Recommendation for Platform Rack for 2016 Subaru Forester with Men's Bike and Crank Forward Bike

Updated 05/25/2016 | Published 05/24/2016

Question:

I am looking for a 2 bike platform rack. One bike is a peddle forward/crank forward womens bike, the other a mens bike. The bike will go on a 2016 Forester with a class 3 hitch. I would like to be able to get at the back when the bikes are on the car. Looking at the Swagman Chinook.

asked by: Richard

Expert Reply:

The Swagman Chinook 2 Bike Platform Rack # S64683 is a great option and a rack I recommend for you. I really like this rack for the same reason as you, it will allow you to tilt the rack while the bikes are loaded as well as some of the built in security features like the locking hooks. The ratcheting, padded hooks will secure the bikes by the upper frame bar and the wheel cradles have ratcheting straps to secure each wheel. This rack comes with a locking anti-wobble hitch pin to secure the rack inside the hitch receiver and prevent additional movement of the rack in the receiver.

The wheel cradles of this bike rack can be moved along the base of the rack in order to fit a variety of bikes with different wheel bases. The wheel cradles will hold tires up to 3 inches in width and wheels between 20 inches to 29 inches in diameter. The Chinook # S64683 can accommodated bikes with a maximum wheel base of 50 inches. A bike's wheel base is measured from the center of the front wheel to the center of the back wheel. As look as both bikes have a wheel base of 50 inches or less, the Chinook will work well for you.

The Chinook offers 6 inches of clearance from the hitch pin hole to the closest edge of the rack when it is folded up against the vehicle. You may want to measure the distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the edge of bumper on your Forester to ensure you will not have any clearance issues when folding the bike rack up.

expert reply by: Victoria B