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# 1
Yakima SpareRide 2 Bike Rack - Spare Tire Mount - Folding Arms
Ordered and it came the very next day, even though I picked standard shipping. Received multiple e-mails from etrailer updating me on the status of my product. Installation would have been really easy except the bolt attached to the short tongue (I needed to use the medium tongue) was screwed in so tight I couldn't get it loose. I ended up taking it to a local hardware store for a very big, burly man to use a bolt-cheater to get it undone after he put in quite an effort (I felt validated that it took him some force to get it off). I called customer service about the tight bolt and they offered to send another if I couldn't get it undone. I have a 2008 Wrangler Unlimited soft top and the attachment plate had to go on upside down compared to what the directions say, but that was no problem. Already used it once and it was a tight fit for both of our hybrid bikes, but we managed to get them secured, using additional straps to help cinch the bikes tight during transport. Seems like a great product so far.
After a couple of weeks of researching which type of bike rack I wanted for my Jeep Wrangler Unlimited JK (hitch mount or spare tire), I decided on the spare tire mount. And after a 4hr (roundtrip) mountain biking weekend escape, I'm very happy with my decision. What I like about the rack: well built, very sturdy with bike(s) mounted (no sway or rattle), arms fold down and lock in place when not in use (looks slick), full access to cargo area without needing to remove rack, rack and bike cable locks included, economical, lifetime warranty and of course the dual bottle openers ; ) What I would improve upon or revise in a future model: arms should be longer (even just an inch because bikes rub slightly so I had to add padding), more use of aluminum rather than plastic (thinking long term durability of the plastic locking teeth and arms) Thanks eTrailer
# 2
Thule Spare Me 2 Bike Rack - Spare Tire Mount - Folding Dual Arms
Fantastic service. Ordered on Monday and received shipment on Tuesday (free shipping). Easy installation and provides a rock solid rack for our bikes. Able to open rear door and window of our '08 Jeep Wrangler with bikes on the rack. Really like the anti sway cradles and the locking system. Very pleased.
After a week of comparing, I decided that this Thule Spare Me 2 bike carrier was the perfect choice to haul my bike on my new 2013 Jeep Wrangler. My husband has a Thule Vertex Swing 4 bike carrier on his truck, which we love. I could transfer it to the hitch on my Jeep whenever I need it, but I wanted something that I could leave on my Jeep that also wouldn’t be in the way when I wasn’t using for my bike. When not in use, this Spare Me carrier folds down out of the way and it doesn’t cause me to make any changes when backing up in tight spaces unlike the hitch mounted carrier. It was easy to install. I am only 5 feet tall and not very handy with tools. I was able to take off the spare tire with the lug wrench that is in my Jeep easily, pop out the center Jeep logo from the tire, put on the mounting plate and reinstall my spare without help. I then installed the carrier, my bike, cleaned up the packing materials, and even had my husband come admire my handiwork- all in less than an hour. I can easily fold and unfold the arm and secure it in just a few seconds. It is easy to mount my bike to it and all the straps hold my bike securely and are easy to use. It is also easy to open the straps and take down my bike, so I can be off riding and not fussing over how to get my bike off. I have no problems opening the gate of my Jeep when the bike is not mounted. I don’t know if I would recommend opening the gate with the bikes on. I have already used the Spare Me for my bike and my nephew’s bike. I drove it over 50 miles at interstate speed and the bikes stayed in place securely. You do need to follow the instructions and use the straps provided to keep the bikes from moving too much. I also use some simple inexpensive hardware store hook and loop straps that keep the wheels in place during transport. From previous experience, I don’t care for bungee cords they stretch too much and don’t hold or pull too hard on my wheels and cause problems with alignment. I learned that lesson the hard way. My only complaint about the carrier is that the integrated lock for securing the bikes to the carrier is not long enough to accommodate a women’s bike. It works perfectly to go over the top bar on the frame of a man’s bike, but since a women’s bike needs to use an adapter bar for this style bike carrier, the lock only secures the adapter bar. Some women’s bike adapter bars on the market have locks, but the one I own does not. For me, this isn’t a huge problem. I have a separate cable bike lock that I will use if I need to leave my bike unattended. The lock that secures the carrier to the vehicle works as described, so no worries there. I also want to say that etrailer amazed me with the shipping. I could have order this same product from my Jeep dealer, but they said I would take them 10 business days to get it. I didn’t want to wait 2 weeks. The price was nearly the same from etrailer so I took my chances that I would get it faster. I order this Friday afternoon and UPS delivered it to me Monday afternoon. Wow! I also selected etrailer because they have the clearest videos and instructions. I was truly able to compare the products and feel like I was making informed decisions based on my skill level and needs. If I ever need something like this again I will remember etrailer.
What our customers are saying:
"Great selection and even better prices. It was easy to find the bike rack that I wanted and would fit my hitch. I would highly recommend this site to anyone looking for anything that has to do with hitches."