# 1
Thule Hitching Post Pro Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches
The good: I like the way the bikes are held in and the ability to add the upright adapters to the bike frame holders. The straps are quality too. For a jeep with a spare tire, this is the perfect length to clear it. This rack is 5 stars from the bike holders to the base of it. The bad: the 2"receiver adapter and bolt are insufficient. I wish they made this in a solid 2" hitch. The entire setup is held into the receiver by a very short bolt. It only goes about half way into the receiver tube. So your hitch is only "secured" on one side. A hitch pin or bolt should go through the receiver tube completely imo so it can be secured on the other end with a retaining clip or nut. Because this only goes in the one side, the entire weight of the rack plus bikes are held tight to one side of the receiver by the undersized bolt and washer. A few bumps down the road and that bolt loosens. Now instead of distibuting the weight of the rack and bikes on the receiver and post, it's completely up to the bolt to keep you from losing the rack. The bolt threads get damaged too. I took this down a dirt road and nearly lost everything. I had to buy my own bolt with hd fender washers and lock washers to correct this. Thule should've provided this from the start. The current short bolt design where only one side of the receiver secures the rack is unacceptable. This rack is 1 star at best for the connection to the receiver.
Hitch pin broke before I got it. Looks like a poor design for the locking pin, they might want to consider a different design. I got a 3/8 shear pin from Home Depot to replace and it works great. Bike rack is great!
# 2
Swagman Trailhead Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
Quick and reliable shipping and was able to take to my mechanic to get it installed and it works perfectly with my bike rack!
This is a very solid product! I have used it for over a year now and love it! I have had up to 3 bikes on this without a problem and have traveled over 8 hours in the car one way with absolutely no issues. Many other bike racks like this one that I see on other cars look unstable this is not unstable in anyway. I did have to file some of the paint off of the rack to get it to fit in my 1 and 1/4" hitch but once that was done it has been perfect. I also bought the locking hitch bolt which is awesome too.
# 3
Saris Bones Hitch Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
This is the first bike rack I have ever owned. The rack will be used primarily for me to transport my bike to training rides and triathlons. Occasionally, we will transport 1-3 additional bikes if my husband or sons want to go on a ride. In the past, I had to remove my front wheel in order to fit my bike inside my 2013 Toyota Highlander, and we weren't getting more than one bike in there. I went with the Saris based on the recommendation of a triathlon coach/mountain biker. My husband and I mounted the rack onto the car without difficulty. It is easy enough to get on or off by myself, which is useful since we will not be leaving on the car permanently. Thankfully, with it mounted, and the arms folded down, my 2013 Highlander fits into the garage with no problem. One useful feature that I discovered is the ability to position the arms closer together for my shorter bike. I attached photos of the arms attached all the way wide, or a little narrower. I noticed just a minor amount of movement of the rack while I drove, but it was mostly while I went through a construction zone that has a lot of bumps. Even then, it didn't seem unstable. Additionally, I used a small bungee cord to strap the front tire to the cross bar of the bike, to reduce the movement of that tire. I would recommend the Saris Bones Hitch without reservation.
Holds 3 light bikes comfortably. Adjusting semi rigid straps a bit difficult for me, depending on angle. Hitch rattles some tho I imagine it needs this amount of "give." Recommded by a friend I trust.
What our customers are saying:
"Just to let you know I was very satisfied with my orders for a hitch, wiring harness, bike rack and extension. I have a 1995 Dodge Ram van and some of the parts are hard to get elsewhere. I received all my orders proptly and will recommend you to others. The pricing can't be beat. Thank you. Sincerely, Frank"