Bike Rack Recommendation with Loading Ramp for Carrying 4-Bikes with Fenders

Question:

looking for suggestions on a 4 place platform bike rack. 2 townie 7d with fenders will be involved. my hopes were to find a platform style with a loading ramp. Anything that you have that will work? ie yakima stage 2, kuat , thule. Also weight is also becoming a factor so lighter is better. all in all lightest hitch to install with easiest loading. This will go on the back of a tahoe style vehicle and maybe occasionaly the volvo xc60 so the hitch may move back and forth between vehicles. Thank you

asked by: Brian N

Helpful Expert Reply:

I have 2 different bike rack options for you and it really depends on what you're wanting to get out of the bike rack.

From what you said in your question it sounds like you really care about quality so for that I recommend the Kuat Piston Pro X and the following parts:

- Kuat Piston Pro X Bike Rack for 4 Bikes # KU45VR
- Loading Ramp # KU63VR
- Fender Straps # KU43VR

The is a top-of-the-line bike rack that has unrivaled ease of use. The only problem with this solution is that the rack weighs in at a whopping 108 lbs so it isn't something you'll look forward to moving from vehicle to vehicle. Aside from the weight though it meets all of the requirements you listed.

For something that doesn't quite hit all of your marks I recommend checking out the Saris Freedom:

- Saris Freedom Bike Rack # SA4414B

This holds bikes by the frame for your Townie bikes and then can hold 60 lb bikes in the inner cradles and 35 lb bikes in the outer cradles, plus the rack weighs in at a mere 53 lbs which is very light for a 4-bike rack solution. The problems with this solution though is that it isn't quite as high-end as the Kuat Piston Pro X, and it doesn't have a ramp add-on.

So if you're more interested in a high-end bike that offers help getting the bikes loaded go with the Kuat option, but if you want something more cost-effective that's easier to move from vehicle to vehicle go with the Saris option.