Fit of Rhode Gear Super Shuttle 2 on 2004 Nissan Xterra

Expert Reply:

Yakima does not test-fit their Rhode Gear line of racks to specific vehicles, but because the Super Shuttle is so similar to the Yakima SuperJoe, we can infer that if the SuperJoe will fit a given vehicle, the Super Shuttle will as well. Because the SuperJoe will not fit your Xterra, it is extremely likely that the Super Shuttle will not fit either.

The most similar bike rack that will work for you at a fairly comparable price would be the Thule Passage, part # TH910XT. Despite the economical price, the Passage features padded anti-sway cradles that are essential in keeping your bikes from banging into each other or the rear of the vehicle.

If you are planning on using the rack frequently, you might want to take a look at the Thule Raceway, part # TH9001. Instead of the rather awkward straps and buckles used by other trunk mounted racks, the Raceway uses ratcheting hooks that allow the rack to be installed or removed in a matter of seconds. The ratcheting cables are lockable to secure the rack to the vehicle, and the rack also features a cable lock that will secure the bikes to the rack.

To carry womens bikes or bikes with sharply angled top tubes or step-through frames, using a frame adapter like part # TH982XT is recommended. The adapter spans the distance between the seat post and the handle bar gooseneck, and provides a level attachment point to the bike rack so the bike has greater ground clearance and is not carried at an angle.

I will link you to the products I recommended, and also to some product demonstration videos that you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Mike L