Hitch rack recommendations (4 bike capacity)
 

I'm considering replacing the current hitch rack I use, a Reese Sport Wing. The things I like about that rack are it carries up to 4 bikes and the extention for the second second set of bikes comes off as I often just put one or two bikes on it (loading 4 bikes requires some creativity & patience) but need the 4 bike capacity for when the whole family goes riding. I also like that there is enough room to open the tailgate of my truck with the rack on and access the bed (there's a soft bed cover that I I only remove when if needed and since its a soft cover, putting some kind of rack on it isn't really an option.) Loosing bed access isn't that big of a deal though.

My complain is the straps that secure the tires (this rack is basically a V configuration where the bikes hang by the tops of their wheels by adjustible hooks on the V arms) are very hard to get on & off, worse in cold weather when the rubber isn't as elastic. We've actually fell trying to put so much pressure getting the damn things undone and my wife actually popped herself in the face once pulling on one so hard (kinda comical at the time.) It almost takes two people to do and often becomes a Laurel & Hardy show often resulting in a lot of foul language. I've looked into replacing the straps with something easier to work with but not much luck so far, so I'm basically over it.

Looking for recommendations on a replacement. Wanting a style that supports the bike from the bottom of the wheel rather than the top. Looking at this one from Nashbar currently on sale, but being as most seem to be $400 and up and this one is half the price, I suspect you get what you pay for.

Nashbar Shadow 4-Bike Hitch Rack

We have a very similar rack made by Swagman:
http://www.amazon.com/Swagman-Cross-...gman+bike+rack and have no complaints about it other than the fact that it's heavy. We got it used on Craigslist, but if I hadn't found I would have been willing to give the Nashbar one a try for half the cost. The principal difference I see between the Nashbar and the Swagman is that the Swagman folds when not in use.

You might want to take a look a this thread here: Looking for a good bike rack

A good quality rack can be expensive, but in my experience / opinion, you definitely get what you pay for. So, as I did in the other thread, I heartily recommend the Yakima HoldUp 2" and the +2 extension. Best rack I've ever owned.

Check out the DraftMaster. We have been using it for a few years and it is fantastic, very stable and easy to use!