Preferred trunk mount bike rack?
06-08-14, 03:29 PM
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Preferred trunk mount bike rack?
I haven't bought a trunk mount bike rack in 15 years, and have no idea where the old one went - pretty sure someone borrowed it and never gave it back. In two weeks I've got to make a trip to Houston in a Nissan sedan, but I want to bring my bike for some touring of the countryside north of Houston. Normally this wouldn't be a problem, as I would just throw the bike in my pickup, but not an option on this trip. Trunk will be full of suitcases, so throwing the bike in the trunk isn't an option.
Anyone have a preferred trunk mount bike rack you'd recommend? I'd rather spend a lesser amount, as between commuting and my pickup truck I won't use it often. I found this one on Amazon that seems to have all the features I'm looking for, and less than $60 before taxes: Hollywood Racks Express 2 Two Bike Trunk Rack (Black)
Reviews say it's sturdy enough. Just need room for one bike, so something like this should do the trick.
Thoughts? Suggestions? Criticisms? All are welcome - as long as I get to Houston without dropping the bike onto the highway, we're good.
Anyone have a preferred trunk mount bike rack you'd recommend? I'd rather spend a lesser amount, as between commuting and my pickup truck I won't use it often. I found this one on Amazon that seems to have all the features I'm looking for, and less than $60 before taxes: Hollywood Racks Express 2 Two Bike Trunk Rack (Black)
Reviews say it's sturdy enough. Just need room for one bike, so something like this should do the trick.
Thoughts? Suggestions? Criticisms? All are welcome - as long as I get to Houston without dropping the bike onto the highway, we're good.
06-08-14, 06:35 PM
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The one thing to consider with that rack is that there's nothing on the rack itself to keep bikes from swinging fore and aft. You'll need to stragegically add bungees, and possibly something between the bike and the bumper.
I know it's not the case for this trip, but sometime in the future you may want to carry two bikes. It becomes more complicated keeping two bikes from swinging into each other and the car. It can still be done, but it's not as easy as a rack built to keep them from swinging in the first place.
I don't own a car, so I can't predict what sort of car I can borrow or rent when necessary. That, plus the swinging issue, is why I own a Saris Bones. It fits darned near anything, and has solid mounts with straps to secure the seat tube so the bike downs' swing and sway.
I know it's not the case for this trip, but sometime in the future you may want to carry two bikes. It becomes more complicated keeping two bikes from swinging into each other and the car. It can still be done, but it's not as easy as a rack built to keep them from swinging in the first place.
I don't own a car, so I can't predict what sort of car I can borrow or rent when necessary. That, plus the swinging issue, is why I own a Saris Bones. It fits darned near anything, and has solid mounts with straps to secure the seat tube so the bike downs' swing and sway.
