Bike Rack Recommendation for Surface 604 Rook E-Bikes with Fenders on a 1-1/4" Class I Hitch  

Question:

Expert Reply:

If you are looking to purchase a 2013 Hyundai Elantra with a 1-1/4 Class 1 hitch, you are absolutely correct that a bike frame adapter like the Swagman Deluxe Bike Frame Adapter Bar # 64005 can open up more options. This is because a frame-mounted style bike rack is recommended due to the fact that a wheel-mounted rack can potentially damage or crack your fenders on your Surface 604 Rook e-bikes. However, since you have a Class 1 hitch, you are very limited about what racks you can install on your hitch due to the hitch's construction.

It turns out that the only rack we carry for a Class 1 hitch that provides you with the 60 pound weight capacity you need does not require you to purchase a bike frame adapter bar. For that rack I recommend the Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches # TH903202. This rack is an amazing rack because of a few reasons. First off, the rack comes with a 65-pound per-bike weight capacity that is perfect for your 604 Rook e-bikes. Secondly, this rack comes loaded with one-key system locks that serve as theft-deterrence of the bikes and the rack itself. Another reason why this is a great choice is because since the cradles independently adjust along the central mast, you do not need a bike frame adapter bar like the # 64005. Perhaps the most advantageous aspect of the rack is the integrated ramp. With this ramp, you simply roll your bikes onto the platform without having to lift them off the ground.

If your bikes happen to have fat tires between 3 and 4-11/16 inches wide, you need the fat bike straps # TH985101.

I went ahead and attached a photo of one of our neighbors using the EasyFold XT with their step-thru Radrunner e-bike to show you the versatility of the adjusting cradles.

expert reply by: Bob C

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Using Thule EasyFold XT # TH903202 with Step-Thru E-Bike
(click to enlarge)