Bike Rack

Hokie Escape · 06-17-2009, 06:09 PM

Couple of pictures to show the problem of mounting a bike rack with the tire carrier in place. As you can see, either way, up or down, it wouldn't mount with the tire in place. Solution: extension

? Longer bike holder (sticks out farther)

Remove tire and carry it somewhere else (my solution for the time being)

?

Jim Bennett · 06-17-2009, 06:42 PM

Or, you could leave the bikes at home. All they do is get you places quietly and quickly, and as well they tend to give you exercise which will both prolong your life and make it more enjoyable.

Actually, we plan into looking into a bike rack too, but I would not really want to have to carry the spare tire loose. I have seen a bike rack that extends out with the purpose of letting the rear hatch of a vehicle clear it. I wonder if something like that might work.

amirie · 06-17-2009, 06:48 PM

We bought folding bikes which travels behind our back seat in the ford escape..
Very compact and easy to ride!!
(even though our trailer came with the hitch readyon the back)

**Donna D.** · 06-18-2009, 07:58 PM

Maybe something like this: http://www.rackbiz.com/product_info....7bdd375cda8533
"A foldable 2 bike rack that fits snugly into a storage bag (included-free) when not in use. This 2 bike carrier clamps around the hitch stinger or the #6007 Hitch Tube from Advantage Sports Rack (sold separately). With the V-Rack, one can carry up to 2 bikes and still tow a trailer. The Advantage V-Rack 2 Bike Carrier is lightweight (only 11 lb.) yet durable with steel construction. Fully assembled. V-Rack Sports Rack comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty."

$79.00

Hokie Escape · 06-18-2009, 09:09 PM

Don't think it will project far enough out to clear the spare tire. Same with the one I have. There was a picture on a rack that looked like it would project past the spare. Alf asked for the details, but I don't remember any coming.

JeffZ · 07-01-2009, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 12ladyblue

Maybe something like this: http://www.rackbiz.com/product_info....7bdd375cda8533
"A foldable 2 bike rack that fits snugly into a storage bag (included-free) when not in use. This 2 bike carrier clamps around the hitch stinger or the #6007 Hitch Tube from Advantage Sports Rack (sold separately). With the V-Rack, one can carry up to 2 bikes and still tow a trailer. The Advantage V-Rack 2 Bike Carrier is lightweight (only 11 lb.) yet durable with steel construction. Fully assembled. V-Rack Sports Rack comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty."

$79.00

We actually bought this from costco.com (around $59.00).. It didn't work for us.. I have a Trek (hybrid - cross between road & mountain) and I couldn't get the frame of the bike to fit the width of the holding bars.. It did fit my wife's bike frame.. One great thing about Costco they have a outstanding return policy..so you can return it to any store for any reason and get a refund..had delivered tried it and returned it the next day..

Not too sure how the rack would hold up over time, especially with all the shaking..

mosquitodirk · 07-06-2009, 10:40 AM

http://www.northshoreracks.com/photo%204bike18.htm

I bet this one will work. I have several friends that swear by this rack (holding heavy and often expensive bikes).

Cheers,
Dirk

Ace Brown · 07-08-2009, 05:48 PM

I can't tell from the photos how much extra clearance you need but I can see you have a very high quality (and expensive) rack. If you have good bikes and value them don't trust a cheap flimsy rack. Instead look at what it would take to make your rack fit better. Some things to consider: could you drill a new pin hole in the rack to lenghten it a bit, maybe shorten the extension by sawing off some and drilling a new pinhole. Go to a hitch shop or a welding shop and ask for their help.

I carry a $6000 dollar mountain bike on the back of my 17 and even with a 10" bumper extension it would get mashed if I got rear-ended but it is custom mounted high enough that only the wheels would get hit unless it was a hard hit. But then I would loose a lot more than the bike!

Alan

mosquitodirk · 07-15-2009, 11:43 PM

Here's a much more reasonably priced one.

http://www.swagmanbikeracks.com/shop...age=1&featured

I have a slightly older version, so I would check to make sure that the new version will stick out far enough to clear the spare - the one I have does. The list price on the web is $139 (the shop I go to sells it for about $169). It works well - I also have a rather expensive mountain bike and it holds it no problem. Holds two bikes and is easy to use.

hbgs · 07-16-2009, 01:52 PM

We bought the Swagman XTC from Mountain Equipment Co-op and mounted it without adjustments to the spare tire.

Hokie Escape · 08-09-2009, 08:08 PM

Finally found a reasonably priced (89.00 at Dicks Sporting Goods) that will fit with the spare tire mounted. Not really pleased with the tie downs, but easily remedied. Made by Graber, it's the Hitchrack 3. Should do the trick. I'd like to have the first one that Derk showed, but at $400 for a 2 rack, it's a little pricey for occasional use.

Edgar · 08-09-2009, 08:53 PM

Dan

That looks like you and your girlfriend on the box cover.

Edgar

Hokie Escape · 08-10-2009, 04:53 AM

Nah! I'm much older, and my sweetheart is much more beautiful!!!
Heh, I love the pic of your rig on the forum!!! Good lookin' combo there.

Edgar · 08-10-2009, 10:33 PM

With a magnifying glass you may be able to see the Teton Mountain range as a back drop. I have fond memories of my younger years looking down over the Jackson Hole from the top of the Grand Teton.

The older I get, the better I was...

Edgar

Hokie Escape · 08-11-2009, 04:46 AM

Post that picture Edgar, so we can see it better. Love that "saying" too, "the older I get, the better I was..." : - ) I'll have to remember that for my birthday the end of the month!

Edgar · 08-11-2009, 08:00 AM

I sent this to Tammy as a Calendar option but don't think it's that good. Hazy morning.

Doug, maybe you could use this in case you need an alibi some time.

Edgar

PGDriver · 08-11-2009, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edgar

I sent this to Tammy as a Calendar option but don't think it's that good. Hazy morning.

Doug, maybe you could use this in case you need an alibi some time.

Edgar

Sorry TRD, But excellent taste in trucks and trailers.

Sandra L · 08-11-2009, 09:46 AM

Good looking outfit and scenery nonetheless.

Hokie Escape · 08-20-2009, 05:50 PM

Back to BIKE RACKS - boy can we get off track : - )
I don't know what I was thinking, but the answer to the question: What if I have a great bike rack, but it won't fit on my Escape because of the spare tire sticking out (original question above) Answer: No, don't get a new rack (like I did - oh well, my son can use it for his family), but get an EXTENSION!!! A short 7" extension is perfect to clear the spare, and a LOT cheaper than a new bike rack. Check it out at http://www.etrailer.com/pc-EXTENDER~HE06.htm
Extensions available for 1 1/4" and 2" receivers

Jim Bennett · 08-20-2009, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HokieEscape

Back to BIKE RACKS - boy can we get off track : - )

I am not sure what you are.......oh look, is that a Blue Jay in the back yard?

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