# 1
Swagman XC2 Bike Rack for 2 bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
This rack was exactly as advertised, and a considerable bargain versus the $350 alternatives. Easy to assemble, great instructions, easy to mount on the car and easy to load. I drove around, hit some bumps, made some turns, etc. and the bikes were as solid as I when I loaded them. It also held my wife's bike securely (it has a low bar), which was a big concern of mine. Can't speak to longevity since I just got it, but it is well constructed and the pieces fit snugly ... it "feels" well made. Attached to a Ford Edge with a 2" hitch.
Seems pretty easy to use bikes fit well. I will be taking on her maiden voyage next week end to long Island and some of the best roads in the country "NOT" so this should be a good test.
# 2
Swagman XTC2 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
Good: the product assembly was fairly easy, and the instructions were good. I found the rack easy to insert and remove from the hitch. I use a wrench to ensure it is tightened, and just keep that wrench in the car at all times. Poor: I found it somewhat cumbersome to organize two bikes on the rack. You need to adjust the tire platforms just so, depending on the bikes. But also, the height matters too, and getting them on there so that the handlebars and pedals don't clash. That can be a small issue with hanging racks too. If you always have the same 1 or 2 bikes, then you figure out a routine and just stick with it. But, that said, I didn't think the inverted hooks securely held the bikes. I never feel as if I can get them snug, and I end up using a couple of bungees just for insurance. Plus, I'm not comfortable with the tires sticking out beyond the sides of the car, even though they probably don't stick out much further than the outside edge of the sideview mirror. My final assessment: I went back to the roof rack I had been using, for convenience and easy of use. I tried the hitch rack because I didn't want to risk marring the roof of my new Prius with the load-bearing bars and then the bike rack-tracks on top of that. But, with a second person, I was able to get the bars and rack positioned with no problems, and decided to just leave it on for the season. It takes me only about 4 minutes to get two bikes on top without any assistance. And I have access to the trunk (which I definitely don't have with the hitch rack).
Arrived quickly and was simple to install. Easy to fit to my bikes. Very solid and well made.
# 3
Swagman Chinook Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
The rack shipped fast, thank you! Assembly was easy and rack looks very sturdy. I did have to disassemble and switch position of the locking arms to accommodate our bikes, but this was easy to do. I bought this rack to take our bikes to Florida for our 2 month winter break. Fits our 2015 Ford Edge great and tilt feature allows for easy access to rear cargo area. Very happy so far with the Swagman Chinook, the upcoming trip will be the true test of the rack. Thanks etrailer.com for a trouble free online shopping experience.
Still getting spacing sorted out, but so far it's a good carrier. It's stable in my Class 1 receiver and seems to keep the bike from bouncing around. I slipped an old sock over the locking arm to prevent frame rub some people have claimed. While the bike is held securely for travel to/from the trails, I can't get the locking arm to sit in the lowest point of the top tube by the seat post - the safest spot regarding anti-theft - without my bike being shifted to the extreme edge of the carrier. My solution was to get a security cable similar to this - https://www.etrailer.com/Bike-Locks/Master-Lock/72DPF.html - and padlock it to the receiver for trips where I plan to be away from the car/bike for more than a couple minutes. Why I knocked off a star: One of the supplied carriage bolts is 1/8-1/4" too short out of the box, making it impossible to thread the nut on the end with the split-lock washer in place. And perhaps I don't know my own strength, but I over-torqued one nut and snapped the bolt, sending it flying. I replaced all 4 assembly bolts and split-lock washers with some Grade 5, zinc-plated, 5/16-18 carriage bolts in sizes (1) 2", (1) 2.5", (2) 3". M8-1.25 also works.
What our customers are saying:
"Everyone that bought before me was right! I got my rack in time for my next days off and putting it together was fast too. And I'm a grandma!! Thank you for being fast and honest! You beat anyone in my town hands down!"