allen Premium 3-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (1.25 or 2-Inch Receiver)

Carry your bicycles securely and avoid the hassles of piled bikes or high threshold rooftop mounts, with the Allen Premium 3-Bike Hitch Mount Rack. Fitting vehicles with a 1.25 or 2-inch trailer hitch, the Allen Premium Hitch Mount Rack boasts the new Quick Carry Arm Release, making it both easy to operate and super secure for your bikes. Constructed out of steel with a durable black powder finish, the rack is built to last and is backed up by a lifetime warranty by Allen.
The Allen rack boasts a patented tie-down system and individually cradles up to three bikes in the 16-inch carry arms. A separate tie down strap is included with the rack and eliminates lower bike movement completely. As easy to install as it is to use, the rack sets up in less than 5 minutes with a no-wobble bolt that holds it still within the hitch. When the rack is not in use, the carry arms quickly drop out of the way and fold down flat with a patented single pin mechanism and the rack tilts up to allow easy access to the lift gate.
Specifications:
Fits vehicles with a 1.25 or 2-inch trailer hitch
Holds up to three bikes
16-inch carry arms
Individual bike cradles
Steel construction
Black powder coat finish
Patented single key release system
Tie down strap
Minor assembly required

About Allen Bike Racks: In 1967, after a few years of working on the aerospace technology for the Apollo missions, Dick Allen was out of a job. Government cutbacks led Allen, a Harvard-trained physicist, to transform his garage hobby into a new industry. A cycling enthusiast, inventor, and family man, Allen had a personal need for a bike-carrying device. On weekends, he would take his sons and wife to Cape Cod or the White Mountains of New Hampshire. What proved difficult time and again was the transport of his family's bicycles. Rather than fight through inconvenience with twine and a dinged car, Allen sought an answer for himself as well as a market in which he foresaw major growth possibilities.
Always a pathfinder, Allen took to work in his Lincoln, Massachusetts garage in search of a more efficient way to transport bikes. Drafting designs during the day and constructing them throughout the night, he put together a model made of electrical conduit, metal strapping, and fire hose casings (for padding). At first, the Allens tested the prototype on weekend excursions. Finding the first trunk-mounted rack to be a success, Dick started Allen Bike Racks. Dealer acceptance came quickly, and by 1971 Allen Bike Racks were sold nationally through a number of major bicycle distributors. Today, the company owns over three-dozen patents and offers a versatile product line of bike racks while Dick's son Alex now owns and operates the business. What started out as a small garage run operation now operates three warehouses nationally, two factories abroad, and has products sold in more than a dozen countries around the world.
Manufacturer's Warranty Lifetime warranty


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12/19/2011

Yakima DeadLock Hitch Mount Bike Rack Bike Lock with Core Review

Yakima DeadLock Hitch Mount Bike Rack Bike Lock with Core
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
So I bought this lock package to protect both my bikes and my new Yakima DoubleDown rack. Unfortunately there is a HUGE design flaw with how this system works on the DoubleDown racks. Yes, you can lock the bikes to the rack and also the rack to the hitch with this product. Unfortunately, Yakima engineers didn't seem to think about securing the pivot bolt in the middle where the rack folds down. It is just as easy (if not even easier) to simply unscrew that pivot bolt and take the whole rack off as it is to take out the hitch pin. Imagine coming back to your truck to find that your bikes and rack are both gone, but the lower trailer hitch piece of the rack is still safely locked to the hitch. Seems like a very sloppy oversight to me. Go look at a demo rack in a retail store. You'll see what I mean. The pivot bolt is not protected at all, and it would take only a minute to unscrew it and be gone with the whole rack...despite both of these locks.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Yakima DeadLock Hitch Mount Bike Rack Bike Lock with Core

Enjoy peace of mind while driving with your bikes with the Yakima DeadLock. Offering an easy way to lock your bikes directly to your Yakima hitch-mount bike rack--and in turn secure your hitch-mount to your car--the DeadLock strikes fear into the hearts of devious thieves. The unit includes an upper lock that secures the outside bike to the hitch-mount using a cable and steel pin, along with a hitch lock that secures the rack to your vehicle. Drivers can rest assured that the DeadLock will hold up to use and abuse thanks to the lock's injection-molded design and metal core. Plus, the lock comes with a single key for locking both your bikes and the rack. As with all Yakima products, the DeadLock carries a limited lifetime warranty.


