# 1
Swagman Trailhead Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
My previous bike rack was a hitch mounted Yakima. It was sturdy but not well suited for my low Subaru Impreza. It stuck out too far and hung too low so that I had to inch my way down the driveway or over speed bumps for fear of it bottoming out. A roof rack or a rear window mounted rack was not suitable since I wanted to be able to also carry two kayaks. First, I tried to modify my rack by shortening the part that sticks out of the hitch. I tried to saw off about 6 inches so it wouldn't stick out so far but the steel was much too hard. I ended up ruining several metal-cutting blades on my power saw before I gave up. I looked for other rack options. There weren't many out there. But eventually, I found something that met my needs. I purchased the "Swagman Trailhead 3 Bike Fold Down Bicycle Hitch Rack" in 2013 from eTrailer.com. The part that enters the hitch curves up to increase clearance from the ground. It is sturdy and sticks out far enough so I can still open my trunk hatch without having to lower the main vertical bar on the hitch (though I could if I wanted to). It isn't often I am really excited about a piece of gear but this hitch rack has made me worry-free when I transport my bicycle(s) via car. The only thing I don't like is that it is advertised as being a 3 bike carrier but it only fits 2 hybrid bikes. Maybe it will fit 3 skinny racing bikes but for the average rider, don't expect to fit on more than 2. But my experience is that is the case for all bicycle racks.
Nice heavy duty rack. Putting it together is quite simple if you read the instructions. I like the ability to use both a 2" or 1 1/4" receiver. etrailer is very easy to deal with.
# 2
Swagman XTC2 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
I'm very happy with the Swagman XTC-2 bike rack & Curt C11355 trailer hitch. The installation was quick and trouble free. Perfect fit & looks great on my Golf.
nice rack. had to put hitch frame in press to get the tower away from back of car. the inside bikes pedals were making contact with the car
# 3
Thule Passage 3 Bike Carrier - Trunk Mount
Way too light duty for what is advertised. It seemed to be made out of 1/2 inch electrical conduit. I would never put three bikes on that rack. I only had two bikes on the rack. While on trip through Idaho the wind was so strong that one of the bikes partially blew off the rack. We traveled 1,800 miles and upon arriving home I actually sawed the bike rack up and threw it away so that no one else would use it and cause an accident. I've already found a different brand that is HEAVY DUTY and I will stick with that brand.
This is definitely more of a 2 bike carrier vs 3 bikes. I had to take the front wheels off two bikes to get three bikes on this carrier. Also, it rubbed the paint off on the trunk of my Subaru legacy.
# 4
Thule Passage Trunk Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - Hanging Style
Easy to set up and attach! Attached to my 2014 VW Golf. This is a keeper product for years to come.
Easy to set up. Very stable with bikes mounted. Great product.
# 5
Kuat Beta Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Tilting
Does the trick to carry my mountain bike.
The quality of the bike rack was excellent, but I was unable to use it because I couldn't open and close my trunk (Honda Accord 2012) when the bike rack was closed. It may have worked if I had a different trailer hitch, but I didn't want to spend the extra money on a new trailer hitch. Unfortunately, I will need to return the bike rack.
# 6
Swagman XC2 Bike Rack for 2 bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
Got delivery on time. Less than a half hour the bike rack was assembled and test fitted to VW Golf Sportwagen. Seems tight and well made. Only thing is second hole in receiver needs to be made slightly larger to take our locking hitch pin.
Easy to put on and take off. Holds two bikes. A little shaky, but I don't drive far with the bike on the back, so works well for me.
What our customers are saying:
"Loved the hitch 5-bike bike rack. Came quickly and is as advertised."