# 1
RockyMounts SwitchHitter LS Roof Bike Rack - Fork Mount - Aluminum - Black
Installation process and instructions were really easy but I have two major problems with the design. First, the bike rack mounts so far aft on the roof rack that it prevents me from opening my trunk more than halfway. I have a Chevy Bolt hatchback that uses a fixed point roof rack system so I can’t simply slide the bike mount or the roof rack forward at all. The rack is just about long enough for my mountain bike and fits all my other required measurements but I didn’t realize it won’t mount forward enough to clear my trunk. Second, the howling noise the bike rack makes is unacceptable. The normal buffeting wind noises are fine but driving above 40mph sounds like a kid is following me around blowing a whistle as hard as he can, constantly. I appreciate that this unit has very wide bike compatibility and that it holds the bike well, but if you’re looking for a fork mount unit I would look elsewhere.
I purchased these because of their longer length and they worked perfectly with my Rhino cross bars using the T-slots.
# 2
RockyMounts BackStage Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
We love our RockyMounts BackStage Bike Rack. The fact that it can hold our two e-bikes and swings out for rear door access makes it perfect for vanlife. Service and communication from etrailer is outstanading!
etrailer.com asked me for a review about 1 week after it arrived. A better review would be in about 6-12 months after delivery to allow me time to use and experience the rack. Disclosure: my review is just for the assembly and install. Assembly is not easy. I needed to go to the internet and look at photos. The instructions lack detail. So only 4 stars for assembly instructions. It seems like a good design. The included locks seem cheap - like why bother including. The hitch pin design seems to tighten down the rack so there should be minimal rattle and movement. The rack sits up relatively high, so it would be safer to lift heavier e-bikes with two people or use some type of field engineered ramp. Wish it was made in the US and I wish the country of original was fully disclosed in the etrailer.com description. Perhaps it is disclosed but I learned it was from china after it was delivered.
What our customers are saying:
"Wow!! Ordered on Tues. Recieved by Fri. in California. The hitch took 8 minutes to install on my 2005 Corolla!! 8 Minutes. Easiest hitch install ever. The bike rack is great too. It folds away like its not even there. Thanks for the great service."