robo

I'm looking into mounting a trailer hitch to my car (2007 Honda Fit) for the purpose of using a hitch mounted bike carrier. I'm looking at the type that supports the bikes by the wheels, as this seems like the most versatile and probably the least damaging for the bikes.

These are the three models I'm looking at right now:

• Thule T2 XTR
• Kuat NV2
• Yakima Holdup 2

I was wondering if anyone had opinions or preferences between the three. The Kuat is a bit more expensive but the integrated bike workstand seems like a really neat touch... otherwise it's hard to know which is better.

There is one issue, which is fenders. While the carrier would mostly be used for mountain bikes, I'd like to be able to carry my touring bike at some point, and it has metal (aluminum) fenders:



Does anyone know if any of these carriers would be able to clamp the front wheel forward enough to clear the fender?

The guy I spoke to at REI was adamant that I should just clamp *on top of* the fender, and that it would bend enough to hold the wheel, but that sounds like a horrible idea and just the kind of bike abuse that I want to avoid with this type of carrier!

Thoughts?

DowneasTTer

I LOVE the Kuat NV so much that I bought 1.25" one for use on my cars, smart for two, Fiat 500C and my audi TT roadster and the 2" with the add-on for my motorhome (to carry both our Mtn & road bikes on tours). The quality of the racks are super and Kuat's support is like NO other on the market. I had a lock problem 2 years in on the original rack and they replaced the locking cables for free including shipping. I can't say enough good about the company and the products..... but they are $$$

kingston 

I use one of these carriers from Nashbar that I got specifically for carrying bikes with fenders. It works great and only cost about $100 on sale.

robo

The top tube clamping carriers do avoid the fenders, but most of our bikes have top tube routed cables, making that a bit iffy. Clamping the wheels seems to make the most sense overall... which I why I want to know about the fender issue.

robo

So would the clamping arm on the front wheel work OK if you tried clamping to a spot on the wheel that was 6-8" further forward?

DowneasTTer

I don't know about that. You might be better off calling the kuat support line in the morning. They could tell you the best way. 877-822-5828 and you will actually reach an American English speaking LIVE person. Good luck with your choice. I looked all over the place before putting down the cash on these racks and have had many, many other ones over past 40 years of riding. This is the best I have ever used.

robo

Yeah - i've sent them an email. Hopefully will hear back soon!

kingston 

Let us know what you find out. I didn't think those tire holders would work with fenders which is how I ended up with the top-tube clamper.

DeadGrandpa

This doesn't really answer your question at all, but I want to suggest you don't need a wheel supporting rack, although I am not the decider here. I have no experience with the high dollar bike racks of which you speak, because I bought a simple top tube supporting bike rack from Harbor Freight for $40. It has some soft red rubbery cushions on the tube supports that have straps to hold the top tube, and I use a U-lock to hold the down tube to the vertical tubing on the rack. I'm sure I could augment that vertical tube with some padding, but it works as is. I have had no problems. I use some additional ties on front and rear wheels to keep each secure on longer trips, tied to the spoiler on the trunk lid of my Camry. It isn't real stylish but it works and it's cheap.

Canker

https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycli...-question.html

robo

Hm.. Don't like that idea at all. It's still pressing down on the fender, with or without some foam padding...

BTW, I heard back from Kuat, and they said it probably wouldn't work with the fendered bike.

Maybe we'll just go with one of they types that pushes down on the top tube instead. I dislike the idea of racks that attach to the frame, but it might be the best we can do... and they're cheaper.

kingston 

I was thinking... Maybe you could put a top tube adapter on your mountain bikes so the rack doesn't mash cables routed on the top tube or touch the frame at all. You could probably even fit one on your Rivendell above the top tube if you don't want to risk damaging the paint on that beauty. Just an idea.

pdlamb

I've been using a top tube clamping carrier for 8 years now without any problems.

robo

Yep, I was thinking about this. A piece of leather or sheet rubber inserted between the cables and frame would probably do a decent job of protecting the bike. The top tube hook is really just to stop the bike bouncing up or falling over while being carried - the bulk of the weight is still on the wheels.

Bent Bill

I have the Yakima hold up 2
two of my bikes have fenders
I just locate the clamp right up in front of the fenders
The arm on the Yakima is ratcheting so there is some play in it some times it does end up rubbing on the front lip of the fender
but it hasn't done any damage
I have used It a couple of times a week for about a year now
but I do have Planet bike plastic fenders

Oh and I really like it
very easy FAST loading /unloading

47p2

I had been looking around for a suitable carrier for the bikes and decided to fit a towball mounted carrier.
Here in the UK reviews for the Atera Strada were all excellent so SWMBO bought me this for my Christmas last year.


I've used it several times and it is a great bit of kit

priort

I suppose I could order one and have it shipped over I would just have to get a Euro stem for the receiver on my hitch...They look amazing..

Camilo

We have a Yakima that works like this. It is sold as heck and no worries. But it does have a tendancy to scuff the top tube, especially in the dusty environment we live in....

... and the problem is worse with these cables that are on the top of the top tube. It is a little kludgy, but an easy solution is to simply protect the frame from the cables at the point the support clamps down on the top tube. The clamp does not harm the cables in the least.

To protect - with or without the cable issue - I have some heavy duty (heavier than normal) duct tape which I just put on the top tube where the clamp is going to be and it solves the problem. It's just takes an inch or two and of course you can take it on and off. I just leave the roll in the vehicle I normally use the rack with.

Without the cables, some regular, heavy duty clear frame protector material will do, or regular thickness duct tape.


I have tried things like a rag, etc, and that will work in a pinch. But, especially if you're going on a dusty road, it seems like dust would work its way under the cloth and I'd get some abrasion. The tape is fool proof in that regard.

But it needs to be much thicker than normal duct tape, especially with the top-routed cables.

dbf909

I use a Top Tube type as well. Just go buy a foam "Pool Noodle", cut off about a 6" piece, and slit it down the side. The foam piece can then be slipped over the top tube and the clamp applied to the foam.

I've also use a piece of foam pipe insulation but the pool noodle works better. They cost about $3 or less each and come in handy for all sorts of things.

cvskates

Reading through this thread I was going to suggest the same thing until I saw you beat me to it (I have to admit I felt quite clever when this occurred to me). This is how I protect the top tube on my CF triathlon bike.


Pro-tip: pool noodle also works great for the rollers on bed frames to prevent you from bashing your toes on them

dbf909

Pool noodles are useful for all sorts of things. They are great for packing somewhat fragile and/or heavy items for shipping. When local stores often put them on sale for $1 each, I pick up a few.

I've used them for padding between frames hanging on top tube hanger hitch racks for years. I've never seen a scratch or scuff from using them. I've carried bikes on hitch racks on 1000 mile+ plus trips through rain and never had an issue.

supton

That looks pretty cool. I see that you posted some time ago; if you're still around, do you still like this setup?

kingston 

Yes. I used the same setup (same car same bike) to drive to a 200k about 70 miles away yesterday. I only use it 4-5 times a year, so I can't really speak to the durability, but it's just about perfect for the way I'm using it.

supton

Great, thanks!