# 1
Saris Bones 3 Bike Rack - Trunk Mount - Adjustable Arms
The Saris Bones-3 bike carrier is very solid and also configurable. It fit both my Subaru Forrester (mid-size SUV) and Honda Accord (sedan with trunk) well. Installation was pretty straightforward -- though read the clips to understand which goes where. The bike weight, in both cases, rested mostly on the rear bumper. I have used it for both 1 and 2 bikes, and found each incident of mounting the bikes went smoothly and that they were quite well secured. There appeared to be no swaying or bouncing of the bike mount, even on some pretty rough roads. You will want to have a strap to secure the front wheel of at least the first bicycle on the rack (not included with the Saris mount, I used the recommended Softride Velcro Tie-downs).
Fairly quick to install on car, but not designed for women's bikes - since Women's bikes usually don't have the horizontal frame bar. I don't think this was made clear when we purchased the Saris Bones for 2 bikes. It's another purchase to be made, bringing the price of the unit up another 20%.
# 2
Kuat Beta Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Tilting
I was looking for a light weight bike rack for my 2015 Honda Accord. Your videos stated that the Kuat Beta was light and easy to install. You were right. I opened the box, read the instructions, and had it installed in about 10 minutes. I don't use a rack lock. It is so easy to pop on and off the hitch that I keep the rack in my car trunk.
We've been using this bike rack with a 1.25" Draw-Tite receiver hitch (also purchased from etrailer) on a 2012 Prius C for a month with no problems. As shown on the pictures, it fits two bikes very well, even one with a baby carrier. I chose this model based on recommendations from etrailer that it can be easily detached from the car without tools. True to their word, it is very easily detachable from the hitch and folds up nicely to fit in your garage/closet/storage area. Basically, it uses a hand tightened ball bearing mechanism to secure itself into the hitch receiver, and then uses a 3/8" hand locked pin as a safety device. You can install and de-install this rack in just a few minutes. During driving, there is little noticeable vibration from this rack, even on rougher roads or speed bumps. The only downside is that the holes on the receiver hitch do not align perfectly with the holes on the bike rack (see picture). I believe a few other reviewers also noted this issue. There is enough room to fit the safety pin, but not quite enough to fit a 1/2" hitch lock. I called Kuat to ask them about this and the rep told me that not all hitches will line up with this rack. Kuat, coincidentally(?), sells a hitch lock that is also 3/8" (same size as the safety pin) and still fits.
# 3
Thule Passage Trunk Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - Hanging Style
Just returned from a bike-trip using the Thule Passenger2 for the 1st time. It is the best bike rack that I have ever owned. It is easy to install, all parts are covered to protect your car from scratching, and held the 2-bikes "rock-solid". Awesome product.
Product is Great! It was easy to assemble (with the assistance of the on-line video) and per the instruction booklet what setting to adjust it to per the make/model and year of my vehicle. We load our bikes and drive to a destination to ride from, the bikes feel very secure. Love the ease in which the bike rack mounts to the vehicle!
# 4
Swagman Trailhead Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
Bike rack fits securely to car. No bike sway. It's a bit cumbersome to get used to installing and loading bike compared to the more expensive models. Had to use straps to secure bike wheels from moving and turning. Otherwise a great rack and reasonable price.
I chose this rack based on the reviews, and it lives up to the hype. Very solid construction, and a very solid fit in the receiver. After installing it, I attached my bike and drove it around a bit just to get a sense of how solid it was. After many years of a trunk mounted rack, this rack is rock solid by comparison. And I can easily open and access the trunk even with my bike in place. I'm not only pleased with the rack and the hitch I purchased, but also EXTREMELY impressed with the great people at etrailer.com. I sent a question that was answered quickly, and they kept me informed of my order and its status every step of the way. Thank you so much!!
# 5
Swagman XC2 Bike Rack for 2 bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
I have been looking at this product for months. Looking at the reviews and comparing it to other products. I decided on this one because of the ratings and the price. Everything about this product is spot-on with regards to description, installation and quality. If you don't have a bike carrier and need one, don't hesitate. I wished I had bought this one before my trunk mounted carrier, scratched up my car's paint.
Great product for the price! Took a bit of fiddling to get it set up the first time and get the bikes locked in securely. Now that it's dialed in it's super fast to get my rides on and off. I am very happy with this rack. Best feature is the ratcheting hold downs! So much better than the screw down hand knobs on my friends more expensive rack.
# 6
Hollywood Racks Express 3 Bike Carrier - Fixed Arms - Trunk Mount
I just got it today. Put it on my car, attached my bike. Amazing quality for the money!
