| dfroim |
you may want to check this out :
http://www.rackattack.com/exdyakima-2571.asp?id=27
Price seems pretty good for this rack. At least I have not found anything close to this. And the delivery was pretty fast, but I do not know yet what's arrived(content, conditions etc) since it's waiting for me on the porch, - will check it up when I come home from work. |
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| Warzau |
| Great!!!! I was looking at this one at REI, their price is $470. Even with their annivesary special of 20% off it is still 376, am on right now with live chat with REI. They will not price match!!! |
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| HarvM |
I just picked up a SoftrideŽ Access LT 4 Bike Hitch Rack msrp $229.99
http://www.softride.com/rack/pinRack.asp
It's unique parallelogram design not only allows you to tilt the main mast away to access the trunk (even fully loaded) but it also keeps the bikes level as it tilts- so the last bike doesn't get pushed up as it contacts the ground first. Even the Yakima/Thule non-swingaway racks don't do this.
Although it's rated for 4 bikes, the bike arms actually have 8 cradle positions so if one bike has a really wide aero handle bar or something you can space it further away from the others.
When not in use the bike arms don't fold down but they do detach easily with pull pins so you can pull into the garage without having to remove the whole rack. This feature also allows the arms to fit into optional accessories like a wall mount (http://www.softride.com/rack/storage.asp ) so you can store your bikes in the garage on the same bike arms.
There's also a "Car-B-Q" propane grill attachment ( http://www.softride.com/rack/carbq.asp ) for tail gate parties, and a ski/snowboard holder too.
It's currently on sale at Nashbar, SuperGo, and Performance (109.99-139.99) http://www.performancebike.com/shop...e.cfm?SKU=18500
I got mine at the beginning of May from Performance online and utilized a coupon code I got from the NY Bike show so it worked out even less.
109.99
-22.00 (20% coupon code 6000375 exp. 6/2/04)
+13.25 shipping to NJ
101.24 TOTAL
It is rock solid and comes with a locking hitch bolt too, which is usually extra on other racks. I have not seen a better made or more feature-laden bike rack at this price.
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Happy trails! |
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| HarvM |
I wouldn't think so. Lesser two-bike hitch racks will run you at least $100 anyway... see for yourself at your local Sports Authority.
You can always put more space between the bikes giving each more elbow room to prevent scratches.
Another feature I forgot to mention- there are two hitch bolt hole positions so you can mount the rack further out to accomodate a hatch mounted spare tire like on my wife's Honda CRV.
And Performance shipped within a week. I think their price went up a bit this week but you should still be able to use that coupon code I posted. I think Performance does match prices so check Nashbar and SuperGo before ordering. |
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| jlrebate |
I am thinking about purchasing the softride one from Costco.
While travelling with multiple bikes, do you have any problem with bike's bottom swaying, moving, etc.. that
caused them from banging into each other and causing scratches ??
Thanks. |
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| Warzau |
| I went out and bought a Slick ROC 4, I actually went to REI, the rep was nice enough to mount the ROC n Gate, it just wasnt for me, it seem too beefy. just too big. So I tried the Slick ROC 4, basically the same except no swing out. Got it for 239.00 rackattack, sold it for 270.00 |
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| HarvM |
quote:
Originally posted by jlrebate
I am thinking about purchasing the softride one from Costco.
While travelling with multiple bikes, do you have any problem with bike's bottom swaying, moving, etc.. that
caused them from banging into each other and causing scratches ??
Thanks.
How much is it at Costco?
I observed very little sway on normal roads here in NJ- the rubber straps have multiple positions and if you strap it down tightly enough there should be very little movement. I'd still slow down over really rough pavement (big potholes, construction plates, etc. like on Canal St. in NYC).
Any road that rocks the whole vehicle will likely cause some sway.
A couple of pieces of foam pipe insulation on the lower parts of the bikes should be sufficient protection if you're really concerned.
Also for security, the parallelogram design of the Softride allows you to pass a Kryptonite cable through it- you can't do that on a single mast hitch rack. |
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| Warzau |
| The nice thing about the new Slick ROC 4 that it has a integrated cable locks in the arms, for the bike Plus a hitch lock came with it as well so no need to buy anything extra. |
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| HarvM |
The integrated cables in the bike arms are convenient, and the Softride offers it as an option, but IMHO (having grown up within the 5 boros of NYC) these light gauge cables would not be adequate in high risk urban areas- can be cut with a pair of hand pliers.
Unlike roof mounted bike racks, hitch racks not only hold your bikes at a very convenient level for you but also for unsavory sorts to get at cables and locks.
If your bike cost more than $500 then I wouldn't use anything less than a 3/8" dia. cable and pass it thru both wheels, the frame and the hitch rack. Don't forget a good padlock too. I'd use those integrated bike arm cables to secure the seat/seat post or anything else on a quick release skewer. |
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| rfowkes |
After looking around at my options I choose the Thule 988 Trailblazer.
Very sturdy and does everything I want in a bike rack. |
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| HarvM |
I do like these swing-out type racks from Thule and Yakima but at almost 4 times the price of the Softride, I couldn't justify it. The only advantage I can see it offering is full access to the cargo area, which could be handy if you are loading something via a ramp. But, for a smidgen over a C-note I don't mind stepping over the lowered mast of the Softride when it's tilted away from the back.
More power to you if you can afford these types of racks. |
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| rfowkes |
I take my bikes (2 or 3 of them) down the Jersey shore over 100 miles away from my home and feel more comfortable with a rugged rack that can take the rigors of highway driving. I formerly used a Sarus "Bones" rack (one you strap on) before purchasing the MDX and, although it was more configurable (I could adjust it to fit my Explorer or my Impala SS) it was also a bit of a pain to install, not to mention that I always was concerned about the amount of sway involved on long trips. The Thule is a tank and when connected to the tow hitch almost seems to become part of the MDX.
As to the price, since I use my bikes a lot I don't consider it exhorbinant to spend less than 1% of the cost of the vehicle to provide safe transportation for my bikes which cost quite a bit of money themselves (Jamis hardtails). Everything is relative.
To each their own. I know people who don't use a rack at all but just put the bikes in the back of the SUV. That's not for me (unless the weather turns ugly). |
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| naps |
| I bought a Softride Access a long time ago for the unseemingly high price of 280 bucks. Seeing them now go for 150 or less is disheartening but from my experience, these are great hitch racks. I made the mistake of installing a 1 and 1/4" hitch and so I had to get an adapter to fit my 2" softride, it sticks out another 6 inches or so. With that amount of extension, I don't even need to pivot the softride to get the rear hatch opened. There is plenty of clearance. If you got a 1 and 1/4" hitch, and need a very easy system to get some bikes on rack, this is a nod from me to go with softride. |
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