# 1
Curt 2 Bike Platform Rack - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount - Tilting
I installed this rack onto a Curt trailer hitch which is mounted onto a 2017 Honda Fit. I have been using it intermittently for several months, probably about 5 times with one bike and twice with two bikes. I give some pros and cons below and then elaborate. Pros: easy to assemble, easy to mount and dismount bikes, easy to lock and unlock, how to put the rack into different positions is intuitive Cons: inconvenient to put the rack into different positions, inconvenient to mount the rack onto the hitch, rack protrudes about 15 inches from bumper when in flipped up position (seems very vulnerable to someone backing into it in a parking lot, very inelegant looking I say the repositioning is intuitive because there is really only one way you could possibly place the pins for each position. But removing and replacing two pins is much less convenient than turning a knob or a lever, like some racks do. Also many racks fold and flip in such a way as to look very unobtrusive when in non-use mode. This one looks like kind of a monstrosity. That does not really bother me but it might bother some owners. The part that does bother me is how far it protrudes from the car. I back into parking spaces whenever possible to avoid someone bumping into the rack and damaging it (which happened to a friend). My number one suggestion for Curt is related to mounting the rack onto the hitch. Make it easier to tell when the holes are lined up so that the bolt/pin will fit and thread. As it is now, if you insert the rack as far as it can go it is way too far in. Ideally, it would be exactly lined up. Failing that, maybe some kind of click or other feedback to know at least that you are in the neighborhood. It would also be great to have an attaching device that is easier to fasten and unfasten than is the bolt/pin. Tip for mounting the rack onto the hitch: I assumed that it would be awkward to hold, what is it 46 pounds?, while trying to line up the rack probe with the receiver. If you have a garage with exposed collar ties, my solution could work well for you. I looped a cargo strap over a collar tie. Then I hooked both hooks of a bungie onto that loop. The idea is that you hook one of the bike frame holders of the rack onto the bungie, suspending the rack a few inches off the garage floor. This takes most of the weight of the rack so that you can just pull up or down and forward until you line up with the receiver. Tip for mounting bikes. Don't put the little screw into the post that prevents you from completely removing the bike frame holders. Remove both holders. Position the first bike, slide the holder into place, position the second bike, slide the holder into place. I found this makes it much easier, because you avoid parts of the bike hitting the holder as you are trying to get the wheels into place. The trick is that if you are mounting only one bike, don't forget to put the second holder back on - or maybe just stick it inside the car right away.
Have used mine several times in the past 2 years on the back of a ‘21 Honda Pilot and a ‘19 Ram 1500 Classic. I really like that the platform will tilt downward allowing the Pilot rear hatch to open with no interference. The tailgate on the Ram doesnt open fully even with the platform tilted downward, but that is a Ram problem & not a Curt problem. Was well worth the money.
# 2
Saris Freedom Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
Seems like a good rack for the price, especially when compared to others with the same weight rating. It was very easy to assemble, just a few bolts and that's it. I put two 62lb e-bikes on it (Ride1Up Turris) and it has minimal wobble and movement as expected. The straps that come on the center cradles were too short to go around our bike's frame and battery so I had to purchase a separate set of long straps from Saris for an additional $20. So be aware if you have an e-bike with a fat frame where you plan to use the cradle on, you might have to spend another $20 on a pair of long straps. While I waited for the straps I just used a velcro-strap and it worked fine. So far I am content with this rack overall and hope it lasts many years.. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because I had to purchase additional straps to make it work.
I had to put my electric bikes into this rack, backwards, to make them fit. Not ideal, but it works.The receiving 'trays' that are intended to provide support for holding the bikes, by being placed under the bike tires, are forced to be moved to a location that is not directly under the bottom of the bike tires. While it works in this manner, it is not ideal.For the support that attaches to the diagonal bike frame, we had to remove it from the vertical rail of the rack. We reinstalled it, upside down, because that's the only way we could make it fit, or 'grab', the bike frame. Again, we made it work, but it's not ideal. We chose to keep the rack because it was so much less expensive than the Thule rack we considered buying. The bike shop owner didn't agree with us. He observed that we are putting $3000 worth of bikes on the rack and risking that investment. So far, no problems, other than the ill-fitting installation.