I bought this bike rack based on other good customer reviews and good price. I have only used it once so far but it worked just as advertised. Seemed very sturdy and easy to install. I have no complaints.
# 7
Thule Hitching Post Pro Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches
Great price, install was super easy. There was a plastic cap that was cracked, but it is pure cosmetic and eTrailer sent me another cap immediately. That is great customer service! This cracked cap would have no effect on the actual performance of the product (picture attached). It feels like a solid bike rack and I hope to get many years out of it. Thanks for the great price and detailed videos etrailer.com!
# 8
Swagman Upright Bike Rack for 1 Bike - Roof Rack Crossbars - Frame Mount
Planning on bringing bikes while camping. I mounted 2 of the Swagman bike racks to my new Sportrack on my pop-up camper. The bikes fit perfectly. The racks seem sturdy enough. Not heavy duty, but for my needs they should be fine. Assembly was relatively fast and easy.
We have used the Swagman Roof Rack a number of times when we have needed the additional bike carrying capacity. It took a couple attempts to get the initial spacing of the bike rack properly balanced on the van’s roof rack as recommended by the instructions. But it was easy to do and once set was very easy and quick to put on and take off. The rack works great, the bike is easy to put into place and secure. The bike and rack are very stable and quiet and haven’t required any mid-trip adjustments. We always put the cheapest bike on the roof (lol) but do use a bit of duct tape to protect the finish just Incase. We are very satisfied with the rack and consider it quite a deal for the money.
# 9
Hollywood Racks Trail Rider Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
Very satisfied with this bike rack. I am a 68 yo female with no mechaical aptitude. Had no problem initially installing and setting it up, and very quick easy to load and unload bike. Sturdy, stable and secure. Using it with a DrawTight hitch which I also ordered from etrailer. Wonderful customer service and very helpful website.
Excellent bike rack and easy to install. There were two 'extra' washers not mentioned in the instructions but evidently that they are to be used in Assembly instruction Step 1(5) with the two spacers.
# 10
Saris Bones 2 Bike Rack - Trunk Mount - Adjustable Arms
I haven't installed on my car yet, but it's sturdy and I can't wait to take my bikes for a car ride
The Saris Bones-3 bike carrier is very solid and also configurable. It fit both my Subaru Forrester (mid-size SUV) and Honda Accord (sedan with trunk) well. Installation was pretty straightforward -- though read the clips to understand which goes where. The bike weight, in both cases, rested mostly on the rear bumper. I have used it for both 1 and 2 bikes, and found each incident of mounting the bikes went smoothly and that they were quite well secured. There appeared to be no swaying or bouncing of the bike mount, even on some pretty rough roads. You will want to have a strap to secure the front wheel of at least the first bicycle on the rack (not included with the Saris mount, I used the recommended Softride Velcro Tie-downs).
# 11
Thule Passage 3 Bike Carrier - Trunk Mount
2009 Honda AccordThis bike rack fit the 2009 Honda Accord trunk perfectly. Make sure the straps are tight and check them when you stop for a break. I am very happy with this rack and will tecommend Thule racks to everyone!
Just returned from a bike-trip using the Thule Passenger2 for the 1st time. It is the best bike rack that I have ever owned. It is easy to install, all parts are covered to protect your car from scratching, and held the 2-bikes "rock-solid". Awesome product.
# 12
Curt 2 Bike Platform Rack - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount - Tilting
I installed this rack onto a Curt trailer hitch which is mounted onto a 2017 Honda Fit. I have been using it intermittently for several months, probably about 5 times with one bike and twice with two bikes. I give some pros and cons below and then elaborate. Pros: easy to assemble, easy to mount and dismount bikes, easy to lock and unlock, how to put the rack into different positions is intuitive Cons: inconvenient to put the rack into different positions, inconvenient to mount the rack onto the hitch, rack protrudes about 15 inches from bumper when in flipped up position (seems very vulnerable to someone backing into it in a parking lot, very inelegant looking I say the repositioning is intuitive because there is really only one way you could possibly place the pins for each position. But removing and replacing two pins is much less convenient than turning a knob or a lever, like some racks do. Also many racks fold and flip in such a way as to look very unobtrusive when in non-use mode. This one looks like kind of a monstrosity. That does not really bother me but it might bother some owners. The part that does bother me is how far it protrudes from the car. I back into parking spaces whenever possible to avoid someone bumping into the rack and damaging it (which happened to a friend). My number one suggestion for Curt is related to mounting the rack onto the hitch. Make it easier to tell when the holes are lined up so that the bolt/pin will fit and thread. As it is now, if you insert the rack as far as it can go it is way too far in. Ideally, it would be exactly lined up. Failing that, maybe some kind of click or other feedback to know at least that you are in the neighborhood. It would also be great to have an attaching device that is easier to fasten and unfasten than is the bolt/pin. Tip for mounting the rack onto the hitch: I assumed that it would be awkward to hold, what is it 46 pounds?, while trying to line up the rack probe with the receiver. If you have a garage with exposed collar ties, my solution could work well for you. I looped a cargo strap over a collar tie. Then I hooked both hooks of a bungie onto that loop. The idea is that you hook one of the bike frame holders of the rack onto the bungie, suspending the rack a few inches off the garage floor. This takes most of the weight of the rack so that you can just pull up or down and forward until you line up with the receiver. Tip for mounting bikes. Don't put the little screw into the post that prevents you from completely removing the bike frame holders. Remove both holders. Position the first bike, slide the holder into place, position the second bike, slide the holder into place. I found this makes it much easier, because you avoid parts of the bike hitting the holder as you are trying to get the wheels into place. The trick is that if you are mounting only one bike, don't forget to put the second holder back on - or maybe just stick it inside the car right away.
