# 1
Thule Passage Trunk Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - Hanging Style
Ordered online, it shipped the same day. Received it 3 days later. There is a little assembly, but, pretty simple. It took me less than 15 minutes to install and no tools were needed. It is adjustable to be used on many different auto types, but, the instructions were very clear about how to adjust it to fit my 2011 Ford Edge. I have used it twice so far to transport my bike. There are a couple of items that are inherent in the design, not a flaw, but, you need to be aware of them. First, you can't use rear window wipers. Second, the back-up alarm goes nuts because it registers a bike less than 6 inches behind you (I tolerate it for the few seconds it takes to back out of my driveway or out of a parking lot). Third, there is a little flexibility, it is held on with straps and clamps, not bolts, so, it bounces a little when you go over bumps or make sharp turns, however, it holds the bike fast to the frame and stays on the car. I use mine to transport my bike on short trips around town to bike trails. On a long trip I would suggest checking that the straps remain tight from time to time during the drive.
So far so good. I have 2018 BMW X1. With minor adjustments from recommended fit for 2017 X1 I was able to get a secure and snug fit. Apparently on the 2017 X1 the lower arm should fit into the Bottom of license plate well with arms in position 9. On the 2018 X1, there isn’t enough space below the plate for the arm. It ends up resting on the lower edge of the well instead. I tried opening the arms wider, but that created too much pressure on the rear spoiler. Same problem when I tried decreasing arm width. So, I left adjustment on 9 setting as recommended and tightened straps down. Put my bike on it and off I went on some pretty bumpy terrain. No movement at all. The six point securing system really keeps it snug and secure.
# 2
Thule Hitching Post Pro Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches
Although the bike rack is everything I had hoped it would be, I will say the instructions leave a lot to be desired. We are only talking a bike rack and one that is nearly assembled but these are my comments: 1) Which way to the rubber straps go, with the groove edge toward the bike or away? 2) How do you attach the "sway bars" and where? 3) Did they tell you the sway bars connect to the thin part of the bracket, no! 4) What's this big bolt for? Eventually you figure it all out(with the exception of the groove edge of the straps) but why not make the instructions a little clearer? Again, it is a great rack for carrying up to four(4) bikes! MTF
You can't beat this bike rack if you have a receiver hitch for price/quality. Handles 4 bikes easily. The bonus for us on our Ford Edge with a 1.25" receiver, the gate is still able to open with the rack on without having to make it tilt down. The handlebars of the first bike sometimes gets in the way, but it still is nice.
# 3
Thule Passage 3 Bike Carrier - Trunk Mount
Fits perfectly on our Lexus CT200h. Only on the old LS400, the side straps have to be fastened to the wheel arch edge, since the upper trunklid gap is to narrow for inserting the strap hooks. Mounting of two bikes is (with some routine) quickly done, and they stay safe even for longer and faster routes. For transporting three (mountain) bikes, though, the design doesn't seem big and robust enough. Nevertheless, the price-benefit-fun ratios are way better than reasonable.
I was convinced I was going to have to install a hitch, and purchase a hitch bike rack for my 2011 Ford Edge. I was searching on Google "One last time" Not only did I find one. But you had SEVERAL options! And, you didn't stop there. Even videos on how to. Who does that?! As a mom of two, who's husband works out of state, I really thank you. I received the rack last night. Dropped my 3 and 5 year olds off at day care, came home. Easy installation. Got a ride in! And a full day stuff done. I really thank all of you from the bottom of my heart.
What our customers are saying:
"Sent out an e-mail to you earlier this week asking which hitch woudld be the best choice for installing on a 2000 Venture van for hauling a bike rack with two bikes. You suggested the one that would be easiest to install..received in a matter of days..installation went great ..very well thought out instructions. Everything went smooothly and the hitch is up nice and snug..doesn't stick out..looks great."