# 1
Swagman Upright Bike Rack for 1 Bike - Roof Rack Crossbars - Frame Mount
Great product for the price. Pretty easy to set up. Only issue I have is my mountain bike, which is an XL frame with 27 inch wheels, is pushing the limits of the base. Wish this rack was just 4-5 inches longer that way you have the perfect overlap amount in the middle without pushing the current frame to the limits. With that said it does hold my bike just have to find the sweet spot. But this fits my son’s youth bike perfectly!
As always with products I buy from e-Trailer, this item is exactly as advertised and works perfectly. Easy assembly, I bought 2 but only installed one until I check the fit with my rooftop carrier.
# 2
Thule Insta-Gater Pro Truck Bed Bike Rack - 1 Bike
I was not sure this rack was right for me when I ordered it, but the Thule reputation convinced me, and I’m glad I pulled the trigger on it. This fits nicely in the bed of my truck, and secures my bike quite well. I have to drive about 25 miles via mountain roads to get to my paved trail…curvy roads with elevation changes…and I have zero worries about any calamities… For a single bike situation, it’s a great solution that keeps the bike in the bed, not on the back bumper.
Linda and I recently ordered two Aventon Pace 500 NextGen E-bikes from [bike store] in Madison, WI. Not wanting to just toss our expensive new bikes in the back of the p/u when they arrive next month we promptly ordered the Thule Instagator from etrailer. My prior experience with etrailer came as a recommendation from a friend. I was able to do quite a bit of the research on etrailers website, the demonstration video extremely helpful and we placed an order. The racks were in-stock, shipped promptly, etrailer providing a very nice tracking link that included pics of the staff involved in processing the order and a map of the route all the way to delivery. Absolutely 1st rate service. The racks showed up in perfect condition about two days after placing the order, exactly as promised. We are very pleased with etrailer, will most certainly be ordering from them again and recommend this company w/o reservation. Nice job etrailer!
# 3
Yakima FrontLoader Wheel Mount Bike Carrier - Roof Mount
It's a fantastic roof rack, which I use above my truck bed. I recently bought a second one so I can take my road bike and gravel bike with me on my camping trips.
Mounted nicely on my Rhino racks and holds our nikes well. Easy to load and unload.
# 4
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.
# 5
Yakima Locking BlockHead Single Bike Truck Bed Mounted Rack - Bolt-on - 9-mm Skewer
Bought this product one year ago, and I absolutely love it! I bolted it to my pickup box. It is in brand new condition after a year in our harsh coastal weather. It is a breeze to operate. And the locking system secures my bike so well that I have piece of mind if I have to leave my bike unattended. I highly recommend this product! Fast shipping, very reasonable price.
I thought you guys might want to see the way I am using the Yakima bike racks.
What our customers are saying:
"great experience!!! I've been looking for a hitch. With the experience I just had with the bike rack, I;kk definitely come back and order the hitch when I have a little more $$$. delivery was quick! the product was awesome!!! Frank"