# 13
Rhino-Rack MountainTrail Rooftop Bike Carrier - Fork Mount
Great products, excellent selection and fast shipping. I'll buy from etrailer again.
Great product, super easy to install, and sturdy. IF YOU ARE USING THIS FOR A MOUNTAIN BIKE, they tend to have wider hubs and/or thicker axles that WILL NOT WORK with the skewer and sleeve provided. You have to buy a rhino rack thru axle adapter which is an additional $XXX/per and a different size thru axle sleeve which is $XX/per. I just wish it came with a more universal fork hookup from the start or a cheaper option to change sizes.
# 14
Swagman XTC2 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
Great product. It was easy to install and really holds your bike secure. I feel completely confident when using this bike rack.
Bad design !!! Almost lost my bicycle on the road. Bike hook slide teeth got worn out after one year of use. It is the "U" shape push down lock that holds your top tube. After small (micro) teeth that hold the hook down get worn from use and rust, bicycle will push this hook up as it vibrates back and forth while you drive. Once hook is up, your top tube will clear and bicycle will fold down. Some kind of pin or security is needed above the hook. I will probably drill a hole just above the hook and insert some kind of pin.
# 15
Yakima HoldUp Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Wheel Mount
I just installed this on Friday and we used it for a short trip to the bike shop. So far, it is not bad. I had to laugh; Yakima applied their logo upside-down! I read the directions at least 3x to be sure I didn't have them reversed...I did it right. The directions also show a logo on both, upper & lower rack. I guess they wanted to save some $$ ? Assembly was easy with just three steps. The hitch has a lock to lock it to the car, which is great, but the cover won't stay on. It takes 2 hands, one to hold the lock in place and the other to try to put the cover over the lock. It just pops off the second you release pressure. I will try again in warmer weather, then tape it on so hopefully it will mold to the lock and eventually stay put without the tape. I am not convinced of the stability of the bikes, really. Going over bumps they do shake. For safety, we are going to add straps from the luggage rack and through the bikes, just in case. I really like the cable locks to secure the bikes to the rack. With our old rack there really wasn't a way to lock the bikes to the rack, and I always worried when we were traveling and stopped for food.
As etrailer reminded me, I have had this thing for a year and it is awesome. I did a lot of research before buying and am certainly glad it steered me towards this product. My hatch just clears the rack when it is in the stowed (up) position and it just clears my handlebars in the tilted (down) position. Fits like a glove! The bolt fits snugly and makes for a very quiet ride. I love the anti-theft bolt-end but I make sure to pull on it after installing because it is hard to tell for sure if it is on. Mine was not and I drove away, losing it. They're not super expensive, but are super back-ordered rn so I had to find one from MasterLock that fits. I actually take mine on and off a fair amount because I'm hauling stuff around and loading/unloading is much easier without the rack in place even with it all folded into the stowed position. I've taken this rack across the country a few times (with and without bikes) and it has been great. I try not to exceed 90mph with a bike in the rack... Two things to know: 1. When you are only carrying one bike you have to make certain that the other spot's ratcheting arm is as ratcheted-down as possible. I once had it slip and it was dragging in the roadway before someone started flashing lights at me and I caught it. 2. I use a Voile strap (elastic cargo strap) to hold my front tire down. See attached photo. If you don't, it is possible for the front wheel to roll back a little bit and loosen the fit. I don't know why Yakima hasn't made this change themselves but it's simple and makes your bike WAY more secure especially on winding roads.
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!"