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12/11/2011

Swagman Fold Down Towing Rack 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Receiver) Review

Swagman Fold Down Towing Rack 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Receiver)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I've had this rack for since 2002 - has worked well for carrying bikes whether towing my +2000-lbs popup camper or not. I've recommended it to friends, and would buy it again.
Don't use the swing-down feature often, as it's pretty heavy if bikes are loaded. The v-cradles for the bikes don't work as well for the oval tubes on some bikes - especially for really "tall" top tubes. I bought a "cheater" tube for adapting troublesome bikes (ladies frame, etc.) to fit the rack.
The three screws to fasten the top plate are a little tedious, but I can clamp it as tight as I want, can accomodate top tubes of varous diameters (the top plate flexes), and I have never seen them loosen even after several hours of highway driving.
Re: earlier comments on chains: I tow with a minivan (towing package including load-leveling). I had to get safety chain extensions so I could tow my popup camper. To kee the chains off the road, I use a bungee cord from the crossing point to the trailer tongue.

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11/18/2011

Swagman XP Fold Down 5-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Receiver) Review

Swagman XP Fold Down 5-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Receiver)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I needed a 5 bicycle rack that could handle all our family bikes, including our 3 children's (5, 7 and 10 yrs. old) for our yearly vacation. This one seemed to be pretty versatile, not requiring additional bars for most bikes.
While it took some work to make all bikes fit just right (especially the little ones), we made the 4 hour trip to the mountains just fine; no excessive movement (though it does sway a little), no damage to the bicycles (I used pipe insulating foam tube pieces in a couple of spots where bikes rubbed each other) and an overall uneventful trip, even on some not-so-smooth roads. Getting the kids' bikes on was kinda tricky (the littlest one had to travel upside down!) but it worked out fine--I don't think it would have been so with some of the other 2-bar models.
However, if I had to load all 5 bikes on a regular basis I'd probably be looking for a different option. Also, something this rack (and most others too) could use is some kind of reflective finish on the end of the tube... can never be too safe!

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9/29/2011

Yakima DoubleDown 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack Review

Yakima DoubleDown 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
The Yakima DoubleDown 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack is most likely the first and last bike rack I will ever own. When the box arrived at my door, it was stamped with Yakima's "Love it till you leave it" guarantee. Right out of the box, it was simple to assemble with easy to follow directions in both English and Spanish - and as I found out later, you can also download the assembly instructions via PDF document (in case they are misplaced) on Yakima's Web site. The tongue adapter allows you to connect the bike rack to a 2 inch receiver/hitch, but since I have a smaller, 1.25 inch mount, all I had to do was remove one screw to slide off the hard-shell outer casing. From assembly to mounting, it took me just over 20 minutes to get it all done. The best part, when bikes aren't attached, is that I can release a locking pin to access the rear hatchback door of my Ford Escape SUV. Also, the supportive upper arm folds down when the rack is not in use.
The only reason I did not give this product the full five star rating is because although the unit is secure, it's just a little top heavy when it is attached to the vehicle but not carrying any bikes. Finally, the DoubleDown 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack is meant to support two bikes at a time - more realistically at all times. With two bikes on the rack, it prevents excess sway of the front handlebars and bike tires. Since I only have my bike to support, I have fixed this problem by purchasing a couple of nylon elastic stretch bands to help prevent this swaying motion. This has worked well. With two bikes on the rack, however, I don't believe I would have this issue.
To end on a positive note, as long as you have it mounted correctly and tightly, the rack with bike(s) attached handles well at highway speeds in excess of 70MPH. Overall this is a great product that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a fairly priced hitch mount that is built to last.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Yakima DoubleDown 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack

