I am giving serious consideration to buying one of these:
It would be a snap to mount to any of the rear racks I use. And, you know, N+1 happens so it's good to be prepared.
I really like my Swagman 2" bike rack that is the tray style as opposed to holding the bike by the middle. I believe it can also accomodate 1 1/4" hitches and can collapse to the side (with no bikes on it) for trunk access. https://www.amazon.com/Swagman-XTC2-Hitch-Bike-Rack/dp/B001DMJPLO/
I would also recommend looking on Facebook Marketplace, I see listings fairly often in my area. It may be worth keeping an eye if you have a specific budget in mind.
Sorry if this is only loosely FIRE related, but I am moving across the country to relocate for work and am trying to keep moving expenses as low as I can. My plan is to just pack everything I can into my Ford Focus and buy new stuff as needed when I get there.
I just bought a decent hybrid bike (Trek fx 7.2) and would like to get a bike rack to take it with me and save trunk space. I know a lot of us here are big on bicycles, so anyone have any recommendations on a cheap bike rack that I wouldn't have to worry about throwing on the back and driving full speed for 3000 miles?
I was hoping something like this would work well enough from Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Allen-Sports-Deluxe-2-Bike-Trunk/dp/B000ELUXFC/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1476813103&sr=8-5&keywords=bike+rack
I have this one: Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack, Model 102DB, Black/ Silver, 23 x 15 x 4 inches https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000ELUXFC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_8SXEWTCVZQNE582N2E4H?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
only 37 bucks and i’ve transported my bike (and a buddy’s at times) over 2000 miles so far through all sorts of weather without any issue. I just keep a couple extra velcro straps to strap the wheels to the frame so they don’t spin and attach the bottom bar near the bottle holders to the rack as well and it’s good to go
It's an Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack, Model 102DN-R, and it holds really well!
However, it's not exactly gentle on your paint. If you're the type to baby your car it's not for you, you'd be better served by a trailer hitch and a bike rack mounted to that.
Side note: it covers up the backup camera, so that's a little annoying, too.
Have you already ruled out one that straps on like this? They are super convenient and secure. I’ve used it on my jeep no problem.
I have a roof mounted Yakima rack. Pros are I don’t have to take a tire off and I can still use my trunk. Cons are it’s only for one bike, it’s a little difficult lifting the bike up and into it, and it’s SO TALL. I officially can’t drive on the Sagtikos or the parkways with it because of the low bridges.
A hitch rack is pretty good but kind of pricey and overkill for one bike. I also personally feel like they bounce around too much for my liking.
Hope that helps. For the record, I got my Yakima rack from Adam’s Cyclery in East Northport
I would have uhaul weld a small hitch on. They are barely visible. And then get something like this Swagman XTC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DMJPLO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_NQJ77YPAB94KWV6CRH5T.
Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack, Model 102DN-R , Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TRTSAZM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_2C1V6DTTSWW1BD6WHVBH
This one is one that I’ve used for a couple of years now. I’m noticing that it’s starting to make my “spoiler” a little wobbly when I grab it and really try to move it. I don’t think it’s in much danger of snapping off but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re thinking of putting two heavier bikes in the rack.
Personally, I’d enjoy some recommendations for a roof rack. I didn’t want to spend that kind of money a few years ago but I’d be willing to do it now.
I have this one:
KAC Overdrive Sports K2 2” Hitch Mounted Rack 2-Bike Platform Style Carrier for Standard, Fat Tire, and Electric Bicycles – 60 lbs/Bike Heavy Weight Capacity – Smart Tilting – RV Use Prohibited https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D94B52G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_5ZXR5906DEJ2D5JT6JAY?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Just take the battery off and it’s solid.
If you go the kayak route, you can save a bundle for your roof racks if you already have the rails on your vehicle.
These have great reviews on Amazon. I just bought them and used them twice with success. You can also throw in these loops for securing the bows and sterns to your vehicle.
Oh geez. Sorry guys. I suck at reddit.
Those are all fine options but honestly I wouldn’t spend that much on a bike rack. You can probably get one used way cheaper or buy something like this. Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack, Model 102DN-R https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TRTSAZM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ilLIFb6E5SGJM
I’ve had that bike rack for 2 years or so, holding 2 road bikes most of the time and have had no issues with it.
I've had good success with this one. Very well made and more affordable than some others. Recommended on another forum.
https://www.amazon.com/Overdrive-Sport-2-Bike-Hitch-Mounted/dp/B07D94B52G?ref_=ast_sto_dp
Very nice bike you ended up with as well. I briefly looked at that one. But a local shop had this 2019 version for a slight discount plus was last one in my size destiny? :P. So I was happy to lock that in.
