Class I Hitch and Thule EasyFold Hitch Bike Rack for 2016 Chevy Spark  

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Expert Reply:

The Electra Townie Original 7D man's bike has a sloped frame tube and no fenders and it weighs about 34-lbs which is within the typical 35-lbs-per-bike weight capacity for most but not all bike racks.

I do recommend using hitch and hitch-mount bike rack since this will protect the car's sheet metal from potential scratches and dents from the weight of a loaded trunk-mount rack that rests on the car. Hitch racks put their load onto the car's frame, its strongest part, so this makes them a better long-term solution. Plus, having a hitch on the car means you could use a cargo carrier such as # C18110. For your car I recommend Curt hitch # C11433 which installs without drilling and that includes all needed hardware. For use with a bike rack you will also need support strap # 18050.

You referenced the very nice Thule EasyFold XT 2 Bike Platform Rack # TH903202. If this rack suits your budget it is hard to recommend anything else. The EasyFold might be the last bike rack you ever need to buy. Here's why.

This rack fits both 1-1/4-inch and 2-inch hitches; it offers a 65-lbs-per-bike weight capacity so if you ever move to a heavy e-bike you are already good to go; it tilts away from the car for easy vehicle access; it handles tires as wide as 2-1/2-inches (your tires are 2-inches wide); and wheelbases up to 48-inches; and it includes a loading ramp so you don't have to lift the bikes to load them! I know of no more feature-rich bike rack. And Thule is well-known for their commitment to service and support for their products. This rack carries a limited lifetime warranty. Hard to beat.

If you have a different price range in mind please let me know and I will be glad to assist.

expert reply by: Adam R

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