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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
Not sure how many bikes you are transporting, but this is what I got - Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack , Black, 2-Inch Receiver https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0001VO1YY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_TZ47231PF0HW2TGT3R6T?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Currently $140.
If you never plan to do much else with it, you can find a curt class one hitch on Amazon for your car as well. Hopefully easy to install. My car has some years on it and the price was so cheap I just went class 1, 1”1/4” hitch. After 7 years of not installing anything pulling the trigger and maybe getting it wrong was worth the risk of never adding a hitch.
I spent time researching this quite a bit and ended up getting a hitch mount for my Crosstrek.
Swagman XC Cross-Country Bike Rack
I’ve had a roof mount before on a golf and it was kind of a pain.
PROS (hitch compared to roof): -Noise reduction -Minimal MPG loss -Quick to mount the rack itself -Quick to mount the bikes -Less likely to damage your car when mounting -Zero roof clearance issues (people forget they’re on the roof and attempt to drive into their garage).
CONS: -Bike gets slightly dirty, not much, worth mentioning. -Cannot open my rear hatch when bikes are mounted.
I’ll update this if I think of anything else.
I bought this guy on amazon. Its surprising durable, folds up and is light. I put my 29er and 27.5 FS on there at the same time no problem.
Swagman XC Cross-Country 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (1/1/4 and 2-Inch Receiver) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001VO1YY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_-gDGCb0KYNZZX
I have a split commute (10 miles by car, 10.5 by bike each way). You NEED a hitch if you are driving every day with your bike. Bikes and cars are not friends, and use of a trunk mount rack regularly will scratch your car. Uhaul will install it for $200.
I use the Swagman Unit it takes literally 2 seconds to put your bike on and off. I keep it on my car most of the time. It gets a little rusty from the rain/snow, but nothing that some WD 40 can't take care of. It's quicker and easier to use than other styles of bike racks. Only thing to make sure of is that your cables are not located externally on top of your bike's top tube since the arm from this unit clamps down on the frame from the top, so it can wear down on the cable. Most modern bikes either have internal routing or have the cables on the bottom, rather than on top, so it wouldn't be a problem in that scenario.
Feel free to ask if you have any other questions about the split commute. I've been doing it for years, so I feel like I've been through the ringer on all potential issues.
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If you do look at hitch mounts, go with a upright type like this one. Bought one of the early models and it still works great.
I bought a Swagman XC last season to use a bike rack and I haven't had any issues so far. All of the weight of the bike is still on the wheels. I just make sure the frame is nice and clean where the frame holder comes into contact with it.
That looks awesome - but I definitely may cheap out and go with this version.
I think I just need a little towel or rubber adhesive tape on the part that locks down on the bike so it doesn’t rub the paint away.
What do you think?
I have the Swagman XC 2 ($150). Swagman XC Cross-Country 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (1/1/4 and 2-Inch Receiver) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001VO1YY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_9iwWxb5VTJXW0 It swings a ton straight out of the box, but I added some cargo straps (not sure if that's what they're called) from Harbor Freight and the swinging is significantly less. Still swings a tiny bit when turning and theres a dip or a pothole, but not enough to make me worry it'll fail. knocks on wood So I'd imagine the XTC would be better, but I'd probably still recommend those straps just for a little extra stability. Only adds about 20 seconds to install time.
Sure thing, it's a Swagman XC I purchased off Amazon, link below.
I didn't want to spend too much on a carrier, and my coworker has had one for about 4 years with no problems.
It probably weighs about 20 pounds, but attaches and removes pretty easy. I've had it hold a mountain bike and a road bike with no issues, but I usually detach it and leave it in the house.
I have a Swagman XC-2 bike rack. It's not the highest-end thing around but it does the job. After a few seasons though, certain portions of it are rusted.
Here's a small picture of the rack while folded up. The rusted part is the center column where the hooks that lock the bike in place run up and down. They scrape up against it, so they expos the metal beneath the paint.
There's also pins that you can put in and out to rotate the bars of the rack into place and lock them into place, the kind with the spring-loaded ball in them. The spring mechanism appears to be rusting as well, as the pins are much harder to get in and out.
How can I add some life to the bike rack? I was thinking to take a wire wheel to that center column to clean the rust off and then spray it with Rustoleum, but I don't know if that's the best path forward and doesn't deal with the pins.
Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001VO1YY?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
It seems that your comment contains 1 or more links that are hard to tap for mobile users. I will extend those so they're easier for our sausage fingers to click!
Here is link number 1 - Previous text "XC2"
^Please ^PM ^\/u\/eganwall ^with ^issues ^or ^feedback! ^| ^Code ^| ^Delete
I sure do! Rack: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001VO1YY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
lock & cable: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SLHU2W/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
trailer hitch: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B004C6S0SC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I've used this one for over a year, I would strongly recommend it.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001VO1YY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I would also recommend adding the no wobble pin and cable: https://www.amazon.com/Swagman-Anti-wobble-Threaded-2-Inch-8-Feet/dp/B000SLHU2W/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1470669920&sr=8-7&keywords=swagman .
This fits well in the jack and holds two bikes with no issues. My wife's hybrid fits with no issues.
As for finding a hitch, go to your local U-Haul, they will be able to help you find and install a hitch for just about any vehicle.