What Do You Recommend for Carrying 2-4 Bikes on a 2019 Subaru Crosstreck?

Updated 05/21/2021 | Published 05/20/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Swagman Quad 2+2 Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(65)

$617.30

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(807)

$176.39

Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar - Large - 25-1/2" - 35" - 35 lbs

(77)

$48.99

Question:

Weve got 2 kids bikes, an adult bike with a step-through frame, and a standard frame adult bike. Most of the time were transporting just 2 bikes an adult and a kid bike, or 2 kid bikes, but every now and then will want to carry all 4 with our 2019 Subaru Crosstrek and 2foot etrailer receiver Item # e98912. The Swagman 2+2 rack seems like it could be a good choice, but Im concerned about its weight. How much does just half of the rack weigh? Are their other options to consider that are easy to take on and off the vehicle? Could it be more cost effective to buy a 2 bike rack and a separate 4 bike rack?

asked by: Lucas

Expert Reply:

I have a great solution for transporting up to 4 bikes. I did some research on your 2019 Subaru Crosstrek, and the manufacturer recommends not to exceed a tongue weight of 150 pounds on your vehicle. The Swagman Quad 2+2 rack has a carrier weight of 86 pounds, which is high considering you need to account for the added weight of four bikes. With removing 2 of the positions, I confirmed with Swagman that the Quad 2 + 2 weighs 50 pounds.

For a solution to this problem, I recommend four-bike rack. The Yakima Backroad # YA44FR will get the job done, and it is easy to insert and remove from the hitch. The benefit of having a 4-bike rack is that you can transport any combination of bikes up to a total of 4. This rack only weighs 36 pounds which gives you 114 pounds for your bikes.

For your step-through bike, you will need the Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar for Electric, Step Through, and Cruiser Bikes # S57FR. This will ensure that your step-through will have a straight mounting point on the frame to secure to the rack.

If you need a hitch for your 2019 Subaru Crosstrek, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13382. The Curt 2-inch receiver comes with all the hardware needed for installation and involves a bolt-on attachment without any drilling.

expert reply by: Bob C