| mdx2 |
I am trying to figure out what type of bicycle rack to get to carry a couple of bikes with the MDX. Has anybody used the roof top bike carrier sold by Acura (around $126 each from Tim)?
The other option is a hitch carrier (and I do have a hitch on my MDX), which can hold up to 4 bikes. I know Rhode Gear makes one for about $150. Has anybody used this?
Any recommendations? |
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| tdnone |
Hi MDX2,
Like you, I also have a hitch, the Hidden Hitch and am looking for a fold down bike carrier for three bikes and also looking for a similar ski carrier holding at least 4 pairs of ski and one snowboard. Would appreciate any suggestions or recommendations. I have serached the old threads and wish to see any new recommendations, if any.
Thanks,:) |
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| mdx2 |
| Like I mentioned, Rhode Gear makes a hitch carrier that folds down for about $150. It holds 4 bikes. I don't know how good it is, and was wondering whether anyone else has used it. |
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| tdnone |
MDX2,
Do you know their website?
Cheers :) |
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| MGTD |
Well these cheaper hitch racks are ok if you don't mind your bikes getting all hacked up by banging into each other. That's what happens when you mount by the top tube. The pedals and parts wack each other.
Some of the more expensive models from Thule and Yakima also fold out of the way.
If you want the ultimate in protection, sturdiness and ease of use then it's Draftmaster.com
The rack may end up being more expensive then the bikes that mount to it.;)
Chris |
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| A2MDXer |
| do a search for bike rack and you will find several discussions. I do not have experience with hitch mounts but if you want to go with roof top, you might consider a fork mount carrier from Thule rather than the frame mount Acura model (note: the Acura model is made by Thule). The fork mount is more secure and holds the bikes lower as compared with the frame mount. Again, there are several threads on this. |
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| UpNorth |
Yakama makes a trailer hitch mount (Terra Gate) that holds up to 4 bikes and swings completely out of the way with the bikes not touching the MDX. It's holds the bikes in 3 places each and does so quickly and easily. It has a built in lock and locks to the vehicle. It costs more, but the way it's built it will last forever. It's well thought out - I love ours. The only mod I to make was to grind a little of the flange off the MDX receiver as the hole is tight to the flange not allowing the washer to seat - why is the hole so close to the flange?! bad design IMHO arrrg. But it was well worth 10 minutes of grinding.
Hope this helps.:) |
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| alo |
I bought a hidden hitch for 139.95. The installation took about 30 min and looks fine after I removed the 'hidden hitch' logo sticker.
I bought a Thule 4 bike hitch mount carrier from Sportmart for 89.95 on sale. The regular price seems to be 159.95. It has a tilt down feature. It's a good deal from a name brand manufacturer. They also have a 2 bike carrier which I am sure is less expansive but it only fits 1 1/4" mount. |
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| tdnone |
Hi Alo,
That is a very good price for it. The thule hitch carrier is also on sale at Sportmart in the SF bay area, but only at 25% off right now. Did you buy the 944 or 994 model?
Cheers :) |
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| alo |
| It's a 944. I was suprised by the price also but I did not argue. |
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| mdx2 |
| Is there anyplace on-line to buy the Thule 4 bike hitch mount carrier? It sounds like a good product at a good price. Does it keep the bikes stable? I assume it is better than the Rhode Gear product? |
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| 4mel |
I have a Hollywood hitch mount rack... used it on my Discovery. It holds 4 bikes, folds down. It was about $100, and they offer a ski and snow board attachment for it as well. But - it does require some care in mounting the bikes to keep them banging into each other.
Thule racks on line? Try this one at Rack-N-Roll.com:
Thule 984 Hitching Post 984 Hitching Post Fits into 2" receiver hitches and will hold up to four bikes. Tilt down design for easy access to rear of vehicle. Bikes rest on non-marring cradles and can be secured to the rack with any cable lock. Optional 987 Ski/Snowboard Carrier available. For class III 2" receiver hitches only.
Price: $159.00
I haven't put a hitch on the MDX yet - it's only 3 days old. But it's coming...
2001 GG / navi
1999 CRV
1994 Accord
1964 Porsche 356 C |
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| tdnone |
quote:
Originally posted by mdx2
Is there anyplace on-line to buy the Thule 4 bike hitch mount carrier? It sounds like a good product at a good price. Does it keep the bikes stable? I assume it is better than the Rhode Gear product?
Yesterday, I bought the Thule 944 at Sportmart for $91 sales tax included. They advertised 25% discount but the counter said it is 50% discount.
You can buy online at www.thule.com. But the sell at list price ($160) plus shipping (~$25). Go to the sports store like Sportmart, REI, etc. At least the price is not higher than 160 but no shipping charge.
Most online store price (including shipping) is higher than at the store irself.
The Thule can be added with the ski attachment for 6 pair of skis for $145. |
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| alo |
I'm glad you got the 944 form Sportmart also. It's really good price considering it's got the 'Thule' on it.
Since the bars holds the bikes in two places only, any idea to secure the bike a little better? |
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| tdnone |
Hi alo,
I notice that on the lower part of the post, there is 2 threaded holes. It seems that it is for the optional lower bar to keep the bikes straight and avoid the banging. My bikes are too cheap and old so I just use some bungees to keep them together.
If I found another solution, I will let you know.
Cheers :) |
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| mdx2 |
| stupid question, but what size hitch does the MDX have, 2" or 1.25"? |
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| MGTD |
quote:
Originally posted by mdx2
stupid question, but what size hitch does the MDX have, 2" or 1.25"?
2 inch. Some have had problems with the closeness of the flange to the pin and have had to grid it a bit.
Chris |
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| tdnone |
quote:
Originally posted by alo
I'm glad you got the 944 form Sportmart also. It's really good price considering it's got the 'Thule' on it.
Since the bars holds the bikes in two places only, any idea to secure the bike a little better?
Alo,
Go to the Thule website, look for the 994 rack, see the detail spare parts, you will see the lower bar accessories and the strap. While there, you can also see the lock for the bikes and the STL lock to secure the carrier to the hitch. Originally, I plan to buy the 994, but it is not available and not on sale, so I got the 944. But I plan to add all the above accessories for my my bike carrier. I was told the ski carrier attachment ($145) will fit on the 994 rack. Then my 944 is pretty much the same as the 994, except the folding bike arms when not in use.
Enjoy, :) |
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| alo |
Thanks, tdnone
Keep me posted about your rack upgrade. Now I know what is a 'Zip stick'. It seems like a good deal at $10 + $6 for the parts bag. Can you tell what the bar clamps are for?
AL :cool: |
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| tdnone |
quote:
Originally posted by alo
Thanks, tdnone
Keep me posted about your rack upgrade. Now I know what is a 'Zip stick'. It seems like a good deal at $10 + $6 for the parts bag. Can you tell what the bar clamps are for?
AL :cool:
What else but to use it to secure the Zip-Stick to the post :rolleyes: :p
Don't forget about the tie straps, the Snug-Tite lock and the cable lock too. That make the complete set :D |
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| alo |
I got the zip stick with the parts bag, and the tie downs from Thule's web site. I'm gonna stick my old cable lock for the time being.
AL:) |
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| tdnone |
Alo,
How the zip-stick and tie down worked for you? Let me know. They lost my order.
Thanks and cheers |
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| alo |
The zip stick works ok. I would skip the tie-downs since they seem to be too short. If you're just gonna buy the zip stick, I would just go to a local bike shop to save the shipping cost.
Generally, I have no complain.
alo |
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