OT: hitch mounted bike racks

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

Anyone see/recommend a two bike rack that fits in a tow hitch that uses a locking quick release hitch pin

The yakima doubledown2 has a threaded pin - which is a pain if you want to pop it out so you can tow something...

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1861 Posts XTreme Poster

Jon. Pretty disappointed in our Yakima 4 bike carrier hitch mounted. Pretty much a pita and Poor quality I'd look at other options

Eric

AndyD · Since 17 Mar 2008 54 Posts Bend, OR

Love my Northshore. Only good for mtn bikes though. Swings down to allow access even loaded with bikes. http://northshoreracks.com

ericvs · Since 05 Jul 2008 133 Posts Stoked

I second AndyD's comment above. Just picked up my northshore 4 bike rack about 2 months ago and it is sweet. I wanted a bomb proof rack that would allow super easy access to the bed of the pickup and this rack does it. My tailgate opens w/o even having to move the rack at all and with the bikes mounted on the rack I just have to pivot it out of the way with one pin to open the canopy glass.

My only complaint with this rack is I am getting some scratches on my fork crown where the rack touches the bike. I have added some clear 3M tape and it seems to have cured the issue.

Edit: Oops, just re-read your requirements. This Northshore rack uses a threaded anti rattle hitch pin.

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2027 Posts Windward

our 10 yr.+ old 100,000 mile+ yakima 4 place with threaded bolt has been great
Tighten it up and the thing is pretty stable,kinda heavy, but after 1000's of topes in MX. I'm still using it and it's held up. super easy loading and does drop down for access.

forrest · Mon Oct 24, 11 7:51 am

Gman, I have a yakima one I'm selling. You can just take it for a few weeks and see if it works for you.

MasViento · Since 03 Mar 2009 235 Posts 97031 Stoked

I really like my Thule 912XT Roadway. It comes in 2 and 4 bike models.

After I rigged the release mechanism on a string from the top of the rack you don't even have to bend down to release it and get in back of car. PM me for details.

The guys at RACK ATTACK in PDX are great with options and fit guides.

Also if you are trying to do it on the cheap visit ReRack in PDX at 2240 NE Sandy
(503) 875-6055. They have a ton of used racks and parts for a lot less than new.

All the best, e

forrest · Mon Oct 24, 11 7:59 am

It also depends on what type of bike you're going to be carrying around.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

Thanks all Thumb's Up

Forrest will call ya

Portland Pete · Since 08 Mar 2005 145 Posts HR Stoked

John,
I just put a Highlite 3 from Yakima on my car.
I have used it 3 times and it is very light (20lbs) and easy on and off.
It also comes in 2 colors. (Silver and White)
I have only used it with traditional road bike frame geometry and is solid.
It has an included locking cable that stores in the upright.
You will need lock cores for the cable and hitch knob.
I am not sure how well it would work for a Post Canyon bike.
Pete

PS.
I am biased, they pay my salary.

1surfer · Tue Oct 25, 11 5:42 am **KUAT**

I have an aluminum Kuat and its pretty nice. I use it on my trucks but also put it on our Ranger Crew for massive backcountry trips. We ride downhill on a lot of the very remote passes in Colorado. The 4 wheeling in the buggy really puts the stress on it but holds up amazingly well. It has a quick disconnect or you can use it with the pin. I love it. http://kuatracks.com/index.php?page=alpha

stringy · Since 23 Jun 2006 1735 Posts vancouver XTreme Poster

blancoh2o · Since 15 Mar 2005 1154 Posts Oregon Phishy

Windance Crew · Since 18 Apr 2008 473 Posts Hood River Kite Shop Obsessed

Gman,

I use the Thule T2. It's a tray style, holds your bike by the front tire at the fork. So it doesn't matter what frame you have and doesn't sctratch it either.

T2 fits 2 bikes, and with the add-on it holds 4. Works for me at Post Canyon no worries.

It has a threaded pin to the hitch but since I take mine on/off a lot I just hand tighten it. Easy & quick, it wobbles, but so what. I could tighten it more to eliminate that if I cared.

I sell them here at Windance. Deals for NWKiters too

Dave

shred_da_gorge · Tue Dec 24, 13 5:03 pm

OK, I know I'm resurrecting old threads here, but I'm taking Monkeyboy's advice and using the search feature. Check out INNO racks' hitch-mounted INH305. I have the roof-mounted version of this bike carrier system which I use for both my road and TT bikes as well as my BMC mountain bike (had to get it because front disc brake wouldn't work with the tray systems I'd been using). Some people are afraid to use the tire-clamp systems but I can attest they've held all my bikes solid on and off-road with my Audi and at highway speeds up to 80 MPH. It looks like it uses a non-threaded pin like you are looking for:

Link

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2623 Posts The 503 METAL

Anyone have feedback on the Yakima Swing Daddy? Need a 4 bike mount and found this one on CL...

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/spo/4247227298.html

demo243 · Since 16 Dec 2013 21 Posts

Not sure if it was mentioned already- but just a heads up. There is a reason those bolts that hold the rack in are threaded, and its to tighten the rack to the hitch and keep it from swaying around. They are very important to how those racks work. So most will have a threaded pin.

Go to the hardware store and buy a rachet and socket. it takes all of 15 seconds to tighten it and or loosen it....

As for rack I sold yakima and thule for years at the the bike shop and I always liked the thules.

I use the T2 - have had the same one for 8 years now- been rear ended with it on the car twice and its still kicking... saved the car both times too...