I took my bike to the shop today for a tune up, but it was a PITA. I would like to get a bike rack that wont damage my paint >_<

 

I've thought of this....but I'm not a huge rider. I was thinking it'd be better to install a tow hitch, and install the bike rack onto the hitch. My buddy has it on his car and it works great and doesnt come close to the paint.

 

Thule has lot of options, hitch, trunk, roof, etc. Then beyond. The basic series starts around 160ish or so.

 

Thule is gonna be a load more than 160 bucks

 

Thule - 958 Parkway 2 Bike

I was a bit off. That's for the low end hitch though. And an extra bike!

 

Id prefer roof rack, but anyway you still have to buy a hitch and have it installed that route. Im looking to come in under 700 bucks haha

 

op the roof rack route is always WAY more expensive.

it will cost more to purchase

it will create wind noise

it will create drag that will lower mpg

you will have to lift the heavy bike over your car and probably drop it on the roof

cliffs: get a fucking hitch and rack combo

 

I got a new curt hitch on eBay for $140 and a used swagman g2 locally for $180. Roof mounts would've cost more and been a pain to use.

 

Any hitches to avoid or can I just grab one of the bolt ons?

 

If you are only carrying one bike, put it in the back seat instead. The bike is secure inside the car, it won't get wet from rain, etc., you can put it in and take it out in less than a minute. It works great, you don't even have to take the front wheel off, and... IT"S FREE!

See this link

PS: That hitch above looks like it really hangs down low and sticks out a lot.. looks like it would scrape on any big bumps you go over.

 

I only have one bike, but more than likely I will be taking other people with me at times. Also the reason I am looking into a bike rack is because It is so miserable getting the bastard in and out of the back.

 

seasucker that comes out on late night infomercials intrigues me

 

I worked in a bike shop for over 10 years. The rear hitch is a great idea, but get a 2" (not a 1 1/4" if possible) - it's stiffer and allows the rack to sway less.

If you love your bike or your car, don't save too much money on a bike rack. The bike in the back of your car weighs at least 45 pounds, and a lot of cheap racks are rated at 60 pounds. Keep the bikes from swinging while on the rack - foam insulation tubes are great to keep things from banging around. In addition, keep the front wheel from turning over and over again onto your bumper. Try Craigslist for a cheaper alternative - a lot of people get a rack for one vacation and never use it again. Good luck.

 

Priced out Yakima Q towers, clips and load bars. $200 at local bike shop. I DO HAVE all the other Yakima stuff, though, like to carry bikes, skis, and canoe. Not sure if a canoe would fit...
Saris makes a lot of hatchback style bike carriers that are VERY popular.

 

Regardless of which one you buy, you wont notice anything other then wind noise at most.


That user who posted a roof rack will hurt mpg and "get a fucking hitch" obviously has not driven with a roof rack.

Never noticed anything other then noise on a 93 civic 4dr with a triple bike roof rack. Still got over 40mpg

 

Does anyone know if a hitch will scrape the ground during regular driving on a lowered fit? I'd like to get one to haul my bikes around but I'm worried about clearance.

 

If you mountain bike in the mud like i do, you wont want to do that.

I bought a Yakima "Stickup" hitch mounted rack $209 and a Drawtite class II hitch for $123. Best investment IMO.

 

Just bought a new Fit base, M/T today. The main reason I bought it was for gas mileage. A hitch weighs around 30+ #'s and is always on the car.
The bike carrier, is about 20#'s.
I would hate to have the extra30#'s on the car at all times.
Now if someone would make an aluminum one!

 

30lbs is not significant weight to impact anything negatively. Most folks I know carry more then that uselessly in their trunk of shit theyll never use and some of us could stand to lose that weight too lol :-) its not rotational weight like wheel and tires so I'm OK with it.

 

i ordered a set of sunlite bike fork mounts for my mountain bike. i read a post about mounting these on a 2x4 wrapped in speaker box material. just take off your front wheel and mount the fork to this mount. i am currently working on getting this done for my '12 fit.


the video is somewhat what I am trying to do myself. i hope it helps.