Easily carry up to two bikes whether you're driving across the country or simply heading to the trail with the Yakima DoubleDown 2 two-bike hitch mount-rack. The DoubleDown 2 is outfitted with a user-friendly TriggerFingers system, which lets you fold the mast easily out of the way when not in use. As a result, you won't have to take the rack off the car just to get a soda from the cooler. The rack also protects your bikes thanks to its standard SwitchBlade anti-sway cradle, which eliminates bike-to-bike contact. And thanks to the RocSteady hitch tongue, the DoubleDown 2 is extremely stable. Other details include narrow arms that fit a wide variety of frames, an integrated bottle opener, and a durable powder-coat finish. Compatible with 2-inch and 1-1/4-inch hitch receivers right out of the box, the DoubleDown 2 carries a limited lifetime warranty.


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8/22/2011

Allen Stainless Steel Locking Hitch Pin for Allen Hitch Mount Bike Racks (2-Inch Receiver) Review

Allen Stainless Steel Locking Hitch Pin for Allen Hitch Mount Bike Racks (2-Inch Receiver)
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WORTH THE PRICE? Maybe not. The lock replaces one bolt. There are 3 other bolts that assemble the Allen bike rack I purchased. The lock bolt attaches the rack to the hitch. Another bolt can be removed to steal the rack. However, doing this would require the thief to somehow purchase the missing peice to attach it to another hitch. The missing piece may be cheaper than a full rack. Also, the nut for the lock bolt did not easily fit on the lock bolt. It wasn't machined properly. I used the bolt from the screw pin that came with the bike rack and it worked. Not sure if another manufacturers bolt would work.

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The Allen 500L Stainless Steel Locking Hitch Pin for Allen Hitch Mount Bike Racks functions to lock and tighten all Allen two-inch receiver racks. It is compatible with the Models 530RR, 540RR, 550RR, 640RR, and 740RR receiver racks. The solid brass locking cylinder and cylinder case are durable and work to prevent bike theft. The lock is further secured by the internal O ring and water-tight cap, which protect the locking mechanism. The device also integrates a stainless steel nut, which tightens the rack inside of the hitch, eliminating bike wobble. The set includes three keys.
What's in the Box? 500L locking hitch pin and three keys
About Allen Bike Racks In 1967, after a few years of working on the aerospace technology for the Apollo missions, Dick Allen was out of a job. Government cutbacks led Allen, a Harvard-trained physicist, to transform his garage hobby into a new industry. A cycling enthusiast, inventor, and family man, Allen had a personal need for a bike-carrying device. On weekends, he would take his sons and wife to Cape Cod or the White Mountains of New Hampshire. What proved difficult time and again was the transport of his family's bicycles. Rather than fight through inconvenience with twine and a dinged car, Allen sought an answer for himself as well as a market in which he foresaw major growth possibilities.
Always a pathfinder, Allen took to work in his Lincoln, Massachusetts garage in search of a more efficient way to transport bikes. Drafting designs during the day and constructing them throughout the night, he put together a model made of electrical conduit, metal strapping, and fire hose casings (for padding). At first, the Allens' tested the prototype on weekend excursions. Finding the first trunk-mounted rack to be a success, Dick started Allen Bike Racks. Dealer acceptance came quickly, and by 1971 Allen Bike Racks were sold nationally through a number of major bicycle distributors. Today, the company owns over three dozen patents and offers a versatile product line of bike racks while Dick's son Alex now owns and operates the business. What started out as a small garage run operation now operates three warehouses nationally, two factories abroad, and has products sold in more than a dozen countries around the world.


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