craigcraigcraig

Hey there folks,

My wife and I are looking at getting the Yakima Swingdaddy to haul all of our bikes across the country for a big move coming up. Anyone have any experience with this one or perhaps the thule version? a 4 bike swing rack.

Cheers

ColinL

Craig, I don't have experience with that specific model but I do have experience with top-tube hanging racks on long drives.

First thing is that you need to pad any areas of possible contact, or else you'll be missing paint when you arrive. Hand towels with bungees is what I use. Watch for handlebars, cranks/pedals and forks swinging around or moving up & down, and rubbing.

Secondly is that more and more bikes have sloping tube-tubes. You'll need adapters that go between the seatpost and stem, and since they're universal fit, watch for movement and rubbing here as well. I generally bungee those points.

dminor 

Been a long time, Craig; good to see ya.

If you're hauling conventionally-frame bikes, top-tube-hanger racks are fine; but, like Colin says, anything else and they get weird. I hung everything on my old Thule Hitching Post 4-bike but it eventually drove me nuts - - especially mixing conventional frames and DH frames hanging at odd angles - - and having to get real creative with hanging points.

Cancelling sway with bungee cord or whatever (also per Colin) is a big deal too with those type. I have a friend used the big Gear Ties to good effect instead of bungees.

craigcraigcraig

So far, all of our bikes are pretty traditionally shaped so the biggest worry is just weight and movement like yall have noted. Those gear ties is a great idea D. We are actually moving up to your area. I'm going to work for a good friend who owns a cabinet making company in Leavenworth.

dminor 

Welcome - - great country there! Have to give you a shout when we go ride Devils Gulch this year. Also, Stevens Pass is just a stone's throw from there; and the guys at Das Rad Haus can fill you in on the local trail knowledge.