How are you liking the FX 3? Any pics ;)?
The rack was bought 10+ years ago at a local bike shop. I believe they call them "hang off the back bike racks" They come in a wide range of price points. The one in picture was sub $150CAD
I did find this one on Amazon which has many reviews and seems very similar for a fraction of the cost (mine has rubber holders). On the other hand you can go with a Thule model which are $200+
Always be mindful of making sure the pedals are tied down in some way to avoid them from spinning which in turn can chew up your bumper.
I moved across country with two bikes on my XD using a Saris Bone rack, and would highly recommend it.
I’ve used a fork mount mounted on the back of my cargo bike. Maybe you could mount one to a standard rear rack, even if it’s high up. Otherwise, maybe you could mount it to a trailer. So you would be towing the trailer and then the bike. I usually just strap the front tire to the bike being towed with voile straps.
I use a cheap bike mount like the one in the following link:
I use a mount similar to the ones in this link to attach them to the crossbar:
I have these attached to the cross bar and use two toe straps to strap the rear wheel to the other cross bar. It’s super simply and cheap. And sturdy. I only have two of these, but I bet you could get four on top of your Outback. It’s not going to have that Thule badge for everyone to see but it will get your bikes to trail head.
Allen bike rack works great for me, fits the trunk perfect. I just went on a 2 hour drive up north with my carbon road bike and it held up perfect no complaints. got it on amazon
Thats my driveway lol. It is florida, though.
The roof rack is OEM VW. I can find that part # if you'd like to see it. The J-hooks are just some mid-grade pair from Amazon. They're all pretty much identical as far as I can tell. I modified them a bit because I didnt trust the thumbscrews. https://www.amazon.com/Lifetime-Warranty-Pairs-Carrier-Crossbar/dp/B00873J0YY
I've got rear straps leading to the trunk where I'm using these: https://www.amazon.com/Action-Transport-Accessories-Vehicle-Lashing/dp/B08CVS2J7H
They're actually hood loops, but they dont work on this car because of the hood design, so I use them for the trunk instead.
I bought a similar one off Amazon - same locking strap issue lol.
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00TRTSAZM?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_asin_title
I plasti-dipped the brackets because I didn't like the metal brackets attaching to paint, in case they wiggle due to vibrations.
If anyone is looking for an option without the hitch, I have a Saris Bones rack that I bought from Amazon for $80. I bought a used one from the Amazon Warehouse instead of a brand new one.
I just put some electrical tape around the parts that touch the car, the avoid any possible scratches.
(These were recommended in another thread)[https://www.bakkiecycles.fr/fr/bakkies/2-sacoche-velo-porte-bagage-bakkie-light-3770010131137.html]
The idea being you put the wheel In the sling and tow it that way.
I have also contemplated bolting one of (these)[MBP Alloy Quick Release Fork Mount Bike Block (9x100mm) Truck Bed / Rack / Storage https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MDXZGMB/] to my Mundo running boards and then tossing the front wheel in a pannier.
I have a sedan and I use this, got it at Walmart. I have zero concerns about the strength/stability of it, it holds up perfectly, and I drive in a very spirited manner.
https://www.amazon.com/Allen-Sports-Deluxe-2-Bike-Trunk/dp/B00TRTSAZM/
Yes. I bought these for the roof rack. And, no need to tie down the nose if you properly tie it down as in the video. I have 2 kayaks at all times.
TMS 2 Pairs J-Bar Rack HD Kayak... https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00873J0YY?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Naw the one I got is the type where you just attach straps to the trunk door no need for any removal. Something like this. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TRTSAZM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_56GPWTYMFH5BRZJSEPR5
This KAC Overdrive has worked for 2 years for me with 2 Runner1's with over 3K miles up and down the West Coast at up to 80+ mph. There are no issues with the weight limit as long as you take the batteries off. I love the tilting aspect, so I could get into my SUV hatch without having to remove the bike.
They have a 4 bike option, but I have no experience with that option.
TMS® 2 Pairs J-Bar Rack HD Kayak Carrier Canoe Boat Surf Ski Roof Top Mount Car SUV Crossbar https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00873J0YY/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_WMN4D6N538B3B42PYG6M
I have something similar to this. Works great and easy to put in and take off
Is the rear camera thing really a deal breaker? I don't really see any hitch options being feasible with that being a requirement. Unless you went with something like This