# 3
Kuat NV 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Gunmetal Gray
I'm so very happy with this rack!! It was fairly easy to assemble love the sturdy feel. Maiden voyage today the two Ebike's loaded easily and were secured. I think I made the right choice. Thank you
Love the fit and solid quality build of this bike carrier. Can't wait to try it out. I am using this carrier for two e-bikes and I am confident that it will hold up very nicely and will have no problem holding the weight of the 2 bikes.
Thule Doubletrack Hitch Bike Rack Review - 2008 Infiniti G35
Today on our 2008 Infiniti G35x, we will be test-fitting the Thule Doubletrack plaform-style 2-bike rack, part number TH990XT. This will fit class 1 or class 2 hitches, which are inch and a quarter. We'll begin our test fit by sliding the shank of bike rack into the receiver tube of our hitch. As we slide it in there we can go ahead and be sure to line up our pinholes, then we can take our anti-rattle bolt and thread it through. We'll go ahead and use our socket wrench to finish tightening it down. The anti-rattle system is going to help eliminate any rattle or wobble that we may have inside of our hitch, and it's going to fully secure our bike to our vehicle.
Thule Helium Aero Hitch Bike Rack Review - 2007 Infiniti G35
Today, on a 2007 Infiniti G35, we'll be testing in the Thule Helium Aero 2 Bike Carrier for an Inch and a Quarter and Two Inch Hitches, part number TH9042. To begin our test fit, we'll slide the shank of the carrier into the receiver to the hitch, wind up the pin hole and allow our attached pin to fall into place. Now, we'll go over some clearance measurement. We have about twelve and a half inches of ground clearance. The closest point of the carrier to the rear of our Infiniti is about two inches and we've added about 19 inches to the overall length of our vehicle. As you can see, we can easily open up our front with the bike carrier in its upright position.
DIY 2007 Infiniti G35 Installation for the Swagman Trailhead Bike Rack for 2 Bikes
Today, on our 2007 Infiniti G35, we'll be testing the Swagman Trailhead 2 Bike Carrier for an Inch and a Quarter and two inch hitches, part number S63360. To begin our test fit, we'll slide the shank of the carrier into the receiver to the hitch. Line up the pin hole and thread in our anti-rattle bolt, tightening it with a wrench, and installing the clip on the other side. Now, we'll go over some clearance measurement. We have about 13 inches of ground clearance. The closest point of the carrier to the rear of our vehicle is about 8 inches.
Kuat Sherpa Hitch Bike Rack Review - 2007 Infiniti G35
Today on our 2007 Infinite G35, well be test fitting the Kuat Sherpa Aluminum Platform-Style Hitch Mounted 2 Bike Rack, part number S102. To begin our test fit, well slide the shank of the carrier into the receiver tube of the hitch, line up the pinhole and install our pin and lock. Well move to the rear of the shank and tighten the hand knob to secure out bike rack to our vehicle and engage our anti-rattle device. Now well go over some clearance measurements. We have about 12 inches of ground clearance. The closest point of the carrier to the rear of our vehicle is about 3 inches. Weve added about 15 inches to the overall length of our G35.
How to Install the Kuat Beta Bike Rack for 2 Bikes on a 2007 Infiniti G35
Today on our 2007 Infinite G35, well be test fitting the Kuat Beta Folding 2 Bike Aluminum Rack for Inch and a Quarter Hitches, part number B202-114. To begin our test fit, well slide the shank of the carrier into the receiver tube of the hitch, line up our pinhole and install our pin and lock. Well move to the rear of the shank and tighten the hand knob to secure our bike rack to our vehicle and engage our anti-rattle device. Now well go over a few clearance measurements. We have about 11 inches of ground clearance. The closest point of the carrier to the rear of our vehicle is about 6 inches. Weve added about 13 inches to the overall length of our G35.
What our customers are saying:
"Sent out an e-mail to you earlier this week asking which hitch woudld be the best choice for installing on a 2000 Venture van for hauling a bike rack with two bikes. You suggested the one that would be easiest to install..received in a matter of days..installation went great ..very well thought out instructions. Everything went smooothly and the hitch is up nice and snug..doesn't stick out..looks great."